The Importance of Including Pelvic Health in Preseason Training for Female Athletes

When it comes to preseason training, we often focus on building strength, endurance, and flexibility. But one crucial area that frequently gets overlooked is pelvic health. For female athletes, understanding and maintaining pelvic health is not only important for their well-being but can also significantly impact their performance and participation in sport.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Hidden Barrier for Many Female Athletes

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) affects a notable number of women, including many athletes. Research suggests that 30-40% of women experience some form of pelvic floor issue during their lifetime, with up to 80% of athletes being affected depending on the sport. This includes conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain, which can severely limit an athlete’s ability to train, perform, and compete at their best.

For female athletes, PFD can occur due to a variety of reasons, including childbirth, intense physical activity, hormonal changes, or simply the demands placed on the body through repetitive sports movements. While it's often thought of as an issue for older women or post-pregnancy, pelvic floor dysfunction can affect women at any age, particularly those involved in high-impact sports such as running, gymnastics, or netball.

The Impact on Performance and Participation

The effects of pelvic floor dysfunction go beyond just discomfort; they can lead to significant restrictions in athletic performance and, in some cases, can even force women to reduce their participation in sport altogether. For instance, urinary incontinence during a match or a training session can be not only physically distressing but also mentally taxing, leading to a drop in confidence and motivation.

Moreover, pelvic pain or the fear of experiencing prolapse symptoms can cause athletes to modify their training routines or avoid certain exercises. This can result in weaker performance, further health complications, and even long-term emotional strain. Unfortunately, due to the stigma and lack of awareness around pelvic health, many women feel embarrassed to seek help or discuss their symptoms, which often results in them continuing to suffer in silence.

Why Pelvic Health Should Be Part of Preseason Training

Integrating pelvic health education and exercises into preseason training is an essential step in breaking the silence around this issue and ensuring that female athletes can continue to perform at their best. Early prevention through pelvic floor strengthening and conditioning exercises can help manage and even prevent many of the issues associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Training programs should include pelvic floor exercises tailored to each sport’s specific demands, focusing on strengthening the muscles. Moreover, educating athletes about the importance of pelvic health can encourage them to seek help if symptoms arise, rather than pushing through pain or discomfort.

Athletes, coaches, and support staff all play a critical role in normalising pelvic health discussions. By making it a part of the preseason conversation, female athletes will feel empowered to look after this vital area of their health, ensuring they stay in the game longer, healthier, and stronger.

A Call for Change

As we push for greater inclusivity and support for female athletes, it’s crucial to recognise that pelvic health is an integral part of overall performance. By including pelvic floor health in preseason training, we help ensure that female athletes don’t have to choose between their sport and their well-being. The more awareness and support we provide, the better equipped these athletes will be to face the physical and mental challenges of their sport.

In the long run, investing in pelvic health is not just about preventing dysfunction but also about creating an environment where female athletes can thrive, without the worry of debilitating injuries or health conditions. The future of women’s sports will be stronger and more inclusive when pelvic health becomes a priority in all stages of an athlete’s career.

By making pelvic health part of the conversation, we’re giving female athletes the tools they need to perform their best – not just on the field, but in life.

Need help in starting the conversation or getting more information?

Email our pelvic health physio, Alex, alex@physiohq.co.nz, for more information.