What is internal pelvic release work?

Internal pelvis release work is a form of bodywork that connects us to the soft tissues of the pelvis. It also involves contact with the bony pelvis. 

Gentle, deliberate touch supports a softening in the tissues - ligaments, muscle, fascia. This therefore allows blood, fluid, hormones, and energy/ attention to flow. 

When the soft tissues of the pelvis are without tension, the bones of the pelvis are more mobile and adaptable, particularly to any change in function. 

All organs in the body are supported by soft tissue connections. The pelvis being the bony guardian of a woman’s reproductive organs also has a multitude of ligaments, fascia and muscles supporting the bladder, bowel and womb (with her cervix and vagina). The intention of these fibres is to hold the organs in a balanced, suspensory fashion. The capacity of these fibres to accommodate change within the pelvis, most notably pregnancy, is extraordinary.

Soft tissues can hold tension as in any other body area. Tension can be conscious or unconscious. 

Tension can stem from injuries, postural habits, trauma, surgery, hobbies or lifestyle choices. 

Tension can restrict movement, flow, expansion, and space of the bones and organs. 

Tension in soft tissues can hold memories and emotions. We can hold ‘issues in the tissues’. 

During an internal pelvic release session, tension can be identified and invited to release with tender touch, allowing the tissues to sigh.

When tissues sigh, space is created. Comfort is created.

The vagina is a stretchable tube. Its ability to transform is gobsmacking. Women are usually only familiar with vaginal examinations that explore the top wall – as in a cervix check when in labour or for a pap smear. But the vagina has a back wall through which contact can be made with the soft tissue connections that stabilise the bones and organs.

It’s through the back wall of the vagina that we can use tender touch and directed breathing to free tension in the ligaments, muscles, and fascia.

What does internal pelvic release work feel like? 

Internal Pelvic Release Work is gentle but deliberate. It can feel strong at times when connective tissues are being held as they release. We all have different preferences regarding touch and different ways of dealing with stronger body sensations, so this is always considered when releasing fibres in the pelvis. The touch pressure will align with your preferences, and your feedback will be continually sought during the session. 

The sensations are ‘weird’. We’re not working through skin and hair and fat like external bodywork. We’re working through the generous back wall of the vagina. Some fibres melt and soften with ease; others need more time and holding. Nothing is forced.

Who is internal pelvic release work for?

Our pelvic floor stores tension - from stress, pelvic imbalance, posture, pregnancy, birth, injury, trauma, and even the way we breathe. This tension can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction and either tightness or weakness leading to pain, discomfort, sexual dysfunction, incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

These issues can occur at any stage of life, but may become more prevalent with the added weight and natural shifting of organs that occurs during pregnancy.

Internal Pelvic Release Work is suitable for women and birthing people of all ages who:

• Are preparing for birth

• Are healing from birth

• Have painful scars from birth

• Are experiencing pelvic organ prolapse

• Who want to understand why they ‘couldn’t birth’ their baby vaginally

• Who are confused about sensations they felt in their labour or stalls in their labour

• Who are experiencing pain or trauma in their sex organs

• Who have been harmed by another

• Who experience painful or no sex

• Who feel their pelvic floor is weak

• Who feel their pelvic floor is tight or hypertonic​

• Who have or think they may have vaginismus or vulvodynea

• Who have or think they may have endometriosis

• Who are experiencing anxiety or hypervigilance

• Who are experiencing menopausal complications

• Who have unexplained pelvic, hip or sacral pain

• Women curious to know more about their pelvic goods

• …And everyone/everything in between.
  

What is involved in a Pelvic Release Work Session?

A two-hour session involves conversation, education, and practical work. Every appointment is individualised, but the general flow is as follows:

• Education: on the anatomy and unique makeup of your pelvis, including its bones, ligaments and soft tissues, to enhance your understanding and respect of this powerful space.

• Internal work: gentle exploration and release of tension in the connective tissues (ligaments, muscles, and fascia), accessed through the back wall of the vagina.

• Personalised guidance on self-care after our session, continuing release techniques at home (either on your own or with a loved one’s assistance), and maintaining the benefits of release.
  

How do I know if it is right for me?

It is always right to have a session in this world of women being poorly educated about their pelvic goods. Until we are educated about the potency of our womb, cervix, vagina and pelvis, we will never claim the power we hold as women.

A session is right for you if you are preparing for birth or are post birth and healing. There is always body preparation or ‘homework’ to do when preparing for one of the most momentous experiences of life – birth. The work supports women in reaching their anatomical potential. 

A session is right for you if you are experiencing pelvic pain. Pain leads to tension. Tension leads to more pain. The connective tissues of the pelvis can be invited to soften and support flow and drainage into and out of the pelvic space.

