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Core breath- Releasing the Pelvic Floor Muscle

I have blogged extensively about Core Breath for the rehabilitation of diastasis recti and pelvic floor strengthening. This repatterning of the core provides a solid foundation upon which an ambitious strength program can be achieved.

I have observed that connecting to the pelvic floor muscle to release it is often the most difficult part of the exercise. We have many visualizations and suggestions to help a client connect, and sometimes we need to use various cues to avoid a client becoming "saturated" with the imagery, disconnecting again. I am constantly looking for new ways to describe this intra-abdominal connection, and when I stumble upon a good one it excites me

This week I learned a new cue for PFM release. I really connected with it right away and have been suggesting it to clients with a disclaimer "humor me and give this a try, I really connect with it".

With inhalation through the nose, place your tongue against the back of your top front teeth and relax the back of your tongue. Feel what that does to your pelvic floor! Exhale through pursed lips and return the tongue to the teeth with inhalation.

I love this cue because it takes our attention away from our pelvis and abdomen, where most of the cues occur. Try this it is a gem :)

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