Women’s Health Conditions

Infertility
Myofascial Release has been shown to improve natural fertility rates, increase IVF pregnancy rates, and open blocked fallopian tubes. It is estimated that a large number of women experience infertility as a result of fascial restrictions from scar tissue, endometriosis, or inflammatory processes. These fascial restrictions may physically interfere with fertility by compressing the reproductive structures such as the fallopian tubes or ovaries and can be helped with Myofascial Release. In addition, because the fascial system surrounds every system of the body, including the endocrine system, fertility problems related to hormonal imbalance may be helped using Myofascial Release. For example, the pituitary gland, the master gland of the body, is housed within the sphenoid bone of the skull. Fascial restrictions throughout the neck, dural tube, and particularly the suboccipital region often create compression of the sphenoid bone, which houses this delicate gland. Releasing fascial restrictions helps to free these structures and restore more normal function of the endocrine system thus helping to resolve fertility problems related to hormonal imbalance.

Incontinence
Myofascial Release has been a tremendous help to women suffering with incontinence. Myofascial Release techniques specific to the pelvis are helpful in decreasing the restrictions in that area that lead to incontinence. It has been found that tightness surrounding the bladder can prevent the bladder from expanding normally to allow for the storage of urine. This mechanical pressure upon the bladder creates what is labeled as "incontinence". Another contributing factor to incontinence is weakness of the muscles of the pelvic floor. Fascial restrictions can also contribute to weakness by shortening the muscles of the pelvic floor and pulling the pelvic bones out of normal alignment. It is only after these structural restrictions are removed, that strengthening exercises such as Kegel exercises, and biofeedback begin to work to re-educate the weak muscles.

Painful Intercourse, Sexual Dysfunction, and Coccydynia
Painful sexual intercourse is a condition that plagues millions of women worldwide. For some, the pain may occur at first penetration. This is often a very sharp and specific pain in one location, often at or near the opening of the vagina. For others, the pain is experienced at deep penetration. This is often described as a broader, deeper pain, and has been described as if "it feels like my partner is hitting something" and in many cases, he is. Some women may even experience a combination of the two. Surgery, a fall, or internal restrictions within the pelvic floor muscles can pull your tailbone forward. The tailbone then acts as a physical block to your partner during intercourse, causing you to experience a deep pain during or after sex. Similar conditions can occur at the cervix, or other vaginal tissues. This is also why some people have pain on their tailbone for no apparent reason. This is known as coccydynia.

Vulvodynia and Vulvar Vestibulitis
Vulvodynia and Vulvar Vestibulitis can be experienced as pain, burning, itchiness, or stabbing in the vaginal area. Fascial restrictions throughout the body may contribute to these symptoms. An important area that should be checked for restrictions is the area surrounding the pudendal nerve. This nerve is responsible for carrying sensation to the brain from the vaginal area. It has been found that vulvodynia many times is caused by restrictions of the fascia that surrounds and infuses the pudendal nerve. Removing this mechanical pressure on the pudendal nerve with Myofascial Release usually eliminates most symptoms.

Pelvic Pain and Menstrual Cramping
Pelvic pain and cramping are common in women. Just because it is so common, does not mean that it is "normal". Restrictions in the pelvic and abdominal areas will put pressure on nerves and blood vessels of this region. Couple this pre-existing tightness with the bloating which occurs during a woman's period every month and you have twice the pressure. Menstrual cramping and pelvic pain are completely unnecessary "side effects" of the natural process of menstruation, and can be eliminated with Myofascial Release.