My physical therapist is instructing me in exercises to isolate and strengthen the gluteal and abdominal muscles, in theory, leaving the pelvic floor muscles to rest. Apparently, this is a common approach in treating pelvic floor dysfunction.
However, I do not think that this is going well. In fact, I think that it is causing my pain to flareup.
Has anyone had any success (or failure) with exercises to isolate and strengthen the gluteal and/or abdominal muscles?
Gluteal & ab strengthening
Re: Gluteal & ab strengthening
Dave, I can only say not yet. I just started ab work to help keep my pelvis straight since my ligament was cut during surgery and something needs to make up for that.
Janet
Janet
2007-08 pelvic muscles spasms treated by EGS. 6/27/10 sat too long on hard chair- spasms, EGS not work Botox help, cortisone shots in coccyx help, still pain, PT found PNE & sent me to Dr Marvel nerve blocks & MRN, TG left surgery 5/9/11. I have chronic bunion pain surgery at age 21. TG gave me back enough sitting to keep my job & join in some social activities. I wish the best to everyone! 2019 luck with orthotics from pedorthist & great PT allowing me to get off oxycodone.
Re: Gluteal & ab strengthening
Hi Dave,
Could you please ask your therapist for a detailed explanation about how these exercises are supposed to allow your pelvic floor to rest?
What types of exercises is she suggesting?
Kind regards,
Karyn
Could you please ask your therapist for a detailed explanation about how these exercises are supposed to allow your pelvic floor to rest?
I've never heard of this approach for PFD. Usually, these muscle groups are hypertonic and require lengthening - not strengthening. Do you have muscle weakness in these areas?Dave wrote:Apparently, this is a common approach in treating pelvic floor dysfunction.
What types of exercises is she suggesting?
Kind regards,
Karyn
Ultra Sound in 03/08 showed severely retroverted, detaching uterus with mulitple fibroids and ovarian cysts.
Pressure and pain in lower abdomen and groin area was unspeakable and devastating.
Total lap hysterectomy in 06/08, but damage was already done.
EMG testing in NH in 04/10 - bilateral PN and Ilioinguals
3T MRI at HSS, NY in 09/10
Bilateral TG surgery with Dr. Conway on 03/29/11. Bilat ilioinguinal & iliohypogastric neurectomy 03/12. TCD surgery 04/14.
Pressure and pain in lower abdomen and groin area was unspeakable and devastating.
Total lap hysterectomy in 06/08, but damage was already done.
EMG testing in NH in 04/10 - bilateral PN and Ilioinguals
3T MRI at HSS, NY in 09/10
Bilateral TG surgery with Dr. Conway on 03/29/11. Bilat ilioinguinal & iliohypogastric neurectomy 03/12. TCD surgery 04/14.
Re: Gluteal & ab strengthening
Dave, the only core strengthening exercise that I could do for quite a long time after surgery was a modified form of this one:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/core-s ... 47&slide=9
http://tinyurl.com/8stpaxl
Instead of keeping the raised leg straight out, I bent it at the knee to put less stress on the pelvic floor. You might be able to do slide 5 and 6 too -- they are fairly easy on the pelvic floor. Now I can do bridges and other things too but it took quite awhile (years?) after surgery. I'm not a big fan of doing anything that flares you up after surgery.
Violet
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/core-s ... 47&slide=9
http://tinyurl.com/8stpaxl
Instead of keeping the raised leg straight out, I bent it at the knee to put less stress on the pelvic floor. You might be able to do slide 5 and 6 too -- they are fairly easy on the pelvic floor. Now I can do bridges and other things too but it took quite awhile (years?) after surgery. I'm not a big fan of doing anything that flares you up after surgery.
Violet
PNE since 2002. Started from weightlifting. PNE surgery from Dr. Bautrant, Oct 2004. Pain now is usually a 0 and I can sit for hours on certain chairs. No longer take medication for PNE. Can work full time and do "The Firm" exercise program. 99% cured from PGAD. PNE surgery was right for me but it might not be for you. Do your research.