Pelvic Floor

What is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments that play a crucial role in supporting the bladder, uterus (womb), and bowel. It spans the bottom of the pelvis and creates a sort of “hammock” that supports these organs. The muscles in the pelvic floor help control the openings of the urethra, vagina, and anus, allowing for voluntary control over functions like urination, defecation, and childbirth.

The muscles attach at the pubic bone at the front and the tailbone at the back, creating a supportive structure at the base of the pelvis.

Functions of the Pelvic Floor:

Support: The pelvic floor muscles support the organs within the pelvis—bladder, uterus, and bowel—preventing issues such as prolapse (when these organs drop or sag due to a lack of support).
Bladder and Bowel Control: The muscles help to control the function of the bladder and bowels, allowing you to hold urine or stool until you’re in an appropriate place to relieve yourself.
Childbirth: In women, the pelvic floor plays a significant role during childbirth, helping to support the baby during delivery.

Pelvic Floor Problems:

When the pelvic floor muscles weaken or become damaged, they can lead to issues such as:

Incontinence: The involuntary loss of urine or feces.
Prolapse: The sagging or dropping of pelvic organs due to inadequate support from the pelvic floor.
Pain or discomfort: Sometimes, a weak pelvic floor can lead to discomfort or pain during activities like exercise or intercourse.

Role of Physiotherapists in Pelvic Floor Health:

A physiotherapist can help manage and prevent pelvic floor dysfunction by guiding you through exercises and techniques to strengthen and support these muscles. Some of the key approaches include:

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Physiotherapists can teach you specific exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which can be done in the comfort of your own home. These exercises often involve learning how to properly contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles.
Education and Lifestyle Adjustments: Physiotherapists will educate you on lifestyle factors that can help prevent pelvic floor problems, such as:
- Avoiding constipation and straining during bowel movements: This can prevent unnecessary pressure on the pelvic floor.
- Managing body weight: Excess weight can put additional strain on the pelvic floor.
- Proper lifting techniques: Preventing strain from heavy lifting can help protect the pelvic muscles.
- Avoiding excessive coughing or straining: Persistent coughing can weaken the pelvic floor over time.

Conclusion:

The pelvic floor is a crucial part of your overall health and well-being. By maintaining pelvic floor strength and function, you can prevent a range of issues related to incontinence, prolapse, and discomfort. If you experience any symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction, a physiotherapist specialising in pelvic health can help you strengthen and support these muscles, improving your quality of life. Regular pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in ensuring long-term health for this important part of your body.

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You can reach us at (08) 9271 8805 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to answer your questions.