Written by:
DANI ANDERSON PT, DPT
Dani can be reached at dani@apexptwellness.com.
These muscles assist in keeping our pelvis level and are especially important when we are completing activities that require us to balance on one leg—like running! Weakness in our hip abductors can contribute to imbalances through our pelvis (leg length discrepancies, pelvic tilts and torsions). These imbalances can change the length of our pelvic floor muscles (shorten or lengthen) and cause them to be less effective at doing their job!
As you can see in the picture to the left, these muscles are located deep within the pelvis, making them GREAT helper muscles to our pelvic floor. Sometimes when unable to get a proper contraction from our pelvic floor muscles, it can help to first focus on these muscles. Oftentimes, activation of these muscles will lead to overflow activation into the pelvic floor!
Most often, we see tightness through these inner thigh muscles. Our hip adductors try to take on the work of our pelvic floor muscles when they are weak (think of crossing your legs to stop urinary leakage!). It is important to keep these muscles flexible and strong, versus tight and weak!
One of our largest hip extensors is our glutes. Strong glutes lead to a strong pelvic floor!
Bridges and squats are a great way to assist in strengthening both our glutes and pelvic floor and work on proper muscle coordination during a functional movement.
Reach out to our Pelvic Health staff for an appointment, make sure that kegels are right for you.
DANI ANDERSON PT, DPT
Dani can be reached at dani@apexptwellness.com.
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