Can hypopressives help pelvic organ prolapse (POP)?
Hypopressives have a place in pelvic physiotherapy and people are becoming more aware of it’s benefits for pelvic organ prolapse and leaking. But does it work?
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What is the term Hypopressive® breathing?
The term Hypopressive® breathing was coined in the 80s by Dr Marcel Cauffriez, who, after years of developing and consolidating his concept, started teaching others about it in the early 90s.
But what are hypopressives?
They’re a collection of postural exercises (stationary or moving), designed to increase the tone of the abdominal, pelvic floor, back and diaphragmatic muscles, while reducing pressure on the pelvic muscles.
When can Hypopressive® breath be helpful?
Hypopressives are extremely helpful for many pelvic floor issues, but in particular they can help:
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
Stress urinary incontinence (urinary leaking on jumping or sneezing)
Increasing abdominal muscle tone (reconnecting to deep core muscles)
How does it work?
The Hypopressive® special breathing techniques work on the Type 1 muscle fibres which are responsible for our posture. The deep breath work also trains the diaphragm muscle, which can help to influence digestion and the urogenital area (via the vagus nerve and the hypogastric-pudendal nerve).
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How often do I need to do it?
Like every other type of exercise, the addition of hypopressive breathing needs to be consistent, to allow for muscle changes for long term benefits.
For hypopressive breath, it is important to master the end of the exhale holding breath at the same time as keeping your ribs ‘open’ to then be able to sustain more complex position and sequences. This is where it is important to have a Hypopressive® trained practitioner to guide you to do this correctly.
After a few months of practice, you may be able to follow up to a 45 minute program of breathwork. Taking time to build self-awareness is important, and some find that use of a mirror can be helpful to do home exercises.
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When is Hypopressive® breath used in pelvic physiotherapy?
Hypopressive® breath is a treatment option in physiotherapy, and can be part of a session if it’s appropriate for you. In pelvic physiotherapy, an assessment of your posture, diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles is usually recommended, so that any treatment plan will be specific to your needs.
Hypopressives may not be appropriate for people with heart, blood pressure or respiratory issues, or if you're pregnant. This can be discussed in your session with a professional.
To book in with Caroline (pelvic physiotherapist), who offers Hypopressive® breath as part of her physiotherapy treatment, click here.
Lucy, (a yoga teacher trained in Hypopressive® breath) is offering group Hypopressive® breath workshops in January and February at Alma Physiotherapy, and works closely alongside Caroline. If you’re not sure if hypopressives are for you, please check with your pelvic physiotherapist first. To register your interest for Lucy's 3rd February workshop (10-12pm £40), please email bristolhypopressives@gmail.com.