What are the pelvic floor muscles?
The pelvic floor muscles support the pelvic internal organs (bladder, uterus, and rectum) and form a hammock-like structure stretching from the coccyx (tailbone) to the pubic bone. They play a key role in:
- bladder and bowel control,
- pelvic and lumbar spine stability,
- sexual function,
- support during pregnancy and childbirth.
When these muscles are weak, tense, or poorly coordinated, a variety of symptoms may appear, such as urinary leakage, heaviness, or pelvic pain.
What does a pelvic floor physiotherapist do?
Pelvic floor physiotherapists are healthcare professionals with expertise in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of pelvic floor disorders. They work with individuals experiencing, for example:
- urinary and/or fecal incontinence,
- pelvic floor pain,
- pelvic organ prolapse.
They also play an important role before and after childbirth, helping the body adapt to the changes of pregnancy and labor, and recover effectively afterward.
Just like any other muscle group, the pelvic floor muscles can be assessed for strength, endurance, coordination, and contraction speed. Physiotherapists use external techniques and, when appropriate, internal evaluations.
Their expertise goes beyond the pelvic floor itself: they also assess posture, breathing patterns, and deep core strength, recognizing that these components are closely interconnected and have a major impact on pelvic health.
When should you consult in pelvic floor physiotherapy?
There’s no “wrong time” to consult. Whether for prevention or treatment, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you better understand and regain control of your body.
Here are some common reasons to consult:
- Urinary incontinence: at any age, urine leakage should not be considered “normal.” Very frequent urination (e.g., 10 times a day) or waking up at night to urinate may warrant consultation.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area.
- Pelvic pain: pain during sexual intercourse, or discomfort when inserting a tampon or other.
- During pregnancy: to prevent or relieve pain and prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth.
- Postpartum: to restore muscle tone, prevent incontinence, and work on scar healing.
- Persistent lower back, sacral, or coccyx pain that does not improve with standard physiotherapy.
💡 Even without symptoms, an evaluation in pelvic floor physiotherapy can be highly beneficial, especially after pregnancy.
What are the different types of urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is one of the most common reasons for consulting a pelvic floor physiotherapist. It can take several forms:
- Stress incontinence: involuntary leakage of urine during increased abdominal pressure (e.g., coughing, laughing, jumping, or lifting).
- Urge incontinence: characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by leakage that cannot be controlled, even when trying to hold it.
- Mixed incontinence: a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.
- Overflow incontinence: small, constant leaks because the bladder is overly full and does not empty properly.
- Functional incontinence: linked to physical, cognitive, or environmental limitations that prevent timely access to the toilet (e.g., reduced mobility, cognitive decline, or inaccessible bathrooms).
Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps identify the specific type of incontinence and implement effective strategies to reduce or even eliminate symptoms.
In summary, pelvic floor physiotherapy is a gentle and effective approach to improve comfort, function, and quality of life. No matter your age or situation, it is always possible to regain better control and greater confidence.
