Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor muscles are skeletal muscles that sit in the pelvic bowl and span from the pubic symphysis, all the way back to the tail bone and sacrum. These muscles not only support the pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus and rectum but also ensure the proper functioning of different systems– urinary, lower GI and the reproductive systems. And while these muscles mostly work automatically, they can be controlled voluntarily (on-demand) as well. They are deemed to be working optimally when they display good strength, endurance, coordination and flexibility. And when working sub-optimally, they adversely impact the functioning of various systems. A diagnosis of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction means that these muscles are holding too much tension and are unable to fully relax on command. Holding tension can impinge and irritate nerves, increase inflammation in the region due to poor blood circulation, ultimately rendering the muscles weak. All these physiological changes, in turn, affect the optimal functioning of various organ systems in the pelvic region.