What are Pelvic Floor Muscles?

The deep layer of Pelvic Floor Muscles (PFM) supports the pelvic organs such as the bladder and uterus and it keeps the anus and vagina closed. It resists downward pressure created when straining, coughing or sneezing and prevents evacuation of digestive contents at inopportune times!

Thus, the pelvic floor muscles perform a critical role in bowel and bladder continence and elimination, pelvic organ support, and sexual arousal. Electromyography (EMG) studies have shown that they also contribute to lumbar stability alongside the deep abdominal muscles. There is also evidence that the PFM work synergistically the abdominal muscles to provide stability to the sacroiliac (SI) joint. A recently published study found a significant difference in PFM function in women with low back pain compared to those without low back pain. Another study of women with low back pain who also suffered from incontinence found improvement in both conditions following a course of pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Many people believe that weakening of the pelvic floor muscles is normal with pregnancy and aging. It is common but it is not normal!  Generally, it takes about 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation exercises to increase the size and improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles.  Consistent adherence to the exercise program is essential for improvement. Studies have shown that between 60 and 80% of women who believe they are performing an effective Kegel exercise are not. Similarly, many individuals think that they are contracting their Transversus Abdominis muscle when they are really using other muscles such as the abdominal obliques.  One of the best ways to retrain the pelvic floor and abdominal core muscles is using Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging as a biofeedback tool.

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Email: info@beacontherapy.ca

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Why is Pelvic Health Important?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy and manual therapy is not just for treatment of incontinence. Weak or dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles can cause, or contribute to, a myriad of conditions.

Since the pelvic floor is the only stabilizing muscle that is oriented in the horizontal plane, it performs a critical role in spinal stability during all activities. Often chronic back, pelvic or groin pain that does not resolve with usual treatment is related to poor pelvic floor muscle function.

The pelvic floor muscles along with the deep abdominal and back muscles work together to provide lumbar stability, and weakness in one can impact function in the other muscles. It is important to assess all of the deep stabilizers together.

Real-time Ultrasound Imaging is the only tool that can look at the muscles as they function in real time to pinpoint delays or dysfunction in muscle contraction of these deep stabilizers.

Book Appointment

Why is Pelvic Health Important?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy and manual therapy is not just for treatment of incontinence. Weak or dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles can cause, or contribute to, a myriad of conditions.

Since the pelvic floor is the only stabilizing muscle that is oriented in the horizontal plane, it performs a critical role in spinal stability during all activities. Often chronic back, pelvic or groin pain that does not resolve with usual treatment is related to poor pelvic floor muscle function.

The pelvic floor muscles along with the deep abdominal and back muscles work together to provide lumbar stability, and weakness in one can impact function in the other muscles. It is important to assess all of the deep stabilizers together.

Real-time Ultrasound Imaging is the only tool that can look at the muscles as they function in real time to pinpoint delays or dysfunction in muscle contraction of these deep stabilizers.

Book Appointment