Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The pelvic floor is an umbrella term for all of the structures in the pelvic bowl, including the muscles, fascia, ligaments and vascular bundles (arteries, veins, nerves). 

The pelvic floor muscles are a hammock shaped sling of muscles in the base of the pelvis, attaching at the front onto the pubic bone (pubic symphysis), at the back onto the tailbone (coccyx) and at the side onto sit bones (ischial tuberosities). Together, these muscles provide support to the bony pelvis, the pelvic organs (bladder bowel and uterus) and provide the continence mechanism i.e. control of wee and wind! 

As well as their role in supporting the pelvis, they also work functionally with the rest of the core muscles, including the abdominals, deep spinal muscles and diaphragm. 

Dysfunction in the pelvic floor can occur when these muscles are weak, tight, overactive or underactive. They might also lack coordination or be quite sore and tender. 

Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include;

• Urinary frequency (daytime or nighttime) urgency

• Incontinence (bladder or bowel)

• Bladder pain (pain during a wee or between trips to the toilet)

• Constipation, straining, haemorrhoids, incomplete bowel emptying 

• Pain or difficulty with pelvic examinations, sexual intercourse or tampons 

• Vaginal heaviness, dragging or bulging 

• Low back pain 

The pelvic floor muscles are like any other muscles in the body. Meaning the can be strengthened and stretched to restore their optimal function. 

At Flow Pelvic Physio, our pelvic floor physiotherapists will accurately assess your pelvic floor function and help you to understand how and why they may be contributing to your symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. You will be taught how to correctly contact and relax these muscles, and be given a home exercise program that is specific to you.

***Disclaimer: Blog is for general education only, please seek an individualised assessment and treatment plan with a pelvic health physio