Are you someone who thinks their pelvic floor is "too tight"? Or are you on the other side of the spectrum where you think your pelvic floor is weak?
The answer for *most* people usually is that their pelvic floor is not too tight or weak...it's that they lack an awareness of when they are holding too much tension in their pelvic floors, and don't have access to a full range of motion in their pelvic floor. What matters most is the coordination of your pelvic floor muscles (in relation to other muscles like core, respiratory diaphragm, and systems like urinary and gastrointestinal).
Our pelvic floors need to be anticipatory and reflexive in nature. The pelvic floor needs to:
- anticipate managing pressure, breath, and movement
- reflexively manage sphincter control for peeing and pooping
- have automatic responses for arousal, intimacy, and sex
These needs require your pelvic floor muscles to be able to contract and to relax WITHOUT you having to think about it. When we are struggling with pelvic health concerns, this is when we should bring awareness to our pelvic floors to help those muscles be anticipatory and reflexive again.
We can think of the pelvic floor like a house. We should be first floor living most of the time, not hanging out in the attic or the basement except when we need access to those areas. If you are constantly holding tension in your pelvic floor (in the attic), your pelvic floor doesn't have access to the relaxation it needs. If you are constantly bearing down (in the basement), your pelvic floor might have trouble accessing the attic from there.
So how do you know if your pelvic floor is holding tension? Check in with yourself and your habits. Are you constantly clenching your glutes? Are you power peeing and bearing down with bowel movements? Explore your own body. I walk my clients through a self exam of their pelvic floors. It is YOUR body and you can get to know it and identify what it needs.
If you need more guidance or have questions - respond to this email! I am always happy to provide guidance.
With peace and love,
Dr. Ellyn Halley, DC, Doula, Coach
Doc Halley Solutions
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I am offering in person chiropractic care! You can find me at 1500 Green Bay St, La Crosse WI 54601 within the same space as the Parenting Place and The Motus Project. I am excited to be offering in person care again to women in the Coulee Region, and will be offering hybrid care - in person + online. You can book your first appointment or schedule a consult below!
If you're looking for an "all in one" program that includes a prenatal exercise program, birth education, pelvic prep + mobility, nutrition information, and more - combined with regular support + check ins - I have you covered. Check out my Empowered Pregnancy program for incredible prenatal support.
Looking for more support around exercise, pelvic health, and nutrition (and birth prep if you're pregnant!)? Apply for coaching with me:
My next birth education workshop with Meghan Tomlinson (Rooted Birth Photography) is October 5th, 2025 10am-3pm, at Coulee Health in West Salem, WI
Register Here
**Disclaimer: The content in this email is not intended to be medical advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.
