inversion table

Body: 

My chiropractor suggested I get an inversion table to hang upside down everyday for 3 to 5 min. while doing kegals. Has anyone tried this and had any good results? Can you think of anything with this that could make anything worse? Thanks for any advice! Marlajone

Dear Marlajone,
It is funny you should mention an inversion table. I just spoke with a lovely woman this morning who is trying to improve her prolapse condition in this manner.
I would suggest that you look at Christine's 2 videos in the resource section on the home page. It is important that you understand what your pelvic orientation is and how your organs are placed. Your organs have moved out of their natural position,back and down. Also, once you understand your anatomy better, also read the articles Christine has written about Kegels. Kegels will not improve prolapse. Look in the WW library and the Village Post for further information.
Whole Woman techniques will help over time to improve,stabilize or even in some cases reverse prolapse.
Your do not mention particulars about your case.
In my opinion, inversion tables and Kegels will not be beneficial. They will not improve the situation. When many women try WW posture and techniques they report progress in a couple of weeks. Christine has spent years on this work, and has the research and science on her side for everything she teaches.
I would suggest you might do better to hold onto your money, really explore the information on this site,and then take a trip to the WW store and check out some of the resources available for you at far less than an inversion table will cost. You might also see if a certified WW practitioner ( there is a list),might be another resource for you. They are available for phone consultations and sessions.
I've been doing this work for almost 3 years,my condition has been stable for 2 years and my worse symptoms now are better than my worst symptoms a year ,or even 6 months ago.
Good luck,and keep us posted.
Whole Woman PA

I just got Christine's yoga bundle and trying to learn the poses (I'm new to yoga). I have a stage 2 rectocele and a stage 1 cystocele (according to the urogyn). I wish I was better at assessing my own prolapses. I have Christine's book and have been trying to feel my prolapses, but It just feels like a lot of swollen tissue down there and I can't figure out what is what. I look with a mirror, but it just looks lumpy and all mixed together. I told the Chiropractor that I'm doing the whole woman plan and the philosophy is to get the organs forward into the lower belly. He just said that his mentor is working with a woman with POP and she is getting good results from inversion therapy, so that is why I was thinking about it. I stopped doing kegals a few weeks ago when I started with WW. I think the kegals do seem to help with rectal pain and pressure that I have pretty much everyday. I just don't want to counteract my WW work by doing them. This is definitely a tough journey figuring things out. Thanks for your advice!

Marla, it doesn't have to be a confusing journey unless we make it so. Having found our way here, the concepts and skills needed to manage prolapse are readily available. There can be a tendency to think that the more different strategies we can throw at this problem, the better the chances of success. What really happens is that these things just work against each other. Once you have had a chance to really start this work, you'll be looking back and wondering how you ever could have entertained the idea of hanging upside down doing kegels. Now you have that bundle, start soaking up the knowledge. Good luck and keep us posted. - Surviving

WholeWomanPA has given you good advice about the table. I bought one because I thought it would help. I supposed I could do twists and 'sit-up's in that position and not hurt myself. I also have a husband and sons who were interested in using it. None of us do. It does stretch my back and I feel taller and lighter when I climb off it, but it's momentary. I don't know what it would be like if I did it regularly; it's too much trouble to put out of the way and set up again.

I read another post 'somewhere here' where the lady was saying inversion seemed like the thing to do, and I agree. It didn't occur to me until after I had spent the money that I could invert on an ironing board (like she did) or on my Total Gym. In fact, I worked out a series of exercises I can do to cover my whole body in an inverted position on the Total Gym. This was so I could do stress conditioning on my arms and legs, back, shoulders, chest, etc. without more pop damage.....not for the pop.

When my back is tired and tense and I have to stop what I'm doing and get loose, I lie flat (no pillow) on the floor with my arms out or up (on the floor) as far as I can place them above my head and stay completely relaxed. It only takes a few minutes for the ache in my lower back to stop. I read in one of Jack London's books (don't remember which) his description of a woman who did physically demanding work; and when she stopped to rest, this is what she did. I love to read.

Right, Surviving, how could I ever have thought that!

Good luck, Marlajone.

Dear Marlajone,
I agree with Surviving 60. You don't want to try too many things at one time. Knowing exactly how to assess your prolapse is less important than working on it. You have gotten a medical diagnosis and now you have a baseline. As you work you will come to understand your body better and will see that you become much more empowered and able to treat your symptoms. I would suggest that you focus on toileting (in the book),posture (steps in the book),breathing and maybe start with the yellow Yoga 3 video. It explains firebreathing and belly rolls and gives some excellent exercises for strengthening and lengthening your abdominal wall. You can put together a short program from this video. The important thing is to have a plan and incorporate the WW techniques along with a daily(if possible) WW exercise routine. Over time you can change up your routines. Stick to a plan for several weeks and maybe keep some notes on your progress. I usually suggest that in order to see if WW works for you for a period of 2 or 3 months only do WW work. That is how I started and I am glad I did.
Good luck and stay in touch,
Whole Woman PA