The pelvic floor offers strength and stability in the body, but is often ignored. Many people only begin hearing about their pelvic floor after symptoms like incontinence, back and hip pain, abdominal weakness, or sexual dysfunction appear.
This group of muscles plays a critical role in daily life from providing bladder control to core stability; the pelvic floor muscles are constantly at work. Understanding the anatomy of the pelvic floor allows for understanding of pelvic floor dysfunction, and how it can affect the body in so many ways.
What Is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a layered group of muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments. It sits at the base of the pelvis, forming a supportive hammock between the pubic bone and tailbone. This structure supports pelvic organs like the bladder, rectum, etc. – plus internal sexual organs.
The muscles of the pelvic floor must be both strong and flexible, to contract or relax as needed. Contracted muscles support and control, while relaxed muscles allow for urination, bowel movements, and sexual function.
The pelvic floor is not made up of a single muscle, but rather of several layers that work together. The layer closest to the skin contribute to arousal, orgasm, and genital blood flow, as well as stabilizing the perineum; this layer is important for sensation and function. The middle and deepest layers work together to supports the pelvic organs and urethra, maintain urinary and fecal control, and stabilize the body.
A strong pelvic floor, a strong core
The pelvic floor doesn’t work alone; it works along with the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and muscles along the spine. These muscles coordinate when breathing, lifting, and moving.
Diaphragmatic breathing is the perfect example of how the pelvic floor connects to the rest of the body. Each time you inhale, the pelvic floor gently lengthens; each time you exhale it lifts. This coordination supports posture, balance, and spinal stability.
When pelvic floor muscles suffer, symptoms appear
A healthy pelvic floor allows you to:
- Control bladder and bowel function
- Support pelvic organs
- Maintain sexual health
- Stabilize the spine and hips
- Manage pressure during movement
Pelvic floor dysfunction happens when the muscles do not work together properly. This may mean they are too tight, too weak, or poorly coordinated. It may affect strength, function, nerve conductivity and blood flow. Dysfunction isn’t just about weak muscles; overactive or tense muscles can also cause symptoms to appear.
Common complaints linked to pelvic floor dysfunction include incontinence, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, pain in the back, hips, or legs, pain with intercourse, poor posture, hip instability, and more.
Dysfunction can develop following pregnancy and childbirth, surgery, chronic stress, poor posture, repeated straining, trauma, and hormonal changes to name a few.
Treating conditions of the pelvic floor
Many people live with pelvic floor symptoms for years. They may assume their complaints are normal or inevitable, and many don’t know that there is a way to address them. Many of these complaints can be addressed with pelvic floor physical therapy.
Appropriate intervention can improve function and reduce pain. Physical therapy not only targets complaint areas, but empowers the patient with exercises to complete at home and guidance on habits and activities to make a part of everyday life.
Now that you understand the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, you’re ready to make a move. If any of the symptoms listed above sound familiar and you’re looking to improve your quality of life, contact us.
Body Restoration Physical Therapy is conveniently located in Roslyn Heights in Long Island’s Nassau County, just off the Long Island Expressway. Call us today at 516-399-2503 to learn more.