The pelvic floor is responsible for supporting the pelvic organs, sexual function, stability/core strength, bowel/bladder control, and circulation. This complex area of the body is often overlooked. Its role is vital in many everyday activities.

What Is Your Pelvic Floor?

The bony structure of the pelvis is lined at the bottom by multiple layers of muscle- commonly referred to as the pelvic floor.

Your pelvic floor— part of the “deep core” muscles—affects your posture, the way you sit, stand, lift, balance, and move.

Why Changes Can Occur

During pregnancy, there is increased demand on the pelvic muscles and tissues. This is caused from the weight of carrying a fetus, organ displacement, giving birth, previous injury or surgery.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can look like:

• Pelvic, hip, & back/neck aches and pains

• Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or running

• Lack of control over gas or bowel movements

• Constipation

• Frequently rushing to the bathroom

• Sensitivity or pain with sexual intimacy or penetration

• Sensation of heaviness “down there”

• Core / abdominal weakness causing difficulty with daily activities

• Painful or sensitive perineal or abdominal scar tissue

When left untreated, these types of issues can turn into chronic pain that affects your daily life.

We have cared for patients in their 80s and 90s still dealing with postpartum pelvic issues!

The Role of Physical Therapy

Since your pelvic floor is made of muscles, tissues, and joints, you can (and should!) incorporate physical therapy — just like you would for a bad ankle sprain or other injury!

Physical therapy can help:

• Improve strength & coordination

• Decrease acute pain

• Educate and teach on topics related to birth preparation and the postpartum recovery process

• Prevent pelvic issues

• Decrease chronic pain and restore physical function —even if you had a pregnancy 6 months or 10 years ago

Pelvic health is essential to enjoying a life without pain or discomfort!