Went to Physical Therapy Eval Today

Went to my first appointment a physical therapy today for an evaluation, and I'm so glad I did! My therapist was awesome, and spent an hour and a half with me. She totally agrees with the posture that is emphasized here. I showed her how I used to stand, and how I stand now, and she told me that the way I used to stand probably contributed to my prolapse. She also told me I'm overcompensating when sitting - making the lumbar curve a bit too big - no wonder it was so difficult for me.

The most interesting part, though, was what I learned about my pelvic floor muscles, and wanted to pass this on - especially to those who have just developed/discovered prolapse. When mine first happened, I was very proactive, and learned all I could. I implemented this posture, and became a fiber nut. But, I also figured that strengthening the pelvic floor muscles couldn't hurt, so I started doing kegels all the time. It just felt instinctive that if things are falling down, to tighten up and try to push/hold them in. So, I was walking around tight all the time. Well, the PT told me the first thing I need to do is relax my pelvic floor muscles. She said they are strong, and that the kegels are fine, except that I'm not releasing completely afterward, and I'm keeping too much tension in them which could be harmful! Who knew!? I guess keeping them tight too much robs them of blood flow and oxygen, as well as interferes with normal urinary funciton which could lead to incontinence problems. So, I guess I really overdid it, and she said our first issue is for me to learn to relax those muscles. Not quite what I imagined! But I'm glad I went and learned this now, instead of keeping up that behavior and having more trouble down the line.

By the way, she said that she thinks my rectocele should actually improve with time, and that my chances for avoiding surgery even if I had another baby were good. Thanks to Christine, and to all of you who gave me the idea to go to PT - I never would have known about it, otherwise. And thanks to God for guiding me to such a good therapist!

Wishing you all health and peace, Glor