On August 30th, Health Dynamix held an information session hosted by Divya Kumar, our pelvic floor physiotherapist. The topic: women’s bladder health.
The event brought together about 20 ladies who had questions and concerns about their bladder and pelvic floor health. Divya was able to guide them through a journey of understanding, self-care, and empowerment.
The Questions:
The session kicked off by addressing some of the common questions that many women grapple with daily:
Do you rush to the toilet at the slightest urge?
Sometimes, do you find yourself leaking before reaching the restroom?
Have you ever experienced leaks while coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects?
Does exercise or sports lead to unwanted leaks?
Do you wake up multiple times during the night to visit the toilet?
Is your daily routine planned around the closest restroom?
Do you strain while emptying your bowels?
Do you occasionally feel that your bladder isn’t entirely empty?
Divya shared her expertise of bladder health and pelvic floor during the session. She explained what a healthy bladder looks like, the function of pelvic floor muscles, and the reasons behind common bladder-related problems.
The Common Problems:
Incontinence, a prevalent issue among women, was thoroughly explored during the evening. Divya shed light on its causes, which can range from menopause, pregnancy and childbirth to lifestyle factors such as coffee and alcohol. By talking openly about incontinence, Divya was able to convey and reassure everyone, that they were not alone in their struggles. In fact 1 in 4 Australians have incontinence, and 80% of those were women.
The Answers:
The session was not just about identifying problems; it was about finding solutions. Divya emphasized the importance of strengthening pelvic floor muscles to address bladder health concerns. She presented various techniques and exercises that could be easily incorporated into daily routines.
Talking about the problems was only part of the discussion; of course everyone was there to find practical tools and management strategies to manage the common problems. Divya introduced attendees to a range of techniques such as bracing, muscle training, load management and lifestyle changes. These strategies aimed to provide women with the tools they needed to regain control over their bladder health and live life to the fullest.
The Conclusion:
A key takeaway from the session was that bladder and bowel control issues are not an inevitable part of aging or the result of having children. Divya emphasized that with the right knowledge and practices, women can regain control and confidence in their lives.
Those who attended the information session left the evening armed with newfound knowledge, practical insights and strategies to address common bladder-related issues that many women face. They now understand that bladder and bowel control problems are not insurmountable challenges, and they have the power to take control of their health.
As we continue on our individual journeys toward better bladder health, we can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone, and there are experts like Divya who are here to guide us every step of the way.
And a final word from Divya
“May your pelvic floor, coffee and intuition be strong…”