What is a Pelvic Floor & Does Mine Need Help?

Pelvic floor physical therapy has become much more mainstream over the past several years, and for good reason! For so long, people’s symptoms had been ignored because the problems were shrugged off as a “normal” part of life, aging, or even childbirth. We’re here to tell you that it isn’t normal & something can be done about it. 
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Though we know awareness of pelvic floor problems has greatly increased, we also understand that there are still many questions and misconceptions surrounding this important topic. This series will help you get answers to those important questions and feel better prepared to make the best decision for your health and happiness. 

In today’s article, we’ll be discussing the questions we hear when people are trying to determine if they have a pelvic floor problem and what they can do to get help.


What’s a Pelvic Floor? 
The pelvic floor is a collection of muscles that live at the bottom part of your pelvis and keep your organs off the floor. They actually control and impact more than you think! If you have any issues with your core, bladder, bowel, sexual function, prolapse, or back/pelvic/hip pain, then you likely have a problem with these muscles.

Do I Need Pelvic Rehab? 
Everyone has a pelvic floor and over 50% of Americans are living with some sort of pelvic floor problem or symptoms. These symptoms can be worsened by stress, diet, physical exercise, or even just doing normal day-to-day activities. If you’ve ever experienced leaking of urine or stool, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels, difficulty or pain with sexual activity, prolapse, back, hip, or pelvic pain, or are pregnant/postpartum you can benefit from pelvic floor PT. 

 What Can Pelvic PT Do For Me?
If you struggle with anything that could be considered “too much information,” you probably have a pelvic floor problem. We treat symptoms related to the 5 P's: Pee, Poop, Penetration, Prolapse, and Pelvic Pain (Bonus Ps are Pregnancy/Postpartum and Penis/Prostate issues). We can help you get the confidence you need to be in control of your bladder and bowels, enjoy sex again, avoid surgery, and get back to the activities you love without being limited by pain or learning how to live with it!

Aren’t Those Symptoms a Normal Part of Life?
Our favorite phrase is: “Just because it’s common, doesn’t mean it’s normal.” Most of our patients struggle to get help because they don’t realize that they have a problem. People don’t typically share challenges that are considered socially stigmatizing or faux pa, even if it’s ruining their life! Once they find out that their symptoms aren’t a normal part of life, they don’t always know that help is available. That’s why we’re here to help! We love to help people who have been trapped in hopelessness and shame for years. Don’t settle for less than what’s best for your body.

Won’t This Go Away On Its Own?
Very rarely. If you don’t do maintenance on your car, it will start to break down, affect other parts of the system, and cost a lot more to fix. Your body is no different! In fact, if you let this problem stick around, it will most likely get worse and worse. Address the problem as soon as it arises and you will save time, money, and heartache!

I’ve Done Kegels or Seen Other Physical Therapists Before, but They Didn’t Help.
Well, you’re in luck! Kegels were all the rage 20 years ago, but as the research changes… so do we. Most people have “short or overactive” pelvic floor muscles that will only get worse with kegels. Exercise only irritates already shortened muscles. For example: If you are holding your shoulder up by your ear, I wouldn’t recommend shoulder lifting/shrugging exercises. The pelvic floor muscles are no different! Step away from the machines and recommendations to squeeze and try to let that muscle soften and lengthen, instead.