Why the "stack" is important to the pelvic floor.

Focusing on muscles of the hips and abdominals in addition to diaphragmatic breathing, can assist in pelvic biomechanical dysfunctions. Pelvic issues such as incontinence, prolapse, constipation, tension and urgency can be helped by focusing on the positioning of the pelvis as it relates to the ribcage. This alignment is considered “The Stack”. In this ideal  position of the ribcage being aligned with the pelvis, the thoracic (respiratory)  and pelvic diaphragm have a better chance of working in synchrony. They are designed to work as a piston in the body, to pressurize air, move content and  support the pelvis floor. This alignment and movement of the ribcage with the  pelvis dictates the movement and the 2 diaphragms and their ability to do their jobs.

Before I touch base on the mechanics of breathing, I want to describe the pelvic diaphragm/floor:
It is a wide and thin muscular layer of tissue that forms the inferior border of the abdominal cavity. This tissue is composed of pelvic muscles and fascia. It acts as a “sling” to support the bladder, bowel, and uterus, while also acting as a continence controller. It works best when the pelvis and ribcage are in alignment and the breathing is efficient.

 I want to bring attention to the actions of the 2 diaphragms during the respiration cycle. When  we actively EXHALE, the intercostals rotate down and inward causing compression on the ribs as the diaphragm “domes," which pushes air out of the lungs and creates room for the content that lies beneath it in the abdominal cavity. The pelvic diaphragm follows as the pelvic inlet internally rotates and the outlet opens causing the floor to “tense" and sling content up.

INHALATION is considered a passive part of the respiratory cycle.  As we inhale,  the energy stored within the  “dome” shaped thoracic diaphragm pulls on the ribs, which opens up space to allow air to enter our lungs. The pelvic inlet will then externally rotate to make room for the content to drop into the pelvic cavity as the ischial tubes approximate and the pelvic floor descends to “catch” content. We want the pelvic floor and the thoracic diaphragm to be springy so it can do its job.
 
 Many dysfunctions of the pelvic floor can be attributed  to improper  position of the pelvis and its relationship to the tissues that surround it. In summary, the importance of the alignment of the ribcage to pelvis, also known as “the Stack” allows for the best utilization of the “outside” musculature and  allows our respiratory system to be efficient and the tissues of the pelvic floor to be in the most optimal position to do its job. We can all start from attaining a more efficient alignment and improved breathwork in dealing with biomechanical pelvic floor dysfunctions. 

​