Pelvic Floor Issues
- Pelvic floor disorders are known to affect 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men in the UK [7]
- It is currently estimated that there are 3-6 million people in the UK suffering with some form of incontinence [8].
- Squatty Potty® improves toilet posture for reduced pressure and relief from pelvic floor weakness
We've all been guilty of straining when sat on the toilet at one time or another. What's the harm, right? No-one wants to spend more time than necessary doing their business, and sometimes we simply have places to be! However, as trivial as it may seem, it actually puts a great deal of pressure on the pelvic floor, which can in many cases lead to weakness. Pelvic floor weakness encompasses everything from the odd 'laughter leak' here and there to faecal/urinary incontinence and even pelvic organ prolapse (when the organs drop down). Many people simply accept the odd 'leak' as part of getting older, however, it is not inevitable and we can protect ourselves from becoming a victim. One such way of doing so is merely by improving our posture when going to the toilet. Squatting makes the whole process much quicker and easier, thereby eliminating the need to strain.
A 2008 study by Kaiser Permanente published in Obstetrics & Gynaecology found that one-third of women suffer from one or more pelvic floor disorders [9] and although pelvic floor disorders are more common in women, men also suffer.
"I recommend the Squatty Potty to my clients who suffer from constipation and pelvic floor disorders," said Barbara Loomis, a Restorative Exercise™ Specialist, certified practitioner of abdominal massage and owner of Nurturance in Portland, Ore. "Squatting strengthens the pelvic floor by allowing the muscles to be at the correct length for optimal function. Squatty Potty can be a great part of a healing plan to help those with pelvic floor disorders and those wanting to prevent issues of the pelvic floor including incontinence, prolapsed organs and constipation."
Comprising of muscles, ligaments and fibres, the pelvic floor stretches like a tight sling from the pubic bone to the base of the spine. Not only does it maintain the everyday function of the bladder and bowel, it stabilises the spine and pelvis, whilst supporting all of the pelvic organs. When the muscles or nerves within the pelvic floor become damaged or weak it can no longer carry out its job effectively. The effect that this has on both physical and emotional wellbeing should never be underestimated.
"Most pelvic floor disorders are tied to the de-evolution of our normal evolutionary biology," said Dr. Jack Kruse, optimal health coach and Nashville, Tenn.-based neurosurgeon specializing in treating chronic pain, neck pain and back pain. "By correcting our bathroom posture, the Squatty Potty can be a huge help to people suffering from these health problems. Not only is the Squatty Potty aesthetically pleasing, but it also makes a tremendous amount of sense with how we should eliminate."
The Squatty Potty enables us to achieve the optimum angle when going to the toilet. It stops the need for straining and reduces the pressure on the pelvic floor, allowing it to maintain its core strength. The sitting toilet posture puts undue stress on the pelvic floor and increases the need to strain. This is likely to cause muscle/nerve weakness and damage.
So, how about you put your feet up and relax?