The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that attach to the front, back, and sides of the pelvic bone and sacrum (the large fused bone at the bottom of your spine, just above the tailbone). Like a sling or hammock, these muscles support the organs in the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus or prostate, and rectum. These muscles also wrap around your urethra, vagina (in women), prostate (in men), and rectum. Bowel and bladder functions are controlled by contracting and relaxing these muscles. Any dysfunction in these muscles, joints, or connective tissue may contribute to conditions such as incontinence, painful intercourse, pelvic pain and interstitial cystitis.
The health of your core affects the function of your entire body. Your core consists of your spine, pelvis, hips, abdomen, connective tissue, joints and organs. The pelvis is a very complex area of ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, arteries, veins, and joints and includes the support of the hips, spine and abdomen. Physical therapy addresses musculoskeletal components that may be contributing to pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction that may not be discovered through diagnostic testing and may have not responded to traditional medical treatments. Even breathing patterns affect your CORE and Pelvic Floor Function.
I want to hear your story. Your initial evaluation will allow time for you to share details of your condition and how it affects your life. The evaluation begins with education of musculoskeletal components of your core followed by musculoskeletal assessment of the trunk, hips, pelvis, and pelvic floor* (postural screen, range of motion, strength, muscle tone, joint mobility, flexibility, coordination); special tests; a detailed review of postures, function, diet, bowel and bladder habits, sleep, sexual health, and daily activities that may affect your condition. Findings may include muscle weakness, joint/soft tissue restrictions, muscle guarding/spasm, poor coordination, and even dysfunctional breathing patterns.
*A pelvic floor assessment may be beneficial in further evaluation and treatment of your condition. This consists of a manual vaginal and/or rectal assessment of pelvic floor muscles, strength, tone, tenderness, and coordination. This assessment is explained in detail and only performed with your clear understanding and consent if and when you are ready.to include this as part of your care.
The respiratory diaphragm creates a sort of “roof” to the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor has its own pelvic diaphragm. With normal function, there should be a rhythm of the respiratory diaphragm and pelvic floor diaphragm. The respiratory diaphragm attaches to the spine in back, ribs on the side and front and surrounds the major hip flexor muscles. How we breathe has a lot to do with how our body functions and can greatly be determined not only by physical activity, but how we respond to daily stressors. Patterns of “breath holding” such as occurs with lifting something too heavy, pushing/pulling, exercise, and stress-response, can contribute to pain and dysfunction of the spine and pelvic floor.
Learning the correct way to do a kegel is only a part of pelvic floor health and evaluation. Over performing a kegel or performing a kegel incorrectly can contribute to pelvic floor pay and dysfunction.
The evaluation and treatments address sleep, diet habits, bowel and bladder habits, daily activities, posture, and mindful awareness in addition to the musculoskeletal findings.
There is strong scientific support for the benefits of mindfulness practice. In my personal mindful practice I have experienced the benefits. I can help you get started with a practice that works for you.