Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that lies inside of the pelvic bone. It plays a triple role of supporting internal organs, maintaining bladder and bowel function and creating core stability. The pelvic floor works in concert with the deep abdominal muscles and diaphragm to create spinal stability. Dysfunction of the pelvic floor can cause a variety of symptoms including low back pain, incontinence, and urgency among others. These symptoms can range from deep, achy feelings to sharp and piercing. Pain can be located anywhere from the low back to the lower abdomen, and buttocks. It is estimated that 1 in 4 women have some form of pelvic floor dysfunction, although it is very common among males as well. (1-3)  Pelvic floor dysfunction is more common in females who have had 1 or more children via vaginal birth. Functional screens should always be used to assess how the pelvic floor dysfunction is changing global movement patterns. 

Treatment of the pelvic floor primarily consists of using rehabilitation exercises to strengthen parts of the floor while teaching other parts how to relax. Pelvic floor training often involves diaphragmatic breathing for eccentric control and intra abdominal pressure to coordinate pelvic floor activity with the deep abdominal core for spinal stability. Manual therapy can be used to relieve muscle tension but only by a certified therapist. Regular aerobic exercise can also help pelvic floor training. 

If you have an issue that you would like some guidance with, give us a call at (616) 301-1702.

  1. Dieter AA, Wilkins MF, Wu JM. Epidemiological trends and future care needs for pelvic floor disorders. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology. 2015 Oct;27(5):380

  2. Nygaard I, Barber MD, Burgio KL, Kenton K, Meikle S, Schaffer J, Spino C, Whitehead WE, Wu J, Brody DJ, Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. Prevalence of symptomatic pelvic floor disorders in US women. Jama. 2008 Sep 17;300(11):1311-6

  3. Harvey MA. Pelvic floor exercises during and after pregnancy: a systematic review of their role in preventing pelvic floor dysfunction. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada. 2003 Jun 1;25(6):487-98