The Importance of the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor. Often not discussed, but oh so important! A lot of discussion about the pelvic floor revolves around pregnancy and post-natal women, however anyone can suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction!

Dysfucntion of this group of muscles occurs when you aren’t able to relax, or coordinate the muscles located in the bowl of the pelvis. Symptoms can range from pain, urinary or bowel issues, pain with sex, or even erectile dysfunction. Your pelvic floor is like a sling that keeps all your organs where they belong, the most notable being the bladder, uterus, vagina, prostate and rectum.

How does this happen? Car accidents or other trauma, pregnancy, overuse, surgery, overweight or obesity, or aging can all be possible causes.

This can be diagnosed by a good history and a physical exam. For an internal examination, seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist is necessary. However pracitioners like chiropractors can also diagnosis issues based on history and an external exam, and make referrals for internal work if necessary.

Treatment can include biofeedback, breath work, exercises, internal physiotherapy, external work on the pelvis, muscles and connective tissue and in some cases, but rarely, medications.

As a chiropractor, I do not do internal work for the pelvic floor. I however can help with many of the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction with exercise, breath work as well manual adjustments to the pelvis, hips and low back. If you think you may have pelvic floor dysfunction, book today.