What are Pelvic Floor Muscles and Why Do They Matter? 

If you’re a new Mama, you might know this already. Pelvic floor muscles are the layer of muscles that support the pelvic organs and span the bottom of the pelvis. For women, the pelvic organs include the bladder, bowels, and uterus. For guys, just the first two.

So why the big deal? Why should I care about my pelvic health so much? Pelvic floor muscles provide support to the organs that lie on it. Any sort of trauma or overuse of the pelvic floor muscles can cause issues with urination or defecation (bowel movements), negative sexual health impact, and pain or “loose-ness” following childbirth.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction 

Normally, pelvic muscles are firm and thick. Although they can’t be seen, they can be consciously trained just like your leg, arm or abdominal muscles. Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to coordinate these muscles. The causes of pelvic floor dysfunction can include childbirth, traumatic injury to pelvic region, obesity and nerve damage. Surprisingly, even straining with constipation and straining during weight lifting can cause pelvic floor dysfunction. Common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are urinary issues, constipation, discomfort during sex, lower back pain or muscles spasms in the pelvic area. 

Pelvic Health: Beyond Kegels  

If you’re struggling with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, you are not alone! According to The National Institutes of Health study, this dysfunction affects:

• 10% of women ages 20-39

• 27% of women ages 40-59

• 37% of women ages 60-79

• Nearly half of women 80 years and older

Luckily, there are many resources available for people struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction and the leading method is physical therapy. A trained physical therapist is able to not only work on strengthening, relaxing and coordinating. pelvic muscles. Studies have shown with regular therapy, many of the unpleasant symptoms disappear as well. 

A physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy can use many methods including biofeedback, massage, stretching, and supportive exercises, to name a few. And, the good news is, you can heal! 

Physical Therapy is a whole-istic method of healing. So many of our clients have tried online programs or even tried to heal themselves at home, finding that they only have minimal or temporary success. Simply put, they aren’t able to address the entire dysfunction. 

Yes, you can return to a place of body contentment with your pelvic floor with direction from a PT. Ready to begin? Simply click here to schedule your appointment at Klein Physical Therapy.

Klein Physical Therapy, P.C. is a Denver area physical therapy clinic focused on whole-istic healing. Lea Klein, MSPT is the owner and founder of Klein Physical Therapy. To schedule an appointment, call (720) 252-6304 or click here to book online.

References:

Continence Foundation of Australia https://www.continence.org.au/pages/how-do-pelvic-floor-muscles-help.html

Heathline https://www.healthline.com/health/pelvic-floor-dysfunction

The University of Chicago Medical Center https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/conditions-services/pelvic-health/pelvic-floor-disorders#targetText=Causes%20of%20pelvic%20floor%20disorders&targetText=A%20National%20Institutes%20of%20Health,women%20ages%2060%20to%2079

Harvard Health Publishing https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/pelvic-physical-therapy-another-potential-treatment-option

Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322720.php