The stats are high that we deal with stress by holding muscle tension in certain areas-do you hold it in your face, jaw or shoulders? Do you also deal with pelvic floor muscle symptoms such as leakage, prolapse or pain?
Thanks to the fascial connections between the head, face and neck down to the chest, trunk and pelvis; clenching your jaw and clenching “down there” go hand in hand. Research shows that relaxing the one can relax the other. Awareness of knowing where you hold muscle tension, and doing something about it, puts you in the driver seat on your health and wellness journey-which is Motivate’s goal for you!
A tight or overactive muscle can not function optimally. Learn to relax your head and neck (and therefore your pelvic floor), and symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain, pelvic pain and even urinary leakage may improve!
And if relaxing the jaw relaxes the pelvic floor than this massage is something to practice in preparation for childbirth. Teach this to your partner to help relax your floor muscles prior to intercourse or tampon insertion. Couple this technique with diaphragmatic breathing as a way to be mindful and in the moment (reminding the brain and body that there is no imminent danger) and it may help improve emptying your bowel or bladder with improved ease and success.
Stress management doesn’t have to mean taking extra time out of your already busy schedule if you plan it right. Perform this massage as part of your beauty/face-washing routine. Save 5 minutes to perform at the end of lunch, before returning back to the grindstone. Consistently performing selfcare routines that improve your life, Motivate you to keep it up, therefore avoiding symptoms that stem form chronically held muscle tension-like pain and leakage.
***Disclaimer: Motivate Therapy strongly recommends that you consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program. You should be in good physical condition and be able to participate in the exercise. You should understand that when participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge. Use your self-awareness skills and listen to your body, honor your limits and your strengths. Open and honest communication with yourself and your medical team is imperative on your health and wellness journey.