The pelvic floor doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Maybe it’s because you can’t see it, or maybe it’s because people feel awkward talking about it. But this group of muscles is critical to your overall health—impacting everything from bladder control to posture and even your core strength. Often, it’s not until a problem arises that we take notice.
For many women, childbirth is the moment the pelvic floor finally gets a spotlight. It’s no secret that pregnancy and delivery put immense pressure on these muscles, and some experience pelvic floor issues as a result. But here’s the question: did childbirth create the problem, or did it simply reveal an underlying weakness that was already there? Either way, the pelvic floor is just like any other muscle—it can be strengthened, rehabilitated, and supported with the right care.
At Philip Wood Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists specialise in helping you restore and maintain pelvic floor health. Call us on 02 9838 3030 to make an appointment. Whether you’ve had children or not, prioritising your pelvic floor can transform your health in ways you might not expect.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that form a sling-like structure at the base of the pelvis. It supports organs such as the bladder, uterus (in women), and rectum, and it plays a crucial role in controlling bladder and bowel movements, stabilising your spine, and supporting your breathing.
These muscles don’t just contract—they also need to relax to function properly. For example, the pelvic floor tightens when you laugh or cough to prevent leaks but relaxes when you urinate or have a bowel movement.
What happens when the pelvic floor isn’t functioning properly?
A pelvic floor that’s either weak or overly tight can lead to a wide range of issues:
- Weakness: This can cause urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or poor core stability, leading to lower back or hip pain.
- Overactivity: If the pelvic floor is too tense, it can cause pelvic pain, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, or discomfort during intercourse.
These issues don’t just affect the pelvic region – they can disrupt your posture, balance, and even your ability to breathe deeply, as the pelvic floor works closely with your diaphragm and core muscles.
The benefits of a strong and balanced pelvic floor
A healthy pelvic floor offers more than just bladder control:
- Core stability: It works with your deep abdominal and back muscles to support your spine, improving posture and reducing back pain.
- Improved movement: A strong pelvic floor helps stabilise your body during physical activity, from running to yoga.
- Better breathing: The pelvic floor and diaphragm work together, so a balanced pelvic floor improves breathing efficiency.
- Enhanced wellbeing: Reducing symptoms like incontinence or discomfort can boost your confidence and quality of life.
Strengthen and relax
A common misconception is that the pelvic floor only needs to be strengthened. However, for these muscles to work properly, they also need to relax. Constant tension in the pelvic floor can lead to pain and dysfunction, much like holding your fist clenched all day.
Physiotherapy focuses on both aspects—strengthening weak muscles and teaching overactive muscles to relax. Breathing techniques, gentle stretches, and exercises like squats and pelvic tilts can be just as valuable as targeted strengthening exercises.
How physiotherapy can help
At Philip Wood Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat pelvic floor dysfunction. Your personalised treatment plan may include:
- Guidance on exercises to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor.
- Hands-on therapy or biofeedback to improve muscle function.
- Advice on related areas, such as breathing techniques and posture correction, to optimise your pelvic health.
Take control of your pelvic health
The pelvic floor is a cornerstone of your overall health, supporting your body in ways you may not realise. Whether you’re managing symptoms or simply aiming to improve your core strength, physiotherapy can make a real difference.
Call 02 9838 3030 to book an appointment with our physiotherapists at Philip Wood Physiotherapy and take the first step towards a healthier, stronger pelvic floor.