
Insights
Pathways to Pain Relief: Insights and Resources for Your Journey
Tight vs Functional: Why Gripping Isn’t the Answer for Your Pelvic Floor
Many of us have been told to “squeeze,” “tighten,” or “brace” to protect our core and pelvic floor. But here’s the truth: a muscle that’s always tight isn’t a strong muscle — it’s an exhausted one.
In pelvic health, this distinction is crucial. Function doesn’t come from gripping harder; it comes from teaching the body to release, respond, and move with adaptability.
Just like your nervous system, the pelvic floor needs to find its Goldilocks point — not too tight, not too lax, but adaptable and responsive to what life asks of it.
🦶 From Sole to Core: How Your Feet Influence Pelvic Floor Health
When people think about pelvic floor dysfunction, they often focus on what’s happening “down there.” But zoom out for a moment—and look down. Way down. The feet, our often-overlooked foundation, hold a powerful key to unlocking pelvic balance, nervous system regulation, and better breath mechanics.
The Nervous System, Bladder Control, and Incontinence: A Deep Dive into Polyvagal Theory, the Onuf’s Nucleus, and Bladder Training
Bladder dysfunction is not just a mechanical issue—it’s deeply connected to the nervous system. By understanding the role of Polyvagal Theory, Onuf’s nucleus, and bladder retraining, we can take a multifaceted approach to restoring urinary function.
💡 Key Takeaways: ✔ The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in bladder control.
✔ Stress and trauma can disrupt the bladder’s normal function.
✔ Bladder retraining and nervous system regulation improve continence.
✔ Hypopressives are a powerful tool to regulate intra-abdominal pressure and support bladder health.
✔ Balanced pelvic floor muscle tone is key—neither too tight nor too weak—for optimal continence.
For those struggling with bladder dysfunction or incontinence, a combined approach of bladder training, breathwork, pelvic floor support, and nervous system regulation offers real solutions for long-term relief.
✨ Let’s start normalising conversations around bladder health and give our nervous systems the care they need! ✨