Top Signs You Could Benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy (And What to Expect from It)
The pelvic floor plays a major role in our day-to-day health, supporting our bladder, bowels, and, in women, the uterus. But when these muscles are too tight, too weak, or not coordinating well, you can experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms that interfere with daily life.
If you’re dealing with issues like bladder leaks, pelvic pain, or even lower back discomfort, pelvic floor therapy might be the solution you’re looking for. In this post, we’ll explore the top signs that pelvic floor therapy could help and what you can expect if you decide to start therapy. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, download our free checklist to see if your symptoms align with common pelvic floor issues.
Why Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy is designed to help you reconnect with and strengthen this important muscle group. By working with a pelvic health specialist, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how your pelvic floor works and address any muscle imbalances that may be causing your symptoms. Therapy typically involves exercises, lifestyle guidance, and personalized techniques to support your health and daily comfort.a
Here are some common signs and symptoms that pelvic floor therapy may be right for you. If any of these resonate, know that these issues are common and treatable with the right support.
1. Bladder Leaks with Sneezing, Coughing, or Exercise
Urinary incontinence, or accidental bladder leakage, is one of the most common signs that the pelvic floor needs extra support. If you notice leaks when you laugh, sneeze, or exercise, it’s likely that your pelvic floor muscles aren’t fully able to control bladder function.
How Therapy Helps: Pelvic floor therapy focuses on strengthening and coordinating the pelvic muscles, improving bladder control and reducing the likelihood of leaks. Through targeted exercises, you’ll gain more control and confidence in your bladder function.
2. Frequent Urges to Urinate
If you find yourself needing to go to the bathroom frequently, even if you’ve just gone, this could be a sign that your pelvic floor is overactive or miscoordinated. Sometimes, the muscles become overly tense, leading to a frequent urge to urinate.
How Therapy Helps: Therapy can help you learn how to relax and coordinate the pelvic muscles, so you can go longer between bathroom trips without discomfort.
3. Pelvic Pressure or Heaviness
A sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area can be a sign of weakened pelvic floor muscles or even pelvic organ prolapse, where one or more pelvic organs shift downward due to lack of support. This pressure may intensify after long periods of standing, walking, or lifting.
How Therapy Helps: Therapy can build strength and flexibility in the pelvic floor muscles, providing better support for your organs and relieving feelings of pressure or heaviness.
4. Pain with Sexual Activity
Experiencing pain or discomfort during intimacy can be caused by pelvic floor tension or overactive muscles. This type of pain can feel like a tightness or burning sensation, often making intimacy stressful or uncomfortable.
How Therapy Helps: Pelvic floor therapy includes techniques to release tension in these muscles, helping you feel more comfortable and confident. Through gradual exercises and relaxation strategies, therapy can address the root cause of pain, making intimacy more enjoyable.
5. Constipation or Straining During Bowel Movements
Constipation or difficulty emptying the bowels can also be related to pelvic floor dysfunction. When the muscles involved in bowel movements are too tense or not coordinating properly, it can make elimination challenging and even painful.
How Therapy Helps: Therapy addresses muscle relaxation and coordination, helping you to reduce straining and establish regular, comfortable bowel habits. Techniques like breathing exercises and pelvic floor relaxation are often key to improving digestive comfort.
6. Lower Back, Hip, or Pelvic Pain
The pelvic floor works closely with the core muscles, so when the pelvic floor is weak or tense, it can cause pain in the lower back, hips, or even the pelvis itself. This pain might feel like a dull ache or soreness, especially after physical activity or sitting for long periods.
How Therapy Helps: Therapy strengthens and coordinates your core and pelvic floor muscles, helping to relieve strain on your back and hips. I’ll guide you through exercises that improve stability, reduce tension, and provide long-term relief.
7. Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)
If you have a gap between your abdominal muscles after pregnancy (known as diastasis recti), it can weaken your core and impact your pelvic floor stability. This separation can cause issues with balance, posture, and even bladder control.
How Therapy Helps: In therapy, we’ll work on safely reconnecting the core and pelvic floor to reduce the gap and improve overall strength. This integrated approach supports both your core stability and pelvic health.
What to Expect from Pelvic Floor Therapy
If you’re new to pelvic floor therapy, here’s a look at what a typical session might involve:
Personalized Assessment: In our first session, we’ll discuss your symptoms, health history, and goals. I’ll assess your pelvic floor function and determine which exercises or techniques might help.
Gentle, Guided Exercises: Each session includes exercises specifically tailored to your needs. I’ll guide you through these, ensuring you’re activating and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles in a way that supports your unique recovery.
Lifestyle and Movement Coaching: We’ll also discuss habits that affect pelvic health, like posture, bathroom habits, and daily movement. Small adjustments can make a big difference in reducing symptoms and improving comfort.
Ongoing Support: Pelvic health is a journey, and I’m here to support you along the way. As your symptoms improve, I’ll adapt your plan to keep building strength, flexibility, and control.
Curious if Pelvic Floor Therapy is Right for You?
Pelvic floor therapy can be a life-changing support for managing bladder leaks, reducing pain, and improving core strength. If you’re dealing with any of the symptoms listed above, it might be time to take the next step.
Download our free checklist to help you assess your symptoms and decide if pelvic floor therapy is right for you. Or, reach out for a free consultation to discuss how therapy can support your health goals.
