Did you know that training your pelvic floor can improve many aspects of your life including improved daily funtion, improved exercise tolerance, and even improved sports performance?

What is pelvic floor dysfunction? The pelvic floor is made up of muscles and other tissues that form a sling from  the pubic bone to the tailbone. They assist in maintaining upright posture, supporting abdominal and pelvic organs,  and help to control bladder, bowel and sexual activity. When these muscles become overactive, or overused, the  result can be pain and decreased function in any of the areas mentioned above. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD)  refers to a wide range of problems that occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor are not functioning normally and  are often too tight, and weak. There are often related impairments of the sacroiliac joint, low back, coccyx and/or hip  joint that accompany this condition, and can contribute to pain and loss of function. Due to the complexity of the  anatomy and multiple functions of the pelvic region, the underlying cause of pelvic pain is difficult to determine, and  the entire body must be treated holistically to resolve symptoms. Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to correctly  contract (tighten) and relax the muscles in the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles in the floor of  the pelvic area. These muscles support the organs in the pelvis, and some form a sling around the rectum and  vagina.

A patient with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction may experience any number of the following symptoms: 

• Frequent urination or waking at night to urinate 

• Urgency to urinate or a sense you can’t make it to the bathroom in time 

• Urinary leaking 

• Pain with gynecological exams or intimacy 

• Pressure or bulging sensations in the vagina or a feeling that body tissue is falling out • Body pains during or after pregnancy 

• Painful scars from cesarean-section or episiotomy/tearing during childbirth 

• Abdominal weakness after childbirth/cesarean-section 

• Low back or pelvic or hip pain. 

• Poor posture. 

• Feeling weak through the midsection. 

How Can a Physical Therapist Help? 

Physical therapy is a very effective way to manage symptoms and improve functional capacity. We offer free screenings and would be happy to assess your unique body and symptoms!

We also offer highly specialized manual therapy and sports medicine.

Call today to schedule: 757-961-5888