Understanding Pelvic Health: Why It Matters and How Physical Therapy Can Help
When it comes to women’s health, one area often overlooked is pelvic health. Yet, the pelvic floor plays a crucial role in everyday functions, from supporting organs to maintaining core stability. Whether you're recovering from childbirth, managing perimenopausal changes, or simply aiming to strengthen your core, understanding pelvic health is essential.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that form a hammock-like structure at the base of the pelvis. These muscles support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, while also playing a role in sexual function and core stability. Just like any other muscle group, the pelvic floor can become weak, tight, or dysfunctional, leading to a range of issues. Something interesting about the pelvic floor is that it’s BEST FRIENDS with your diaphragm, core, and back, and dysfunction in breathing, your core, or back pain can heavily influence the pelvic floor and vice versa.
Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
“Pelvic floor dysfunction” can present in various ways, including:
Urinary incontinence or leaking during exercise, coughing, or sneezing
Pelvic pain or discomfort during daily activities or intimacy
A feeling of heaviness or pressure, maybe like something is going to “fall out”
Difficulty with bowel movements
Tailbone pain or pelvic pain with sitting
Feeling like you have to go pee “all the time'“ or feeling like you have a UTI but testing is negative
Abdominal distention, constipation, or bloating
Pain during your period that requires taking time off work or school, avoiding sports or other activities, or requiring repetitive NSAID use
Many women assume these issues are a normal part of life—especially after childbirth or with age—but they are not something you have to live with!
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Women’s physical therapy focuses on strengthening, relaxing, and properly engaging the pelvic floor muscles. During a personalized evaluation, our pelvic floor therapists can identify whether your pelvic floor is underactive, overactive, or lacking coordination. Treatment may include:
Pelvic Floor/Core Exercises: Specific strengthening or relaxation exercises tailored to your needs.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to release tension and improve muscle function.
Education: Learning how posture, breathing, and daily habits affect your pelvic health.
Use of Supportive Devices/Accessories: Complementary aids like KT tape, SI or pregnancy belts, pessary/pelvic supports, and tools for pain with intimacy
Lifestyle Optimization: Understanding how your stress levels, sleep quality, diet, relationships, and daily habits affect your pelvic floor
Empower Your Health
Pelvic health is vital for overall well-being, yet many women suffer in silence. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want to prevent future issues from arising, pelvic floor therapy offers a safe, effective path to recovery and strength.
At Empower Women’s Physical Therapy our compassionate expert team is here to help you regain confidence and comfort in your body. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward a more empowered you!
