Client Story- Emma: Stress Urinary Incontinence
Emma, my USTA a vibrant tennis enthusiast, had always thrived on the court, serving up power and finesse that kept her rivals on their toes. Yet, game was unexpectedly challenged after giving birth to a beautiful baby girl: stress urinary incontinence. With each swing, her pelvic floor betrayed her, leading to frustrating leaks that dampened her spirit and her shots.
Determined not to let this change define her tennis journey, Emma sought guidance from me, her trusted pelvic floor specialist. Our first meeting was a mix of empathy and strategy. We understood that Emma's love for the game ran deep, and her goal was to continue playing her game without having to worry about if urine would leak from her pad.
Our tailored approach started with a comprehensive assessment, uncovering the unique factors contributing to Emma's leakage issue. With a warm and supportive atmosphere, we delved into her concerns, addressing not only the physical aspects but also the mental toll this challenge had taken.
Together, we embarked on a journey of pelvic floor empowerment. Through specialized exercises, we focused on:
Strengthening Her Pelvic Floor: We honed in on exercises that targeted the very muscles that needed attention. Emma's commitment to these routines was impressive, as she gradually felt her pelvic floor regain its strength.
Regulating Abdominal Pressure: One of the keys to preventing leaks lies in managing intra-abdominal pressure. With guidance, Emma learned techniques to control pressure during movements, ensuring her pelvic floor could better withstand the demands of tennis.
Boosting Core Power: Emma's core became our focal point. By enhancing her deep core muscles, we were able to improve her overall stability and empower her tennis performance.
Mastering Load Transfer: A pivotal aspect of our work was teaching Emma how to transfer force efficiently from her core to her extremities without compromising her pelvic floor.
Sport Specific Injury Prevention: Once leakage completely stopped, we fine-tuned her shots by teaching her when to exhale, tricks to stabilize.her core during each swing. With this technique, she maximized her power and control on the court without having to worry about falling back with or without me by her side.
As weeks turned into months, the transformation was remarkable. Emma's confidence soared, both on and off the court. Gone were the days of worrying about leaks. Instead, she focused on her game, channelling her energy into each swing and return. The joy of playing tennis had returned, and with it, a newfound sense of empowerment. As her pelvic floor physical therapy partner, we were thrilled to witness her triumphant return to tennis dominance. Emma's power on the court became a reflection of her inner strength, and I hope sharing her story (with Emma’s consent) can empower other ladies experiencing the same concerns.