Pelvic Health

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Rehabilitation

Up to 80% of female athletes suffer from some form of pelvic floor dysfunction during their lifetime, regardless of whether or not they have been pregnant or given birth. Similar to the strain placed on the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy and childbirth, many sports such as running, jumping and weightlifting, significantly increase intraabdominal pressure. An increase in intraabdominal pressure will strain whichever aspect of the core musculature is weakest, and often this is the pelvic floor. Just like any other muscles in the body the pelvic floor muscles are susceptible to fatigue, strain, and injury if not trained and cared for properly.

Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

  • Urinary incontinence with urge, cough, laughing, walking, running, jumping, or lifting
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder
  • Frequent bowel movements (> 3 per day)
  • Pain with sexual intercourse
  • Sensation of pelvic pressure
  • Low back pain
  • Sacroiliac joint pain
  • Pubic symphysis pain
  • Pelvic organ prolapse

Other Indications for Pelvic Floor Evaluation and Rehabilitation

  • Prenatal exercise and pelvic floor strengthening
  • Postpartum considerations – rectus diastasis, c-section scar adhesions, and return-to-sport training

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation of the pelvic floor requires a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment to address myofascial dysfunction, muscular imbalances, pelvic asymmetry, core weakness, and behavioral factors that may be contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Rehabilitation of the pelvic floor may include:

  • Patient education and training regarding behavioral habits
  • Diaphragmatic breathing to relax the pelvic floor muscles
  • Pelvic floor muscle activation techniques
  • Strengthening exercises for the pelvic floor muscles
  • Pelvic floor muscle endurance training
  • Coordination of the pelvic floor muscles with breathing and dynamic movements
  • Core strengthening 
  • Dry needling to address myofascial dysfunction
  • Correction of general musculoskeletal asymmetries that may be contributing  to pelvic floor myofascial dysfunction
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