Table of Contents
hello. Inthe first part of this series, I explained the characteristics and diagnosis of anal sphincter syndrome, and today I will explain in detail the helpful exercisesand treatmentprinciples that I apply to my patients.
I thought it was hemorrhoids, but what is it? Causes and Diagnosis – Doojeondooyang Medical Center
1. Why exercising can actually make you more sore (the Kegel trap)
Many people with pelvic floor dysfunction or bladder pain are already practicing Kegel exercises because they’ve been recommended to do so, but it’s important to point out a few things.
- When overstrain is the cause: Anal sphincter syndrome is much more often caused by overstrain of the core and pelvic floor musclesthan by inflammation.
- Backfire: Repeating Kegel exercises to contract the muscles in this condition will only make the pain worse, as the muscles become more tense and the nerves more sensitive.
In fact, it’s not uncommon for symptoms to return after doing exercises that increase abdominal pressure and tighten muscles, such as Pilates or weight training, during treatment. Therefore, light aerobic exercise, such as walking, ismuch more appropriate than tightening exerciseswhen symptoms are present.
2. 3 steps to the “Pelvic Floor Relaxation Breathing Technique” at home
Instead of tightening your muscles, we recommend these three relaxing breathing exercisesthat you can do while lying down. Try doing them slowly for five minutes each.
Relaxing the puborectalis muscle (the muscle that controls bowel movements)
Lie comfortably and bend your knees slightly. Breathe in and out slowly through your nose, focusing on the sensation of your anus gently releasing.
Relaxation of the pubococcygeal muscle (bladder-urethra control)
Feel the area between your genitals and anus, or perineum, widen as you inhale and relax as you exhale. It’s a great way to calm overactive nerves.
③ Relax the iliacococcygeal muscle (around the tailbone)
As you inhale and exhale, imagine your hips widening throughout the entire body. As you do this, your tailbone, which has been curled inward, will naturally relax, along with the muscles of the spinal cord that are connected to it.
3. When Self-Care Isn’t Enough? Principles of Professional Care
If you have a severe muscle strain or structural deformity, a professional evaluation is a must.
- Correcting the tailbone: The tailbone is a key structure connected to the spine and anal sphincter. Manual therapy to gently relax and correct a curled-in tailbone is essential to reduce nerve sensitivity.
- The Role of the Intestinal and Palpebral Acupuncture Points: Acupuncture stimulation of the upper anus (Intestinal Acupuncture Point) and sacral region (Palpebral Acupuncture Point) goes beyond simple pain relief and acts as a bioelectrical stimulus that sends relaxation signals to the brain, creating a complex analgesic effect.
Key takeaway: Remember this!
- Don’t do Kegel exercises: Contraction exercises can be poison for people with anal sphincter syndrome.
- The power of abdominal breathing: Practice breathing that relaxes the rectum, perineum, and tailbone.
- Treatment of the tailboneis key: Treatment to restore circulation around the tailbone is important to address muscle and nerve overstrain.
Anal discomfort is something you don’t want to talk about, and it can be exhausting to deal with on a daily basis. But in many cases, it’s not a “big problem” at all, but rather a sign of tense muscles and irritated nerves. If you’ve been treated for hemorrhoids, and you’re still experiencing the same heaviness, burning, and loose stools, don’t suffer alone – take stock of what’s going on and see a doctor. Once you know “why you’re feeling this way,” you’ll have a much better idea of what to do,
the direction of management becomes much clearer.
