Pelvic Weakness

The pelvic floor muscles are located between the tailbone (coccyx) and the pubic bone within the pelvis, and support the bowel and bladder in males along with the uterus and vagina in females.

Muscular bands (sphincters) encircle the urethra, vagina and anus as they pass through the pelvic floor. When the pelvic floor muscles are contracted, the internal organs are lifted and the sphincters tighten the openings of the vagina, anus and urethra. Relaxing the pelvic floor allows passage of urine and faeces.

If the muscles are weakened, the internal organs are no longer fully supported and you may not be able to control your urine, faeces or gas.

Common causes of a weakened pelvic floor include pregnancy, childbirth, prostate cancer treatment (in males), obesity and the associated straining of chronic constipation/IBS.

Pelvic floor exercises are individually designed to improve muscle tone and prevent the need for corrective surgery.

Symptoms of a weak pelvic floor

• leaking small amounts of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or running (urinary incontinence)
• failing to reach the toilet in time (fecal incontinence)
• uncontrollably passing gas from either the anus or vagina when bending over or lifting
• reduced sensation sensation in the vagina
• tampons that dislodge or fall out
• a distinct bulge at the vaginal opening
• a sensation of heaviness in the vagina
• Low back pain / sacral pain / tailbone pain

What's The Next Step?

At Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, our certified physical therapists will provide you with a thorough evaluation to determine what the best treatment plan will be for you. We understand how inhibiting pain and stiffness can be, and we want to help get you back to comfortably living your life. We'll help lift all of your physical stresses away!

Please email receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com to book an appointment, or call our office at 908-443-9880.