Pelvic Floor Health Matters for Everyone
When you hear “pelvic floor physical therapy,” it’s easy to assume it’s just for postpartum women. But did you know pelvic floor dysfunction can affect people of ALL genders and activity levels? From athletes with core instability to men experiencing pelvic pain, the pelvic floor plays a vital role in overall health, movement, and performance.
If you’ve been dealing with discomfort, core weakness, or bladder issues, pelvic floor physical therapy might be the missing piece of the puzzle. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we provide specialized care to help you move and feel better—regardless of who you are or where you are in life.
What Is the Pelvic Floor, and Why Is It So Important?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form the base of your pelvis. These muscles support your bladder, bowels, and, in women, the uterus. They provide support to keep our internal organs in, but they also play an important role in what comes out. These muscles futher are a great asset in:
Core Stability: The pelvic floor works with the diaphragm, abdominal, and back muscles to stabilize your core during movement.
Bladder and Bowel Control: These muscles help manage continence and prevent leakage.
Sexual Function: A healthy pelvic floor is essential for pain-free and satisfying sexual activity.
Breathing Mechanics: The pelvic floor works in sync with the diaphragm to assist with efficient breathing.
When these muscles are too tight, weak, or uncoordinated, they can cause a wide range of issues, from pelvic pain to poor athletic performance.
Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t always look the same, and it’s often misunderstood or overlooked. Dysfunction also does not have to be localized to the pelvis. Let's explore some common symptoms. Urinary Issues: Patients do not just report leakage or voiding. They might also report difficulty initiating urination, frequent urination, or a feeling of incomplete emptying. Back or Pelvic Pain: Patients often describe pain in the groin or hips, especially with activity. But pain or discomfort might also occur in the lower abdomen and be confused with a GI issue. Core Weakness: If you have difficulty breathing or stabilizing your trunk during movement, you might experience back or pelvic pain during exercises like planks or squats. Pain During Intercourse: This can occur in women or men and is often linked to tight or dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles. However, the area of pain can help us determine what structure is actually causing the pain. Constipation: Both men and women often complain of difficulty with bowel movements. Sometimes this can be due to overactive pelvic floor muscles. Prolapse Symptoms: This is an unfortunate symptom that progresses as we age. It is a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area, often described as a “falling out” sensation. A weak pelvic floor no longer has the strength or endurance to support the internal organs of the pelvis.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Affects More Than Postpartum Women
While postpartum recovery is a common reason to seek pelvic floor physical therapy, it’s not the only one. Here’s how pelvic floor dysfunction affects various groups:
Athletes: High-impact sports like running, gymnastics, or weightlifting put stress on the pelvic floor, leading to symptoms like leakage, pain, or core instability.
Men: Pelvic pain, urinary issues, or erectile dysfunction can be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction. Tight or weak muscles in this area often go undiagnosed in men.
Older Adults: With age, the pelvic floor can weaken, contributing to issues like incontinence or reduced core stability.
Chronic Pain Patients: Conditions like low back pain, hip pain, or even chronic constipation can often be traced back to pelvic floor dysfunction.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy for the pelvic floor focuses on restoring muscle function, relieving pain, and improving quality of life. Here’s what to expect:
Comprehensive Assessment: A PT trained in pelvic health will evaluate your posture, breathing, core strength, and pelvic floor function to determine the root cause of your symptoms.
Strengthening or Relaxation Techniques: Depending on whether your pelvic floor is too weak or too tight, your therapist will guide you through exercises to address the imbalance.
Manual Therapy: Techniques like trigger point release, myofascial work, or internal release may be used to relieve tension and improve mobility in the pelvic area. Treatment may also be guided to the low back or hips for a full comprehensive approach to you care.
Breathing and Core Training: Learning how to coordinate your breath with pelvic floor and core activation helps improve stability and function. If your diaphragm and pelvic floor do not work synchronously, the muscles of the pelvis have no hope.
Education and Lifestyle Adjustments: Your PT will teach you strategies for symptom management, including posture tips, exercise modifications, and ways to prevent recurrence. We will teach your how to not just handle your symptoms, but to actually do something about it.
Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms—Get Help Today
Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t have to hold you back. It can be life-changing for those dealing with these symptoms. Whether you’re an athlete, a new parent, or simply someone dealing with these uncomfortable symptoms, pelvic floor physical therapy can help you feel stronger, more confident, and pain-free. We can help give you back your quality of life.
Contact Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance to schedule your assessment today. Let us help you take the first step toward better pelvic health and a more active life.
References:
Dumoulin C, et al. Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment for urinary incontinence in women: A Cochrane systematic review. Neurourology and Urodynamics. 2018;37(3):1100-1107.
Bo K, et al. Evidence for pelvic floor physical therapy in men with pelvic pain and dysfunction. Scandinavian Journal of Urology. 2017;51(1):1-7.
Rosenbaum TY. Physical therapy treatment of sexual pain disorders. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2010;7(1):615-631.