You may have heard of the pelvic floor, or pelvic floor health, and not been exactly sure what it referred to. If so, you are not alone. This simple guide outlines the fundamental anatomy and functions of the pelvic floor to better understand what it does and why it is important.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscle at the bottom of your pelvis. They form a “trampoline-like” diamond structure from the pubic bone to the tail bone, and the sit-bone to the sit-bone. Depending on how you count them, there are about 14 muscles total.
Why is the Pelvic Floor Important?
The pelvic floor has several key functions:
Supports Organs
The pelvic floor supports the bladder, intestines, and uterus, keeping them in place. This is especially important when pregnant! To learn more about pelvic floor changes in pregnancy you can watch this video.
Controls Urination and Bowel Movements
Strong pelvic floor muscles help control when you go to the bathroom. They contract and relax to allow you to start and stop the flow of urine and manage bowel movements.
Pressure regulation with breathing:
When you breathe, your diaphragm and pelvic floor move together to manage pressure within the abdominal cavity.
- Inhalation: As you inhale, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward. Simultaneously, the pelvic floor muscles lengthen and relax to accommodate the increase in pressure from the expanding lungs and descending diaphragm.
- Exhalation: As you exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward. The pelvic floor muscles contract slightly to help push the air out and maintain pressure balance.
- Video describing connection breathing
Hip and Back Stabilization
The pelvic floor muscles stabilize the pelvis and low back, dysfunction can lead to hip and low back pain.
Sexual function
The pelvic floor muscles help achieve arousal and orgasm. Pain with penetration can occur when the pelvic floor muscles become dysfunctional.
Sump-Pump
The pelvic floor helps move lymph fluid and blood through the pelvis and up into the trunk.
When to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist
If you are experiencing any of the below concerns, a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help:
- Incontinence
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Back or Hip Pain
- Pain with sexual activity
- A weak core
- Constipation
- Diastasis recti (video info)
- Pregnant
- Post-partum
- Cesarean section/c-section recovery
Book Your Appointment Today!
As a pelvic floor physiotherapist in Little Italy, Toronto, I offer specialized treatments and exercises tailored to each individual. If you’re in the College and Bathurst area of Toronto and need professional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Book an appointment today and let’s work together towards your goals!
By Maja Degen, your trusted pelvic floor physiotherapist in Little Italy, Toronto. Visit the Urban Wellness Website to learn more or schedule an appointment directly.