The pelvic floor has gotten more press recently than ever before (yay!!!)
And even though one quarter of all women in the US suffer from pelvic floor problems, it continues to remain a topic that few have awareness of.
So, what is a pelvic floor?
How do you know if you need pelvic floor therapy?
Your pelvic floor is the muscle group at the base of your pelvis that creates your sphincters (anal and urinary) houses the vagina, and supports the organs.
It is made up of muscles just like anywhere else in the body, such at the biceps in your arms.
It's a relatively small group of muscles with a BIG job.
The pelvic floor muscles contract to keep our organs in our body and keep us from losing urine or stool, and they relax to allow us to have sex, poop/pee or give birth.
The pelvic floor:
Supports the organs
Controls the sphincters (continence)
Performs our sexual functions.
The pelvic floor also works together with our deep abdominal wall, diaphragm, spine and pelvis to create our core system. Therefore, core dysfunction is also frequently pelvic floor dysfunction.
So what are some signs that would indicate pelvic floor issues?
Get ready because there are sooooo many and they can ALL be helped with pelvic floor physical therapy!
I will break them down by system for your convenience.
Urinary
Urinary incontinence
Peeing frequently (< 3 hours)
Peeing at night
Pain with peeing
Bladder pain without infection
Bowel
Fecal incontinence
Constipation
Abdominal pain/bloating
Hemorrhoids
Fissures
Straining on the toilet
Pelvic pain/problems
Pain with sex
Difficulty reaching orgasm
Continuous arousal
Pain in the hips
SI Joint Pain
Pubic Symphysis Pain
Low Back pain
Sensation of heaviness/prolapse
If you are experiencing any of these issues, you probably have pelvic floor problems. The good news is there is help!
You do not have to live with these issues. And you should not live with them!
I cannot tell you how many women I have seen live 20 + years with urinary incontinence or other problems, and in my view this is just unacceptable.
So if you haven't reached out to a pelvic floor physical therapist yet, now is the time.
To book your first visit with us, click here!
If not, find someone in your area and make sure you are subscribed to my email list so you can take advantage of weekly pelvic health tips delivered straight into your inbox!
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