Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments found in the floor of your pelvis. This group of muscles play an integral role in urinary, digestive, and reproductive functions. The pelvic floor is the only group of muscles in the body that has five functions. These functions include:
- Support: Basket of muscles at the bottom of our torso that support the organs against gravity.
- Sphincter: Controls openings of the urethra, vagina, and rectum.
- Reproductive/Sexual: Plays a large role in carrying a baby for women. Also involved in orgasm, blood flow, and provides tone for the vaginal and rectal canals.
- Sump Pump: The muscles play a role as a venous and lymphatic pump.
- Stability: Assists in movement and control of the 6 joints that form the pelvis and spinal movement.
What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor Dysfunction is when any of these areas listed above are not functioning optimally. This can lead to many different challenges such pain or discomfort in the lower back, pelvis, genitals, or rectum. Loss of urinary or fecal continence or constipation are also a result of pelvic floor dysfunction. Both men and women can be affected by Pelvic floor Dysfunction.
What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
There are many causes that can lead to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Some include pregnancy/child-birth, prostate conditions, excessive tension in the abdominal muscles, chronic constipation, sexual trauma, or stress/anxiety.
Can Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Be Corrected?
Yes, in most cases! Our External Pelvic Floor Therapist will work with you to identify possible dysfunction in the pelvic floor by using questionnaire, diaries, and discussion. She will then teach lifestyle habits to elicit proper functioning of the pelvic floor and prescribe specific exercises and stretches to release muscle tension and strengthen the pelvic floor. She will work with you to adopt gradual changes in lifestyle habits and will track your progress throughout.