Pelvic Pain

"Before physical therapy, I was a pain in the butt" - The Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor muscles have a wide range of functions. First off, they are skeletal muscles, with the ability to involuntarily contract for postural support, and voluntarily contract to increase stability and support. The pelvic floor makes up muscles and connective tissue that acts as a "hammock" to support the pelvic organs - including the bladder, uterus (in females), and the rectum. So what's the big deal?

Let's break the pelvic floor function into the 5 S's: sphincter, stability, support, sexual function, and sump pump

1. Sphincter: This controls the opening and closing of the urethra and anus, which allows for holding back pee, poop, or gas.

2. Stability: The pelvic floor is importance in it's role of the core muscles, working synergistically with the back and abdominal muscles to maintain stability and overall balance.

3. Support: They provide structural support to the pelvic organs to prevent prolapsing- the hammock as mentioned above.

4. Sexual function: Coordination and strong pelvic floor muscles contribute to sexual satisfaction by enhancing blood flow and healthy sensations during intimacy.

5. Sump pump: Help in clearing out swelling - boosts the lymphatic system

Wow - that pelvic floor sure does a lot for us! So what does that have to do with pelvic pain? A LOT if there is dysfunction of the pelvic floor. If your muscles of the pelvic floor are too tight, pain can be present. This may include unresolved low back pain, lower abdominal pain, vaginal pain, burning pain during or after pelvic penetration (or the inability to tolerate penetration), constipation, hip or jaw pain, or even symptoms of increased urinary urge. Now, you can still have tightness in the pelvic floor without experiencing actual pain, but listen to your body, as there are usually other signs or habits that may clue you in.

People are often told to "just do Kegels" if they have any sort of pelvic floor issue, especially incontinence. Contrary to popular belief, this is not usually the first step in the road to recovery. Pelvic floor tension needs to be addressed by learning or retraining those muscles to relax first! Deep breathing is a great first step!

Deep breathing can help calm your body, and therefore, your pelvic floor. Along with calming, it helps to fire the deep core muscles of support when performed correctly. Now don't get me wrong, there is a time and a place for Kegels, but relaxation and coordination of the pelvic floor is first priority in helping to reduce pain.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with pelvic floor pain or anything related, take the first step and BREATHE. Don't ignore those symptoms. Don't be a pain in your own butt. Put yourself first and seek help. Make YOU the priority in your body and mind's recovery.

Just breathe,

Heather