It works directly with our diaphragm and our abdominal musculature to stabilize our spine.
Indirectly it helps to handle the exertion we manage on a day-to-day basis. Like any other muscle, when the pelvic floor gets overloaded it can spasm and typically that is where many of the issues seen in PT can originate.
It is because of this role of the pelvic floor in our body, that true pelvic floor rehab will not just address the pelvic floor specifically, but will also ALWAYS address the other links in our kinetic chain that may be weaker than our life demands and as a result are leaving our pelvic floor to handle more work than it is capable of.
What Is The Pelvic Floor?
Our Pelvic Floor is the literal foundation of our core. It is comprised of muscle and fascia that function as a sling to support our reproductive and internal organs, and plays a role in sexual function, postural stabilization, and effective force transmission of stress through our trunk (from arms to legs or vice versa).
FAQs
Why pelvic floor PT?
Frequently when women mention having pelvic floor concerns to a healthcare provider, or friends and family, they are commonly told to "just Kegel." However, without having a proper assessment from a pelvic floor PT this can be ineffective for 2 reasons:
1. often their problems stem from muscles that are "too tight" or "overactive" in which case kegeling will Not help and can potentially exacerbate the problem.
2. Even if increased pelvic floor strength is needed, research tells us that 50% of women who believe they are kegeling are actually performing the exercise ineffectively.
What can I expect at my first session?
An initial evaluation for pelvic health will consist of thorough interview, a complete biomechanical assessment, as the pelvic floor is just part of the individual as the bigger system and is influenced by factors such as freedom and control of motion at the foot, hip, and throacic spine (upper back), and depending on plan decided upon mutually by patient and provider often an internal pelvic exam assessing resting muscle tone and dynamic function (strength, power, and endurance).
On day 1, as a patient, you can expect to receive a proper diagnosis, and a plan of care to address your concerns including exercises to perform at home to supplement any work done in clinic in order to maximize treatment efficiency and speed progress!
Is An Internal Exam Necessary?
While an internal exam is extremely helpful and provides information that can be invaluable in guiding treatment, it is never mandatory and patient comfort with their treatment plan is first and foremost.
You, as the patient, are always in control of your body and an internal exam is your right to pursue or decline.