Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when one or more of the functions of the pelvic floor are not working properly. This can be caused by the muscles being too tight or too weak, or dysfunction of the diaphragm/breath, core, or glutes.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can present in many ways. Specifically, it can cause leaking (of urine or stool), heaviness, or pain in the pelvic region. It can also cause hip pain, back pain, and can even be the reason that your lingering shoulder injury is not getting better. Our pelvis and pelvic floor is the foundation of our body. If we don’t have a stable, well working foundation, we are just creating dysfunction on top of dysfunction.
Often, when we think of rehab for our pelvic floor, we think of doing a “Kegel” or a contraction of the pelvic floor, however this is not always the answer! We need to have the ability to relax and lengthen our pelvic floor, as much as, we need to be able to contract it. Our pelvic floor is a group of muscles, just like any other muscle in our body, it is the most efficient when we can contract it throughout its full range of motion.
So who experiences pelvic floor dysfunction? It can happen at any age, to both males and females. Pelvic floor dysfunction does not just occur after you have a baby! If you are experiencing any symptoms, or have anymore questions about the pelvic floor reach out and let us know!
– Authored by Amy Garnett Pelvic Health Physiotherapist