The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that sit at the bottom of the pelvis, supporting the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus and rectum. Like any muscle group, the pelvic floor muscles can become too tight or too weak, with each condition causing major problems.
For many of us, the default assumption is that the pelvic floor muscles are too weak, and we need to do strengthening exercises (aka Kegels). Conversely, most people’s pelvic floor muscles are too tight – the muscles need to relax and lengthen.
Want to know more? Join us for a facilitated discussion about pelvic health at the March 21st Nurturing Circle – click to joinTuesday at 10:30am.
So, how do you know if your pelvic floor is too tight? Below are some signs of tight pelvic floor muscles:
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Pain or discomfort during intercourse: One of the most common signs of a tight pelvic floor is pain or discomfort during intercourse. This pain can occur because the muscles are too tense and unable to relax during penetration.
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Pain in the pelvic region: If you experience pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen, hips, or pelvic area, this may be a sign of tight pelvic floor muscles.
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Urinary problems: When the pelvic floor muscles are too tight, it can affect the bladder’s ability to function properly. This can lead to urinary problems such as frequent urination, urgency, or difficulty emptying the bladder.
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Bowel problems: The pelvic floor muscles also play an important role in bowel function. If they are too tight, they can cause constipation, difficulty passing stools, or incomplete emptying of the bowels.
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Lower back pain: Tight pelvic floor muscles can also cause lower back pain, as they connect to the muscles of the lower back.
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Difficulty participating in exercise: If you have difficulty doing exercises that involve the pelvic floor muscles, this may be a sign of tightness.
Being aware of the signs of a tight pelvic floor is important for maintaining good pelvic health. If you experience any of the above symptoms, a trained pelvic floor physical therapist can assess your pelvic floor muscles and provide appropriate treatment. Whether you want to explore addressing specific symptoms or want to learn more about your pelvic health, our team at Mendwell Pelvic Health will be happy to support you – we’re passionate about helping patients improve pelvic function, relieve pain and return to feeling. their best!
Learn more about Mendwell’s team and their trauma-informed approach website or on social: @mendwellhealth. And join us at 10:30am on Tuesday, March 21st for a facilitated discussion about pelvic health in the Nurturing Circle.
