November is Bladder Awareness Month

The bladder is supported by a group of muscles located at the bottom of your pelvis.   This group of muscles acts like a supportive hammock for your internal organs.  But their importance goes far beyond just supporting your bladder, reproductive organs and helping control when you use the restroom. The pelvic floor is an integral part of your entire body system.

A Key Player in Overall Wellness

These muscles play a role in several vital functions you might not have associated with them:

• Posture and Balance: The pelvic floor muscles work in tandem with your deep core and back muscles to provide stability for your spine and pelvis. Proper function can directly impact your overall posture and balance.

• Preventing Pain: Issues with these muscles can contribute to chronic low back pain and hip pain.

• Digestive Health: They are involved in bowel function, and dysfunction can contribute to issues like constipation.

• Sexual Function: Proper muscle tone and control are essential for healthy sexual function.

  
  

The amazing thing about these muscles is their dual mode of operation. You can consciously control them—squeezing them when you need to "hold it" or relaxing them during urination. But they also work automatically, engaging to provide support without you even thinking about it when you cough, laugh, or lift something.

The Kegel Misconception

When someone mentions a "pelvic floor issue," the advice you often hear is: "Do your Kegels!"

While Kegels (a contraction exercise) can be beneficial for some, they are not a universal cure-all. In fact, if your pelvic floor muscles are already tense or tight and don't know how to relax and fully lengthen, doing more strengthening exercises can actually worsen problems.

A tight, overactive pelvic floor can lead to issues like:

• Chronic pain

• Constipation

• Even urinary leakage (which is often associated with weakness, but can be a result of muscles stuck in a "too-on" position)

  
  

Listen to Your Body

The key to pelvic floor health is not just strength, but also flexibility, coordination, and the ability to fully relax. Ensuring that these muscles are working optimally—having the right balance of strength and release—can be an important part of your overall health and wellness.

If you have concerns about your pelvic floor, or are experiencing persistent low back pain, hip pain, or urinary issues, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor health. They can help you determine the right approach, which might be strengthening, relaxing, or a combination of both!