You may have heard of this group of muscles and their associated problems most commonly associated with women post pregnancy. But did you know they are no less important in men and in fact play a critical role in many movements and body functions? The pelvic floor is a ‘sling’ of muscles, a bit like a small muscle hammock that runs between the pubic bone in the front, and the tailbone at the back.
A woman’s pelvic floor muscles support her reproductive organs, bladder, and bowel. The urine tube (urethra), the vagina, and the anus all pass through the pelvic floor muscles. A man’s pelvic floor muscles support his bladder and bowel. The urethra and the anus all pass through the pelvic floor muscles also. Your pelvic floor muscles help you to control your bladder and bowel and are involved with sexual function. Most importantly a properly functioning pelvic floor also helps significantly reduce the incidences of lower back pain as it helps the pelvis properly support the lumbar spine.
Because of these very important functions, it’s vital to keep your pelvic floor muscles strong. To identify your pelvic floor, lie down, or sit in a supported position. Now, imagine you are squeezing your muscles to stop the flow of urine and the passing of wind. Focus on drawing these muscles inwardly tightly. This gives you an idea of the location and function of the pelvic floor muscles. If you have trouble that’s ok, because as Chiropractors we can help you to identify these muscles, and like any other muscle in our body we can train them to become more responsive and stronger. We can also refer you onto other professions such as exercise physiologists and physiotherapists to assist with these complaints. Below are some links to further information and also some basic pelvic floor training activities that are easy but important exercises we should all be able to complete.
http://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/pages/pelvic-floor-safe-exercises.html
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/find-exercise-pelvic-floor-women-men
