My Pelvic Flaw: preventing pelvic floor problems throughout life

This new (2007, revised 2008) book by Australian physiotherapist, Mary O'Dwyer, provides a comprehensive look at the female pelvic floor, what can go wrong, and what to do about it. Writing in a warm and supportive tone, Mary covers:

• the young pelvic floor
• sport and the pelvic floor
• pregnancy and the pelvic floor
• birth and the pelvic floor
• post-baby pelvic floor
• sex, surgery and the pelvic floor
• pain and the pelvic floor
• gym and the pelvic floor
• menopause and the pelvic floor
• the older pelvic floor

Her emphasis is on preventing and treating pelvic floor problems through correct posture, breathing and muscle tensioning, that together permanently overcome bad habits that damage the pelvc floor muscles.

She stresses the importance of exercises that engage the core stability muscles, rather than conventional gym workouts, which can be detrimental to a woman's pelvic floor. (Check out our DVDs featuring core stability muscle exercise programs and core stability aids).

Women who take part in gym-based and other fitness programs will be particularly interested in her suggestions regarding how to maintain pelvic floor strength, and how to handle pelvic floor muscle weakness, whilst not compromising personal fitness.

A section covering Ten Healthy Habits for the Pelvic Floor provides an excellent checklist.

Referring throughout to recent research findings, Mary emphasises the importance of the physiotherapist's role in treating pelvic floor disorders. She uses case studies from clinical practice to illustrate the plight of invidual women and the solutions that can work for them.

Published by Redsok Publishing, 2008 revised edition, 124pp