Living a life free from worries about leaks when you cough or laugh, or not being held back by pelvic pain, may seem out of reach for many. Yet, pelvic floor dysfunction makes this a daily challenge for millions of people. This condition is often ignored or misunderstood.
According to a 2024 study by The Origin Way that found 79% of women struggling with pelvic health symptoms that adversely impact daily life. Shockingly many of them never get medical treatment for these problems.
Plus, not many are aware of pelvic floor therapy — a very effective and non-invasive treatment.
So we’re going to cover all you need to know about this treatment so you can make informed decisions about your health, have a better quality of life, and take back your body!
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles and connective tissues that create a supportive foundation in the lower abdomen. These muscles help with bladder and bowel control, support reproductive organs, and help maintain core stabilization.
In women, the pelvic floor supports the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles get stretched a lot during pregnancy to make space for the baby and can become weakened over time. Many women experience postpartum problems like urinary incontinence and pelvic pain.
In men, the pelvic floor supports the bladder, bowel, and prostate. These muscles can be weakened because of aging or because of surgical procedures for prostate disease, which can lead to urinary leakage, erectile dysfunction, or difficulty with bowel movements.
When these muscles get weak or over-tight, this can lead to:
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
Addressing these problems with pelvic floor therapy can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being.
What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of treatment for pelvic muscle dysfunction. It applies a range of techniques to help either strengthen muscles that are weak or to relax muscles that are over-tight, depending on the problem.
This therapy involves much more than simply Kegel exercises. It involves:
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT): Exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles to improve bladder and bowel control.
- Manual Therapy: Includes hands-on techniques that release taut muscle fibers and stimulate blood flow in the pelvis.
- Biofeedback therapy: Sensors monitor muscle activity to help patients engage the right muscles.
- Electrical Stimulation: Gentle electrical pulses activate weak muscles to restore function.
- Behavioral Therapy: Lifestyle changes, bladder training, and dietary modifications to improve symptoms.
Signs You May Need Pelvic Floor Therapy
If you are still unsure if pelvic floor therapy may work for you, it can help to know what signs and symptoms can indicate the need for therapy. Pelvic floor dysfunction may cause a wide variety of problems concerning bladder, bowel, and sexual health. Here are some of the most common symptoms that show that pelvic floor therapy may be right for you:
Urinary Issues:
- Losing urine with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.
- Sudden, intense urges to urinate.
- Increased urination—particularly at night.
- Inability to completely empty the bladder.
Bowel Concerns:
- Unintentional loss of bowel movement or gas.
- Lumpy or hard stools that can be painful.
- Constipation that fails to improve with dietary modification.
Pelvic Pain:
- Chronic discomfort in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back.
- Pain when urinating or having a bowel movement.
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Sexual Dysfunction:
- Erectile dysfunction in men.
- Women can also experience pain during intercourse.
- Less sexual sensation or trouble getting off.
If any of these symptoms is negatively affecting your daily life, seeing a healthcare provider or pelvic floor specialist can be an important step toward finding relief.
Conditions Treated by Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy can address a spectrum of conditions caused by pelvic floor dysfunction. Such conditions impact both physical and emotional aspects, affecting daily activities, relationships, and overall well-being. Pelvic floor therapy can help manage some of the most common pelvic health conditions, such as:
1. Urinary Incontinence
Urinary leakage is a widely experienced phenomenon that affects women after childbirth and men after prostate surgery. Exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles can help improve bladder control.
2. Pelvic Organ Prolapse
When pelvic organs—the bladder, uterus, and vagina—descend because muscles weaken, it can create discomfort and pressure. Therapy helps in muscle support and avoids future complications.
3. Chronic Pelvic Pain
This is often because pelvic muscles are tight or hyperactive. Treatments for skeletal muscle pain include manual therapy and relaxation techniques, which help release tension and reduce pain.
4. Postpartum Recovery
Childbirth and pregnancy can stretch the pelvic muscles, resulting in incontinence and prolapse, among other problems. This targeted therapy promotes postpartum healing and fortifies the muscles.
5. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Some men may lack tightened pelvic muscles, which can also lead to diminished flow and functionality in the area, increasing their risk of developing ED. All these exercises enhance circulation and erectile function.
6. Intimacy Without Pain (Dyspareunia & Vaginismus)
Pelvic muscles that are tight or uncoordinated can induce pain during intercourse. Therapeutic techniques emphasize relaxation to regain comfort and ease.
What Happens During a Pelvic Floor Therapy Session?
If you’re new to pelvic floor therapy, you may be somewhat apprehensive about what’s to come. That’s completely normal.
This type of therapy is gentle, supportive, and tailored for your specific needs. No extreme procedures, no undue discomfort — simply a targeted method for getting your body to function more efficiently.
Your First Session
Before anything else, your therapist will want to know your story. You should expect questions about your symptoms, how you’re feeling medically, what you do in a typical day, and even stress levels — because all of these can affect pelvic health. They may ask you to complete a form, but the actual discussion occurs in person.
