Causes - Poor postural holding patterns

Poor posture can set up a negative holding pattern in the pelvic floor.

Typically the shoulders become flexed forwards, the middle back or thoracic spine stiffens in flexed forward position, the upper abdomen tenses, the lower stomach protrudes, the gluteal muscles become inactive and the pelvic floor works harder by tensing up negatively and symptoms may develop.

Symptoms that can develop include stress incontinence, bladder overactivity, pelvic pain or even pelvic organ descent over time. 

The thoracic spine, lumbar spine, pelvis and hips must be aligned correctly for optimal pelvic floor function. The approach for correction is first to align posture and facilitate the pelvic floor, then to follow up with either Pilates or Yoga for the longer term.

You may need individual evaluation and instruction first before going into the class setting in order to avoid further feeding into the negative bracing habits.