What is The Pelvic Floor Anyway?
The words “pelvic floor” have been a bit of a buzz phrase recently. If you and I have ever interacted, there is a large chance that I have mentioned the “pelvic floor” or “pelvic floor therapy” in a conversation. But what is the pelvic floor anyway? Read on to learn more…
Photo by Zita Laura Szasz
The “pelvic floor” refers to a group of muscles known as the pelvic floor muscles. Your pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that line the bony pelvis and act as a hammock for your internal organs including your bladder, uterus and rectum. Besides offering physical support and stability, these muscles work together to control your urethra and rectum, helping you stay continent (no leaking). The muscles also have an important role during sexual activity.
You may be wondering, “why would someone need to see a physical therapist for their pelvic floor?” I treat patients with dysfunction of these muscles. This dysfunction could look like urinary leakage, fecal/gas leakage, constipation/diarrhea, vaginal/pelvic heaviness, bladder/urethral pain, pelvic pain, abdominal discomfort or weakness, lower back pain, and the list goes on.
Sometimes I’ll see a patient who has no symptoms. This is usually when the patient is pregnant and looking for tips to reduce pelvic floor complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Another instance is seeing a patient who feels pretty good postpartum but would like guidance with returning to exercise and normal activity. So yes, I see a lot of people with symptoms, but that does not mean you have to be symptomatic to have a check-in with a pelvic floor physical therapist.
Stay tuned for my next posts which will discuss how we identify pelvic floor dysfunction, as well as treat it. If you are interested in learning more about how you may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy, you are welcome to schedule a free virtual consultation with me or get on the mailing list to learn about upcoming prenatal & postnatal fitness classes. Feel free to email Mariam@TahaPT.com or reach out via Instagram (@TahaTrainingandPT).
By Dr. Mariam Taha, PT, DPT, CSCS
Mariam is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pelvic health and owner of Taha Training and Physical Therapy. Mariam received a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She has done extensive continuing education coursework in pelvic health and has a Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health from the American Physical Therapy Association. She is also a strength and conditioning specialist. Mariam always strives to make physical therapy an enjoyable experience and is motivated by working with a variety of patients. She believes in helping everyone achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Taha Training and Physical Therapy offers pelvic floor physical therapy, personal training, and small group training. They specialize in pelvic floor therapy as well as labor and delivery preparation. Sessions are offered virtually and in-person at their Brookline location. Check out their website to schedule your free consultation to learn more! www.TahaPT.com
