Connecting the Dots
In today’s blog post we will be making some connections. We will be looking at pelvic floor health through the biopsychosocial model. This concept was first brought to light by George Engel, in 1977, making the connection between an individual’s health, and their psychological and social environment. Although originally used to view chronic pain patterns, this model can also be applied to pelvic floor health.
With the biopsychosocial approach to pelvic floor health, we look at three different, but overlapping pillars of an individual’s life. Starting with biological, which includes an individual’s genetics, hormone levels, birth type, gut health, pregnancy and childbirth, chronic illness/diseases, neurological state, and other physical traits. Next, we can look at the psychological side of an individual, such as self-esteem, mental health, sleep, stress management, and general mindset. The last pillar in this model considers the socialization of an individual. This includes cultural beliefs, family morals, socioeconomics, education, work/family environment, health proceptions, and relationships.
Between each of these three pillars are overlapping areas that can be significant in looking at one’s pelvic floor health. Between biological and psychological pillars, we have life quality, trauma, and stress/fear responses in the nervous system. Between psychological and social pillars there can be influences from stressful relationships, social support (or lack of), and the social construct of oneself. The biological and social overlap includes lifestyle habits, accessibility to physical activity, aging, and responses to physical changes in the body.
All these overlapping pillars influence how our body functions, including the pelvic floor. This is where we can start to connect the dots between our biology, psychology, sociology, and our pelvic floor. Our pelvic floor function is influenced by all these pillars, but also influences the pillars as well.
Let’s connect some of the dots… When we experience pelvic floor dysfunction, pain, and/or incontinence, this is influenced by our biological status, like giving childbirth, gut health, and hormone levels. It is also influenced by psychological influence like stress, mindset, and sleep. And social influences like relationships, intimacy, and quality of life. In the reverse, all these also play a role in how the pelvic floor functions.
To help support pelvic floor health with the biopsychosocial model lens we need to include many different tools. Working on muscle connections and strengthening the pelvic floor, along with increasing fiber and proteins to promote tissue health, is just one part of the equation. There must also be adequate sleep, nervous system regulation, and an adaptable mental state. Healthy relationships and intimacy are also key players in pelvic floor health.
When treating the pelvic floor, we must consider all these pillars and take a whole body-mind-social approach. The dots need to all be connected for a healthy pelvic floor. The reverse is also true – a healthy pelvic floor also influences all other areas in the biopsychosocial model as well.
References:
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Biopsychosocial_Model
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Biopsychosocial-model-of-pelvic-floor-dysfunction-in-postpartum-women_fig1_340241794
Image from Pelvic Health Solutions: https://www.facebook.com/share/15VHh1iHUN/
