5 Ways to Decrease a Flare-up on Vacation
It never fails. Around this time of year, many of my patients are traveling, going on fun vacations (just like me! Yep, I was away last week-- sorry for the lack of posts!), and the pelvic floor never seems to love that. Unfortunately, vacations for many mean a flare-up of symptoms--worsening of pain from sitting for long car or plane rides, constipation, or other unpleasant feelings. This seems to happen like clock-work. But the good news is, vacationing doesn't have to be the start of a bad flare. You don't have to be afraid to go on vacation. In fact, there are a few since steps you can take to reduce and manage the vacation blues.
1. Pack your toolbox. One of the big ways you can reduce the likelihood of a flare, is to plan ahead and pack the necessary tools that normally help you. Do you normally take a fiber supplement daily to manage the bowels? Pack it. Use an ice pack when you start feeling pain? Pack it. Listen to a progressive relaxation CD or youtube video before bed? Make sure you bring it along! The more you plan ahead, the better it will be if you do start having pain or see a change in your bowel/bladder symptoms.
2. Keep your bowels in check. Now, some of you are probably thinking, "I have pain Jessica-- not bowel problems!" BUT, keeping the bowels in a routine is so important for ANY pelvic floor problem. A bout of constipation can increase bladder leakage or worsen pelvic pain. Unfortunately, constipation is very common while traveling. One of the main reasons for this is that most of us significantly change our habits when we travel. For example, I normally start my day with a protein shake and a piece of fruit---but on vacation, I will have french toast, or a big omelet, cheese danishes, and other larger, richer breakfast options. Delicious, right? But the bowels don't love the change. The best thing we can do for our bowels while traveling is to stay consistent. Remember, your bowels love a good routine, so try to eat similar meals that you normally eat at similar times! Keep up with fiber or supplements to maintain a good consistency, and don't forget your fluid intake!! For more tips for bowel health, check out my previous posts here.
3. Stay consistent with your routines. Yes, we just hit on this with the bowels, but this is equally true with the other routines you use to manage your pain or other problems. Vacation is a great way to relax, but many people will find they drop their helpful habits while traveling. Sometimes this may mean waking up a few minutes earlier in order to get your morning stretching in, or perhaps taking a break in the afternoon to use an ice pack, or maybe even setting an alarm to make sure you do your exercises--but these small steps can really do a lot to decrease the risk of a symptom flare!
4. Pace yourself. This one is most important for those dealing with pelvic pain. We know that movement is medicine for persistent pain, and a vacation is often a very motivating time to move! That being said, it is important to gradually add movement and take breaks as needed to allow your body time to rest and adapt to a higher level of activity. I often will see men and women who may be very sedentary in their day-to-day lives, but then, go on vacation and want to be on-the-go 24-7! It is a much better alternative to try to slowly increase your activity, giving yourself adequate time to rest based on your prior activity level and what your body needs. For example, if you are normally inactive, it may be helpful to plan an activity for a few hours in the morning, but to plan for a resting period after that (great time to ice and do your stretches!). If you have several activities you would like to do, consider making a list and spacing those activities out over the days you are traveling.
5. Try not to freak out. I get it. Flares are scary--especially when you've been seeing progress and have been feeling great! But, don't let it get the best of you! Remember to see a flare for what it really is-- a flare. Keep your mindset positive, use the tools you have, and you will be back to vacationing in no time! And if you feel like you need a boost, contact your pelvic PT (we really don't mind!). We're always happy to talk through some strategies to calm things down, and are happy to help get you back to relaxing! :)
What strategies do you use to decrease a flare on vacation? PTs out there-- are there any other tips you like to give your patients? Let me know in the comments below!
~ Jessica