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WHAT IS THE PELVIC FLOOR, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR ALL OF US ?

WHAT IS THE PELVIC FLOOR, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR ALL OF US ?

There is a widespread misunderstanding about the role of the pelvic floor muscles. They’re crucial not only for women and the elderly but for everyone. Their significance in maintaining normal pelvis and lumbar spine movement, as well as in urinary functions, is well documented. Aside from supporting the bowel and bladder, this muscle group needs to function correctly to ensure the normal operation of all the joints in the lower extremities. Pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t exclusive to pre and postpartum women, the elderly, or men with prostate issues. The symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction extend beyond difficulties with incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. There are many subtle signs that can suggest a dysfunctional pelvic floor.

WHO IS AT RISK OF PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION?

In addition to pregnant women and new mothers, we see pelvic floor dysfunction in clients with low back pain and lower body injuries as well. Even athletes suffer pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, particularly those in activities that put a higher load the pelvic floor such as runners, weight lifters, gymnasts, and dancers.

Additional factors that may lead to pelvic floor injury, these include, but are not limited to:

  • Heavy lifting on a regular basis (either with work or at the gym),
  • A chronic cough or sneeze,
  • Ongoing constipation (ie. regularly pushing/straining to empty your bowels),
  • A history of back pain,
  • A previous trauma to the pelvic region (ie fall or pelvic radiotherapy),
  • Being overweight or obese. 

SIGNS OF PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION

The most common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction include:

  • Pelvic region pain.
  • Accidentally leaking urine.
    • This may be during exercise, when laughing, coughing or sneezing. 
    • It is also common to leak unexpectedly or accidentally lose control.
  • Accidentally losing control of your bowel. 
  • Accidentally passing wind.
  • Having an increased urgency to empty either your bladder or bowel. 
  • Finding it difficult to empty your bladder or bowel. 
  • Having an increased urinary frequency.
  • In women, a heaviness, pull, drag, drop through the pelvic floor or a bulge in the vagina.
  • In men, the feeling of a bulge through the rectum or feeling as though you need to move your bowels but not actually needing to go. 
  • Pain with intercourse. 

How We Can Help

The most important thing to know when it comes to pelvic floor dysfunction is that there is help available. While it is common to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed when discussing bladder, bowel and sexual habits, it’s important to remember that it is a normal part of our every day work in physical therapy and exercise physiology.

Our clients improve with a simple program of strength exercise that can be done at home. Our approach to this sometimes embarrassing issue is born from decades of experience creating and instructing home exercises to strengthen all the muscles of the body’s core. The easy to perform series of moves will activate and strengthen the very muscles that function together to alleviate pain and normalize function of the pelvic floor and the abdominal and low back support muscles.

IN SUMMARY…

The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, nerves and fascia that form the base of the pelvis. It forms the bottom of what should be a well supported closed cavity that is an essential part of body’s “core”. Due to the unique nature, it is extremely difficult to activate your pelvic floor correctly – it operates very differently than your arm muscles for example, which is why our physical therapy expertise helps people regain control.

Call 310-656-8600 to set up your evaluation today.