Tip of the Week: Every Body Has a Pelvic Floor

Tip of the Week
Written By Megan Gleason

Today's tip is more of a public service announcement. This past week, after a post on instagram, I received several comments implying that pelvic floor rehabilitation was only for "women" or for "birth-related" needs. This was surprising to me, as honestly, I thought this myth had been busted in the general public years ago. Yet, this confirmed for me that there is still so much misunderstanding around pelvic health. I'm here to clear that up. 

Get to know your pelvic floor Muscles

First- understand that the pelvic floor muscles are integral muscles in the human body. They are present in all people with slight variations based on anatomy--but fulfill much of the same role. Here's a nice image showing you those variations.

The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in ALL PEOPLE for: 

  • Organ support 

  • Control of bladder 

  • Control of bowels

  • Sexual health 

  • Stability of the pelvis/spine

  • Posture

  • Breathing

  • & much more!

Pelvic Floor Challenges You May Experience

So, to help get that point across, I want to share some of the vast variety of challenges we help people with at SPH: 

  • Children experiencing constipation, accidents or bedwetting

  • Men dealing with chronic prostatitis or pelvic pain problems

  • All genders dealing with painful sex or other sexual dysfunction

  • People experiencing tailbone pain 

  • People dealing with bladder problems- like urinary urgency, increased frequency, waking at night, and of course, bladder leaks.

  • Anyone dealing with chronic low back pain or sciatica-- especially if that pain radiates into the hips or pelvis.

  • Post-operative care for people after hysterectomies, pelvic surgeries, prostate-removal surgeries & more.

  • People dealing with pain from problems like endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, pudendal neuralgia, and much more! 

  • People wanting to have empowered births – helping them with preparing for birth, pelvic floor prep, and birth recovery.

I really could go on and on! So, the next time you hear this myth-- bust it! The more people know that pelvic floor problems can impact anyone, the more likely they are to get help when they need it! 

SPH Provides Pelvic Floor Help
Explore PT services
(local Atlanta & remote)

Want more myth busting?
Check out this blog busting 10 common pelvic health myths!

Weekly Tips Pelvic Health Tips By Dr. Jessica Reale PT, DPT, WCS

Megan Gleason https://theothermeg.com
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