Alternative methods to pelvic floor muscle awareness and training

Abstract

Pelvic floor muscles are increasingly incorporated into Yoga and Pilates classes and for lower back pain physiotherapy. Other techniques, including Feldenkrais physiotherapy, which develops pelvic floor awareness through movement and functional integration, and Cantienica, whereby a pelvic floor contraction is palpated externally after movements between the ischial tuberosities, greater trochanters, and the coccyx. Whole-body vibrations through biomechanical stimulation of the muscles increases metabolic power, might target type II muscle fibers, and is increasingly used in the training of athletes and the management of women with osteoporosis. Theoretically, this may lead to a more powerful muscle contraction. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London.