H Y P E R T O N I A
In no particular order…. #2
Hypertonia is where the pelvic floor muscles have high tone at ‘rest’ as they are constantly in a state of contraction.
This doesn’t mean the pelvic floor muscles are strong, because A TIGHT MUSCLE IS A WEAK MUSCLE. Hypertonicity prevents the pelvic floor muscles from being able to relax/stretch out/let down. A muscle needs to contract and relax to be functional. It’s like having a bicep or hamstring that is always contracted, this weakens the contraction phase as well and shortens the range of motion.
This pelvic floor disorder is extremely common. It is linked to anxiety and pelvic trauma.
People who are plagued with anxiety tend to tense up without knowing, this includes in their pelvic floor musculature.
People who have experienced significant pelvic trauma, by childbirth experiences, pelvic surgery, sexual assault, endometriosis, etc
So how does it make you leak urine?
A tight muscle is a dysfunctional muscle. It is always slightly contracted which weakens the ability to contract…. when you actually need it to! People who suffer from Hypertonia often experience leakage with impact, and often have trouble releasing a good flow of urine when they are actually trying to pee.
They also are closely linked to pelvic pain, vaginismus, lower back, and glute pain.
Aside from the above people who are hypertonic usually struggle with the letdown or relaxation phase of a kegel.
Fellas get hypertonic too, this does not only apply to women!!
How do you fix it?
-Down training the pelvic floor by lots of relaxation and manual release.
-Dilator therapy
-Hypopressives…. my fave.
Hypopressives regulate the resting tone of your pelvic floor. They increase blood flow to the pelvic region which also helps to regulate the acidity/alkalinity of your pelvic floor (hypertonicity reduces blood flow). They provide one helluva myofascial release (stretch) and improve function. Happy days!!!
I had struggled with Hypertonia which used to cause me pain on and off for a long time after each vaginal trauma that is childbirth. Hypopressives and dilator therapy have been the only true breakthroughs I have experienced.