Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Stiff Hips:

For individuals experiencing tightness in the hips, discomfort when sitting cross-legged, or stiffness in one or both hips, it may be beneficial to have your pelvic floor assessed. The pelvic floor muscles play a role in hip rotation, and their relationship with hip rotators is significant. Recently, we encountered a patient with severe limitations in hip internal rotation. After addressing pelvic floor tension, she showed a 10-degree improvement in a single session. This correlation underscores the importance of considering factors beyond the pelvis in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy.

Back pain:

This phenomenon is commonly observed among new parents but is applicable to individuals of any age or pregnancy status. Surprisingly, the pelvic floor is an integral component of the core, contributing to spinal stability. Weakness in the abdominal or back muscles can lead to increased demand on the pelvic floor. If persistent back pain persists with no effective Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy treatment, examining the pelvic region may be beneficial.

Jaw clenching:

During childbirth, women are commonly advised to relax their jaw while pushing, a practice that may resonate with individuals experiencing postpartum challenges. This advice stems from the intricate connection between the jaw and the pelvic floor. Due to embryological and fascial links, tension in one area can trigger tension in the other. This relationship explains the frequent occurrence of TMJ issues alongside pelvic pain. It is crucial for Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy to broaden their scope of assessment beyond the pelvic region, sometimes exploring areas far removed from it.

Constipation:

Your pelvic floor muscles envelop your rectum. When these muscles are tense or spasmed in this area, increased force may be required to pass stool, causing it to remain in the rectum for longer periods. Prolonged retention of stool in the rectum results in increased dryness and difficulty in evacuation. This cycle is commonly initiated by tension in the pelvic floor.

Pain with penetrative sex (vaginal or anal):

Just as with the rectum, the pelvic floor muscles envelop the vaginal canal. When these muscles are taut, they diminish the available space for penetration. This may lead individuals to perceive the opening as overly tight, experiencing sensations of tearing at the vaginal or anal opening, or even a deep, lingering ache. Such discomfort can arise during both initial and deeper penetration.

Tailbone pain:

One important aspect to understand about the tailbone is its capacity for movement. Additionally, it is crucial to note that the pelvic floor muscles are connected to the tailbone. Tight pelvic floor muscles on one side can lead to lateral displacement, causing discomfort. When both sides of the tailbone’s muscles are taut, it can result in anterior displacement, which is also painful. If you are experiencing tailbone discomfort, this would be the initial area to investigate.

Urinary urgency:

Urinary urgency is characterized by a sudden, intense need to urinate that may be challenging (or impossible) to manage. An underlying factor contributing to this condition is pelvic floor muscle tension. When the muscles enveloping the bladder and urethra are tense, shortened, or sensitive, they can disrupt bladder function as it fills. This disruption can result in bladder irritation, ultimately leading to urinary urgency.

Urinary frequency:

This concept is related to urinary urgency. When the muscles around the bladder constrain its capacity to fill, it triggers more frequent signals of needing to urinate compared to when filling is not restricted.

Pain with tampon insertion:

This is comparable to penetrative sex or gynecological exams; however, when using tampons, lubrication is usually even more minimal.

Urge incontinence:

Most individuals commonly associate incontinence with pelvic floor muscle weakness; however, tension can also play a significant role in contributing to leakage. Stress incontinence (leakage during activities like sneezing or jumping) is typically associated with weakness. On the other hand, urge incontinence (leakage due to the sudden urge to urinate) is often linked to pelvic floor tension. In reality, many individuals experience mixed incontinence, a condition combining elements of both weakness and tension in the pelvic floor muscles.

Vaginal or rectal pain:

One common indicator of pelvic floor tension is experiencing vaginal or rectal pain, after ruling out medical causes. Tight muscles, as in any part of the body, can lead to discomfort due to constant clenching. The pelvic floor, however, is unique as clenching often goes unnoticed until issues arise.