Radiation therapy is used to shrink tumors and help fight the effects of cancer. Gynecological problems that form in your pelvis could require radiation therapy as a lifesaving course of treatment. Along with radiation therapy comes certain side effects including pelvic tightening. This is normal, as your pelvic muscles experience difficulty in relaxing due to the trauma from treatment. Exercise can help ease pelvic tension from radiation therapy.
Breathing Exercise
Breathing deeply from your diaphragm promotes your pelvic muscles to relax naturally. To perform these breathing exercises lie on the floor or a bed and place your hands on your abdomen. With your knees bent, breathe in deeply from your abdomen, leaving your chest stationary. Breathe out through your mouth slowly and relax. Repeat the process 10 times once or twice daily. If there is any movement in your chest as you breathe, you are not doing the exercise correctly.
Groin Stretch
Exercises that stretch your pelvic muscles provide flexibility and relaxation. Stretching is done slowly to avoid risk of injury to these muscles. Lie on your back on a flat surface such as the floor or a bed. Bend your knees up, keeping them apart and place your feet together. Both feet should be firmly planted on the floor or bed. Slowly pull your knees apart, keeping your feet still until you feel stretching. Do not overstretch your legs. Hold them at a comfortable position for up to 10 seconds and then release, slowly returning to starting position. Do five to 10 repetitions once or twice daily.
Kegel Exercise
Your pelvic floor muscles, or PC muscles, are responsible for supporting your bladder and starting and stopping the flow of urine. Kegel exercises strengthen these muscles while helping ease tension after radiation therapy. To identify your PC muscle, start your urine stream. Stop midstream and take note of the feeling in your pelvis. This is your PC muscle. Once you are comfortable that you have correctly identified the PC muscle, relax in a chair and slowly tighten your PC muscle. You can also do this lying down, if you wish. Hold this move for five seconds and release. Start with 10 repetitions per day, slowly working your way up to 20 or 30 as you progress over the next few weeks.
Prone Position
Lying on your stomach can help to alleviate pelvic tension by gently stretching all major abdominal and pelvic muscles. Lie on the floor stomach-down. Slowly raise yourself onto your elbows until you are comfortable. You may also lie flat if you wish. Stretch your body from your waist to your toes and hold this position for up to five seconds. Release and return to your starting position. Repeat the process for five to 10 repetitions two to three times per day.
