Grady Talks About Pelvic Issues
Pelvic issues plague patients across the country every year. While very common, pelvic issues are often an afterthought. Individuals may not realize they are experiencing serious issues that can cause an ongoing sense of discomfort.
But what are the causes of pelvic issues? Christa Grady, Physical Therapist at Holzer Medical Center in Gallipolis, answers this wide-ranging question, saying, “There are many things that can cause pelvic floor issues. Women may experience pelvic floor dysfunction after pregnancy, which may occur with both vaginal and c-section deliveries. A woman who has not had children may develop pelvic floor issues such as accidental loss of urine or pelvic pain. Men also have a pelvic floor and may experience loss of control with the bowel and bladder. They can develop pain from injury or from prostate issues.”
Other causes include impaired coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, constipation, poor posture, impaired breathing strategies, and injuries. “Falling hard or twisting in an abnormal way can not only lead to joint pain; it can cause serious pelvic problems. Even riding a bicycle, especially with improper seating, may cause irritation of the pudendal nerve, a major nerve that sends movement and sensation information to the pelvic region. In these cases, it is vital that we work with patients regarding proper seating and teaching certain muscles to coordinate appropriately,” says Grady.
Grady talks about the early symptoms of pelvic issues, saying, “Individuals may have random flatulence, constipation, straining or pain when having a bowel movement, accidental loss of urine or feces, pain with urinating, difficulty emptying the bladder, or a frequent need to urinate. A patient may also experience pain in the tailbone, genitals, perineum, pubic or bladder region, and with sitting. People who feel immense pelvic pain, may have tension of the muscles surrounding the pelvis and experience nerve irritation.” In addition, pelvic floor dysfunction may cause pelvic pressure or the sensation of something falling out of the pelvic region.
“Poor posture is a common occurrence,” shared Grady. “In many scenarios, poor posture may lead to pelvic floor dysfunction by positioning the pelvis in a way that does not allow the pelvic floor muscles to function in the way that they were designed. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to remain in less than ideal postures after giving birth, due to their bodies changing and posture shifting over the span of nine months. Helping these women correct these postures can optimize their core function, including the pelvic floor.”
Grady discusses the connection between breathing and pelvic floor muscles, saying, “Breathing is an important component that can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. The diaphragm and the pelvic floor muscles move together like a piston in a vehicle. Thus, shallow breathing can affect pelvic floor function. Sometimes, we must teach how to breathe correctly to eliminate these issues, especially with accidental loss of urine.”
“Many people are surprised that stress can impact their pelvic region. Stress can cause tension in many areas of the body, like your neck and pelvic floor. It is common for us to teach patients how to engage in stress management. One process we utilize is called ‘down training,’ which allows the pelvic floor muscles to relax,” says Grady.
Are there ways to manage or prevent pelvic issues? Grady responds, saying, “It depends on each person’s situation. The pelvic area works as a system, so each person is different. The best way to handle pelvic concerns is to have an evaluation. Following an evaluation, we will be able to provide information about their respective situation and provide an individualized plan of care.”
“When we evaluate a patient, we assess the full body and ask questions about lifestyle and habits. What’s most important is finding the issues and giving patients a couple of items to work on. We look at sitting and standing posture, mobility of the spine and hips, and gauge the strength of core muscles and pelvic floor awareness. With patients, it helps to perform internal exams, because these methods help determine the cause of dysfunctions. When it comes to patients who are dealing with constipation and a strong urge to urinate, I have them document what they eat or drink. This allows us to see if certain items in their diet are triggering their issues,” shares Grady.
Grady expressed her concern that many individuals continue to live with urinary incontinence because of the belief that it is part of growing older or that it is normal after having a child and cannot be fixed. Grady says, “This is a health issue that can be addressed through education, pelvic floor training, changes in diet, and toileting habits.”
Grady wants to ensure that our area has reliable pelvic expertise. She says, “When I was having my first born, I had pelvic issues. Sadly, we didn’t have a pelvic therapist in the area, so I had to go elsewhere for treatment. I don’t want anyone to ever feel that way. I want everyone to know that if they are experiencing pelvic issues, they can come to Holzer. Holzer has a wonderful culture that is committed to kindness and patient care. Everyone makes you feel welcomed and wants you to have the best health possible.”
Grady and her husband, BJ, have two children, Savannah and Patrick, and reside in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. For more information, or to make an appointment, visit www.holzer.org or call 1-855-4-HOLZER.
