The Benefits of Core Rehab for Pelvic Floor and Whole-Body Health

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At Boston Pelvic Physical Therapy, a big part of our work is "core rehab," a regimen of targeted exercises to improve the strength, stability, and function of the core muscles, connective tissues and nerves (which are located in the abdomen, diaphragm, lower back, pelvis, and hips). This comprehensive approach is not about achieving a "six-pack", but about rebuilding strength and function throughout the entire body.

Core rehab is helpful for many different people, including those who are postpartum (no matter how long it's been since you gave birth); recovering from injury or surgery; experiencing general pain and weakness; and/or struggling with everyday activities like pulling, pushing, reaching, or twisting. 

The cornerstone of effective core rehab is diaphragmatic breathing, also known as "360 degree," "deep," or "belly" breathing. This technique engages the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle at the bottom of your lungs. Unlike shallow chest breathing, diaphragmatic breathing allows for better engagement of the pelvic floor muscles, keeping them strong yet flexible. It also serves as an excellent stress reliever. Check out our quick tutorial here for more details and give it a try!

Once you feel comfortable with this, you can introduce simple exercises to further strengthen and coordinate the deep core muscles. Everyone requires a different PT regimen, but these three exercises are typically beneficial for most people. They may seem simple, but if done correctly and consistently, they are incredibly effective at rebuilding core strength and function.

Prioritizing core rehabilitation is an investment in your long-term health and well-being. Whether you're recovering from childbirth or injury or looking to enhance your everyday physical function, an expertly tailored core rehab program can significantly improve your quality of life.

If you’re local to Melrose, MA, visit www.bostonpelvicpt.com to quickly and easily schedule an initial evaluation with our pelvic floor specialists. If you're further away, visit pelvicrehab.com to find a pelvic floor physical therapist in your area.