Just take a ride on the IG profiles of the CrossFitters or watch a competition at the Games to understand that our sport makes the muscles of those who practice it work hard. Did you know that it can also include the pelvic floor muscles? Already.
Index
Let's go step by step: what is the pelvic floor?
Il pelvic floor is a muscular structure, characterized by a typical upward-facing bowl shape, which allows the correct functioning of the urinary, intestinal, genital and respiratory systems.
The pelvic floor muscles perform a number of functions, including:
- support the pelvic organs such as the prostate, uterus, rectum and bladder;
- they help us to do the needs when we want;
- support sexual pleasure and function;
- circulate blood around the pelvic organs.
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
The muscles of the pelvic floor they must not be too weak or too active. If they move in either direction, it is called pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic floor weakness
The pelvic floor muscles can weaken due to a few factors:
- a sedentary lifestyle;
- chronic constipation;
- pregnancy;
- childbirth;
- treatment of cancer of the prostate or uterus
Hyperactivity of the pelvic floor
The pelvic floor muscles, like all muscles in the body, are designed to contract and relax. Sometimes these muscles are unable to relax and are instead constantly in a contracted position.
This condition is also known as "non-relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles". The most common causes are:
- chronic stress;
- childbirth;
- vulvodynia;
- interstitial cystitis;
- scar tissue;
- nerve damage;
- pelvic surgery;
- sexual trauma
Can CrossFit® cause pelvic floor dysfunction?
The CrossFit® it generally does not cause pelvic floor dysfunction, rather, it exacerbates the symptoms of the dysfunction in people who are already experiencing it.
This is because CrossFit® is a high intensity exercise that requires a lot of effort, especially in weight lifting skills.
The problem is that many CrossFitters use the Weightliftin beltg without realizing the tension it causes on the pelvic floor during lifting.
Breathing into the belt, as we are taught, puts a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which puts them at greater risk of injury or injuries of that area.
So… how do I know if I have pelvic floor dysfunction?
Whether or not you are a CrossFit® athlete, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should see a doctor.
Even if your "only" symptom is "a slight incontinence”During high impact movements such as i double under or box jump.
Be careful! This is a clear sign that the pelvic floor is not as healthy or efficient as it should be.
As mentioned before, consult a specialist who will know how to help you with the treatment.
Don't worry: you won't have to quit CrossFit®
Usuallyand there is no need to stop workouts or take a break while treating symptoms.
After all, your pelvic floor won't get any stronger or more coordinated by lying on the sofa. You will certainly have to adapt the movements to your physical needs.
Some changes could be:
- breathe more intentionally;
- load movements differently;
- work through a wider range of motion;
- do more specific warm-ups for the pelvic floor muscles before class.
Have you ever had problems with your pelvic floor? How did you solve? Let us know in the comments!