If you feel like you are constantly “holding on” or notice that your shoulders are up around your ears by 3 PM, you’re not alone. Stress can cause tension in different parts of our body, including the pelvic floor.
At Sydney Women’s Physiotherapy, we see many patients with persistent pelvic pain such as endometriosis, vaginismus, bladder urgency that stems from the pelvic muscles being too short, grippy and tight. Our weekly “Unwind & Restore” Yin Yoga classes are designed for relieving these issues.
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin Yoga is a slow, meditative practice. It involves holding restorative yoga poses for longer periods (typically 3 minutes). Yin targets the muscles, fascia and connective tissues that surround the pelvis, hips, and back. By holding these stretches gently, we allow the body to slowly release tension.
The Pelvic Floor Connection
Yin Yoga helps to reduce muscle overactivity through:
- Breathing: Yin Yoga emphasises diaphragmatic breathing. As you inhale deeply into your belly, your pelvic floor naturally drops and relaxes.
- Calming the Nervous System: Persistent pelvic pain is often linked to an overactive sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight” mode). Yin Yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest-and-digest” mode) by sending signals to your brain that it is safe to let go of your tight muscles.
- Improving Flexibility:By allowing gentle, prolonged stretches at the hip muscles around the pelvis such as the inner thighs and hip flexors, Yin Yoga helps reduce the “pull” on the pelvic floor to reduce tension in the pelvic floor.
Why Choose a Physio-Run Yoga Class?
- Individualised approach: When you are dealing with pain, “pushing through” can sometimes trigger a flare-up. Our yoga classes are led by our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, and are able to provide specific modifications for you based on your clinical history (e.g. knee pain, post-surgery, acute flares).
- Pacing: We can help you find the right pace and intensity to do enough to see progress without triggering a pain flare.
- Intention: We guide you through the “Mind-Body” connection, to identify where you are holding tension so you can consciously release it.
Join Us on the Mat
You don’t need to be flexible to start yin yoga. Whether you are managing a condition that causes a tight pelvic floor, or just feeling the stress of a busy life, our Unwind and Restore yoga sessions will be a great way for you to wind down and reset.
- When: Every Monday at 7:00 PM
- Duration: 50 minutes
- Class Size: Maximum 6 clients per class
- Focus: Relaxation, pelvic floor down-training, and stress relief
- Health Fund Rebates: As these classes are led by a Physiotherapist, you may be able to claim rebates under Item Code 561 (Group Physiotherapy).
If you are interested in our Unwind & Restore yoga classes, please reach out to our team to book a spot:
- Phone: (02) 8883 5360
- Email: info@sydneywomensphysiotherapy.com.au
- Location: Sydney Women’s Physiotherapy, Q Central, 308/10 Norbrik Dr, Bella Vista NSW 2153
Jacqui