A session is right for you if you have a prolapse or ‘droop’ of your pelvic organs – bladder, bowel, cervix. Pelvic organ prolapse is a massive challenge in a woman’s life, and it affects SO many – those who are fertile, those who are peri menopausal, menopausal and post menopausal.

Pelvic Release Work can help ‘zhuzh’ up the tissues – cervical ligaments and pelvic muscles. It can also support the release of tissue tension that may interfere with proper function.

A session is right for all women!

Will IPRW help diagnose something? 

Internal Pelvic Release Work does not seek to diagnose or treat, but rather to empower you with a deep knowledge of your pelvis and to create space, balance, flow and drainage in your pelvic tissues for comfort and connection. IPRW Practitioners are women caring for women. We have an excellent referral network if we believe another practitioner has skills that will enrich your care team. 

Is Internal Pelvic Release Work the same as Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Internal Pelvic Release Work is fundamentally different from pelvic floor physiotherapy and osteopathy. Pelvic floor physios work well as complimentary therapies for your pelvis.

How we differ:

• Focus: Internal Pelvic Release Work focuses on ALL the soft tissues of the pelvis and has a strong anatomical basis. We seek to understand the tissues of your pelvis, the way your life experience plays out in the tissues and intentionally balance and release those tissues to allow your pelvis to express her full anatomical potential. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy tends to focus on the muscles only, and targets them individually rather than taking a whole-pelvis approach.

• Intention: The intention of Internal Pelvic Release Work is to offer care, share knowledge, empower you, and release tension from tissues to bring balance, flow and drainage into your pelvis. The intention of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy conversely is to diagnose, treat or prescribe (similar to a medical model). I would refer you to a pelvic floor physio where indicated for ongoing management or treatment of prolapse or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, but they won’t address the ligaments and fascia.

• Education: Internal Pelvic Release Work is heavy on education, sharing knowledge about the pelvis and your life experiences to make sense of your stories and experiences. You’re taught to understand your body and continue to provide care for yourself after the session if required.

• Relationship: Internal Pelvic Release Work is a relationship of ‘doing with’ and ‘offering care’ that requires a complete balance between us. This means there is no expert and no dominance of power. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists will see you as a patient who requires treating. Most physios are coming from a power dynamic and diagnostic perspective. The energetic exchange is very different. We work with women, and we offer care and nurturing. There is a fundamental difference in the energy that is translated.

• Time: Pelvic floor physios do not have time to spend with women the way we do. 25 minute appointments are not enough to acknowledge the deep emotional history of this potent space in the body. We are privileged to have at least two hours to spend with you.
  

Can I have Pelvic Release Work when I’m bleeding?

This is entirely your choice. Many women choose not to, as our bleeding phase is a time to draw inwards and it can feel vulnerable. However, there are times when sessions go ahead for various reasons when bleeding is light or at the ‘tail end’ of a bleed. 

Please contact me to discuss what is right for you.

What can I do to prepare for my appointment?

No preparation is necessary.

Just bring yourself along for care.

Is Internal Pelvic Release Work suitable for pregnancy?

Absolutely. In fact, Internal Pelvic Release Work was initially created for pregnancy, to help women prepare their soft tissues for baby’s movement through the pelvis. Internal Pelvic Release Work in pregnancy is evidenced to reduce the length of the pushing stage of labour and the risk of severe vaginal tears in birth. Internal Pelvic Release Work is recommended at 32-34 and 36-38 weeks for most women; an earlier session may be indicated for previous perineal scarring, or for women intending VBAC.

How many Internal Pelvic Release Work sessions will I need?

The number of sessions is dependent on you as an individual, what we discover together in your pelvis, and your response to the care session. As a general rule, most women require two sessions, 6-8 weeks apart, for optimal benefits to be achieved.

What do I need to do after my session?

After care is important for Internal Pelvic Release Work. Your tissues will take some time to settle into balance, so plan to take it easy for 48-72 hours after your care session. Plan to return to a quiet space where you can integrate what you’ve learnt about your body. A warm bath, heat packs and warm drinks can feel really nurturing. A high-protein meal can help nourish the tissues you’ve worked with.

Can I bring my baby/children to the session?

It’s ideal to have Internal Pelvic Release Work without little people present, so you can focus on yourself and be uninterrupted. If you need your baby or child present, you can bring a carer to help nurture them while you are busy being nurtured.

I know you personally (friend or colleague) …Will this be weird?

Not to me. I am honoured to do this work and even more so when people I know and love trust me to care for them. Remember that I’ve been a midwife for several years and am adept at caregiver professionalism. However, if it feels too weird for you, I can refer you to some other wonderful practitioners.

If you have another question, I am here to make sure it is answered. Feel free to contact me my email or mobile and ask away.