Hypopressives
Hypopressives are a form of low-pressure exercises that focus on improving pelvic health, posture, and core strength. They combine breathing techniques, specific postural alignments, and movements that activate the diaphragm and pelvic floor. Hypopressives can be highly effective in addressing pelvic health issues such as incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain.
How do Hypopressives work?
- Low-pressure exercise system: Hypopressives work by creating a negative pressure within the abdominal cavity, which encourages the activation of the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles.
- Breathing and posture: These exercises focus on controlled breathing patterns and postural alignment to strengthen the core and pelvic floor muscles, while reducing intra-abdominal pressure.
How Do Hypopressives Help with Pelvic Health?
Hypopressives are particularly beneficial for people experiencing pelvic health conditions due to their impact on both the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles:
- Pelvic floor activation: The exercises help engage and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can be weakened by factors such as childbirth, age, or chronic pressure on the area.
- Diaphragm engagement: The diaphragm plays a key role in the functional activation of the pelvic floor. Hypopressives target the diaphragm and promote its connection with the pelvic floor to enhance overall core function.
- Postural alignment: Proper alignment of the ribcage with the pelvis is crucial for optimal diaphragmatic and pelvic floor activation. Hypopressives emphasise alignment, helping to ensure the diaphragm and pelvic floor work in harmony to support the spine and abdominal cavity.
- Dynamic core stability: Hypopressives are not only about strengthening the pelvic floor, but also the dynamic core, which includes the deep abdominal muscles, diaphragm, and pelvic floor. By improving core stability, these exercises can support posture and reduce strain on the pelvic region.
- Posture and alignment: In Hypopressives, aligning the ribcage with the pelvis is vital. This alignment allows for proper diaphragmatic movement and optimal pelvic floor contraction, which can alleviate issues like pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence.
Milena is a Level 1 hypopressive trainer who completed her training with Hypopressive UK. She integrates hypopressives into her practice but also offers them as a standalone treatment option
