Let’s talk about the pelvic floor because, frankly, it doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
This unsung hero of the human body is responsible for “keeping things up and in” when necessary and “out and down” when appropriate. Sounds simple, right? Well, when the pelvic floor throws a tantrum, chaos ensues.
If you’ve ever laughed, sneezed, or jumped and felt a little leak, or if your bathroom trips require a pep talk and a prayer, congratulations – you may have a rebellious pelvic floor. But fear not! Physiotherapists with a special interest in pelvic health are well-trained and equipped to be your “pelvic problem solvers,” saving you from the embarrassing and frustrating issues that arise when the pelvic floor muscles misbehave.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD)
Pelvic floor dysfunction manifests in two ways – or sometimes as a combination of both:
1. Weak Pelvic Floor (The Lazy Slacker)
If your pelvic floor is too weak, it’s like a bouncer who lets everyone into the club – urine, stool, even organs (hello, prolapse). This can lead to:
- Bladder leaks.
- Urgency to get to the bathroom (like a desperate toddler making a wild dash!).
- Unwanted escape of wind (and you can’t even blame the dog!).
- Prolapse (your pelvic organs don’t stay where they belong).
2. Tight Pelvic Floor (The Overachiever)
A hyperactive pelvic floor sounds great until you realise it’s like an intern who never clocks out. Even though they’re always busy, they’re not efficient in their work. More women seem to fall into this category. It can cause:
- Painful sex.
- Constipation (because your rectum is on strike and, despite being locked and loaded, you just cannot get it all out).
- The feeling that your bladder is never empty (even though you just went – again).
- Constant vague niggles in the pelvis and hip.
Help Is at Hand!
Think of a pelvic physio as a personal trainer, therapist, and body whisperer all rolled into one. Our job is to:
- Assess whether your pelvic floor is too weak, too tight, or just confused.
- Teach you exercises to get the muscles functioning as they should (more than just Kegels!).
- Use hands-on techniques to help relax or strengthen the muscles.
- Guide you on lifestyle changes that make your pelvic floor happy and functional.
Pelvic floor dysfunction may be embarrassing, but suffering in silence is not necessary. A pelvic physio is your secret weapon to reclaiming comfort, control, and confidence – because no one should have to cross their legs when they sneeze.
If your pelvis is being a diva, do yourself a favour: book an appointment, have a laugh about it, and get ready for a life where your pelvis works for you, not against you.
