Pelvic Diaphragm Test

This test will assess whether or not the pelvic diaphragm is working or not. It is common to strain the musculature known as the pelvic diaphragm, pelvic floor or pelvic trampoline. Trampoline is a good name for it. One of its functions is too literally through the organs up as we walk, countering the affects of gravity. Loss of function of the trampoline causes prolapsing of the organs thus crowding and eventual restriction of circulation causing dis-ease. Not the best scenario. Although the pelvic diaphragm is not the subtle anatomy of mula bandha, it does contribute to both mula bandha and udiyana bandha especially during the initial stages of learning these bandhas. Everyone has a reason to have this checked. Pregnancy and birthing even if it is not virginally is a huge strain on this area as is heavy lifting and convulsive vomiting. Incontinence is often caused by weakness in this area. Low back problems, hernias, abdominal instability, pelvic and thigh pain and sexual dysfunction can often be do to this malfunction. This test is at the core of ashtangayogatherapy.

    The person is lying supine (in this case on a table). Tester is standing on the right of the person being tested.

    Tester places his/her right hand under the persons leg (thigh is hip to knee and leg is knee to ankle) and left hand on the thigh just above the knee. Move the thigh and leg up so the top of the thigh, where it meets the pelvis is about 110 degrees (the thigh is not straight up). At the same time bringing the leg up with it so the knee is at about 90 degrees (the leg would then be about parallel to the table).

    

.    Ask the person to resist as your left hand pushes on the thigh in the direction of the foot (end) of the table while also supporting the leg with the right hand under the calf, near the ankle. This is a rectus femoris (the only one of the four quadriceps muscles that crosses both the hip and knee joints) muscle test. For our purpose, the muscle is functioning and holds strong.

     

   Ask the person to squeeze their anal musculature as if they are trying to hold back a bowel movement. Have them squeeze strongly.

    While they are squeezing also ask them to again resist the same pushing that tested the rectus femoris the first time. Remind them to use no more effort than the amount necessary to resist during the first test. If the pelvic diaphragm is compromised the hip flexor will not be strong during this test. The difference is usually a dramatic weakening. This is functional neurology. Now go to the other side and repeat, switching the hand positions. Yes a video will be forthcoming. Again be patient. There are lot of books on muscle testing if one is interested. The more simple the better as far as I am concerned.

   The therapeutic fix is a digital stimulating/irritating of the insertions of the muscles making up the pelvic diaphragm. This will awaken the proprioceptors in the tendons and will produce a stronger ability to contract the muscles of the pelvic floor. The change will be dramatic. The areas of need are usually very tender/painful and easy to find.

The pelvic floor or pelvic diaphragm is composed of muscle fibers of the levator ani, thecoccygeus, and associated connective tissue which span the area underneath the pelvis. The pelvic diaphragm is a muscular partition formed by the levatores ani and coccygei, with which may be included the parietal pelvic fascia on their upper and lower aspects. The pelvic floor separates the pelvic cavity above from the perineal region (including perineum) below.

The procedure is fairly simple and is done with thin loose clothing on (yoga clothes are perfect). This procedure is best learned in a class with feedback being given to the student by the person on the table. The teacher would use this technique on the student so he/she can have firsthand experience and on the person on the table so they can give feed back to the student as to the difference in pressure etc. Do not let all the detailed anatomy scare you, it is very easy to feel the area a couple of times and understand what to do. Almost all attachments (origins and insertions) are on bones and are easy to palpate. Blessings