Do you know what the pelvic floor is and what it does for your body? Understanding this important part of your body is the first step in helping you maintain its wellness and overall health.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, fascia and ligaments that support your pelvic organs, such as the bladder, intestines, rectum, prostate and uterus. The largest group of muscles in the pelvic floor is the Levator Ani. The Levator Ani and the surrounding muscles act like a hammock to support your pelvic organs. They also lift upwards to help control urine flow or bowel movements and adjust tension to support our body as we move.
Pelvic Floor Issues and Care
Unfortunately, these muscles and surrounding tissues can change due to menopause, pregnancy, childbirth, cancer treatment, aging, obesity, chronic constipation and more. The key to pelvic floor wellness lies in awareness and proactive treatment, especially if you are having difficulty controlling urine and/or bowel movements or if you are experiencing pelvic pain. If you have these symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Provider to address these concerns. During your visit, your provider may give you simple tips to care for the condition on your own. They may also suggest trying a medication and/or refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic health.
If you are referred to a physical therapist, they can work with you to address these issues. They can give you lifestyle suggestions, create a series of special exercises tailored to fit your needs and provide individualized in-clinic care to decrease your symptoms and get you back to doing what you love.
We’re thrilled to announce the Physical Therapy Team is releasing a series of blogs featuring information and wellness tips to support your pelvic floor and overall health. Stay tuned for more exciting content on this topic!
GHC-SCW Physical & Occupational Therapy
Physical and Occupational Therapists (PTs and OTs) are experts in musculoskeletal health. They are trained to assess and treat a wide range of injuries involving muscles, bones, joints and tendons. Our PTs and OTs focus on whole-person care, addressing how your injury or condition impacts your life. They collaborate with your primary care provider and care team to develop a personalized treatment plan.