A physical exam could follow. That sounds scary, but people find it less awkward than they think. Your therapist will likely assess your posture, core strength, and external pelvic muscles. Occasionally, they’ll recommend an internal exam — if warranted. If so, they will guide you through it in steps and at no point will you be uncomfortable.
External vs. Internal Therapy: The Ways in Which You Work
1. External Therapy
This technique helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding the pelvic area. Techniques might include:
- Gentle kneading to release tightness.
- Flexibility-enhancing, stretching motions.
- Exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing and modified Kegels.
These strategies can help to strengthen and relax the pelvic muscles, relieving pain and improving function.
2. Internal Therapy
When outside therapy isn’t enough to experience relief, your therapist may recommend internal therapy. This procedure involves using a gloved finger to insert into the vagina or rectum to assess muscle coordination and function.
It may sound strange at first, but for many, it’s a vital part of understanding what is going on in the body. Therapists are trained to make the process as comfortable as possible. They’ll describe every step in advance, work at a pace you’re comfortable with, and ensure that you’re in full control the entire way through.
The Truth About Pelvic Floor Therapy: Myths and Misinformation
Many people hesitate to try pelvic floor therapy, often due to common myths:
“It’s going to hurt.” – In fact, most patients say it feels no worse than a typical physical therapy session.
“It’s embarrassing.” – A trained therapist treats pelvic floor problems the same way a chiropractor treats a back problem — nothing out of the ordinary, just a part of the body that needs attention.
“I need to do things that I’m not really comfortable with.” – Absolutely not. Every action is laid out, and no one does anything without your permission.
Techniques and Methods Used in Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy includes different techniques designed to strengthen, relax, and improve the function of your pelvic muscles. The therapist will tailor these methods to fit your specific needs.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Kegel Exercises
These help strengthen the pelvic muscles by teaching you how to contract and relax them. Practicing Kegels regularly can improve bladder control and reduce incontinence.
Breathing Techniques
Deep breathing can relieve pelvic floor tension. These techniques help both overactive and weak pelvic muscles by improving relaxation and core stability, much like controlled breathing is beneficial in managing conditions such as nasal polyps, where proper airflow plays a crucial role.
Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback uses sensors to monitor muscle activity and teach you how to strengthen or relax your pelvic floor. Small sensors are placed on your body, and you can watch your muscle contractions on a screen. This helps retrain your pelvic muscles effectively.
Trigger Point Release Therapy
This method involves applying gentle pressure to specific “trigger points” in the pelvic muscles to relieve pain and tightness. It’s often used for:
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Painful intercourse.
- Muscle tension-related issues.
Electrical Stimulation
This technique involves a mild electrical current to help strengthen weak muscles or relax overactive ones. It is commonly used for:
- Urinary incontinence.
- Pelvic pain.
- Muscle re-education.
Manual Therapy and Massage
Hands-on techniques help relax tight muscles, relieve pain, and improve pelvic mobility. Therapists use gentle pressure to release tension and improve muscle function.
Lifestyle Modifications
Your therapist may recommend changes to improve bladder and bowel function, such as:
- Staying hydrated.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Practicing good posture.
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Men vs. Women
Pelvic floor therapy is beneficial for both men and women, but treatments differ based on gender-specific needs.
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Women
Postpartum Recovery
Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor, leading to issues like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Therapy helps restore muscle strength and function.
Pelvic Pain and Painful Intercourse
Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or muscle tension can cause pelvic pain. Therapy helps relieve tightness and strengthens weak muscles to reduce discomfort.
Urinary Incontinence
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can weaken pelvic muscles, causing urine leakage. Kegel exercises and other techniques can help.
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Men
Erectile Dysfunction
Weak pelvic muscles can affect sexual function. Therapy strengthens the muscles involved in erections and improves blood flow.
Prostate Surgery Recovery
After prostate surgery, men may experience urinary incontinence or pelvic pain. Therapy aids muscle recovery and bladder control.
Urinary Incontinence
Older men may develop urinary leakage due to weak pelvic muscles. Strengthening exercises help regain control.
Both men and women can benefit from pelvic floor therapy. While their conditions may differ, the goal remains the same—improving quality of life through targeted muscle strengthening and relaxation techniques.
Pelvic Floor Therapy Exercises You Can Try at Home
Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just about visiting a professional. Many simple exercises can be done at home to strengthen and relax the muscles in the pelvic area. In addition to improving pelvic health, these movements act as an exercise to lower injury risk by enhancing stability and muscle coordination. Here are some of the most effective ones:
Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises are the foundation of pelvic floor therapy. They involve contracting and relaxing the muscles that control urine flow.
How to Do Kegels:
- Find the Right Muscles: Try stopping urination midstream. The muscles you engage are your pelvic floor muscles.
- Tighten: Squeeze these muscles and hold for 5 seconds.
- Relax: Release and rest for 5 seconds.
- Repeat: Perform 10-15 repetitions, three times daily. Gradually increase the hold time to 10 seconds.
Kegels help improve bladder control, strengthen muscles after childbirth, and prevent leakage. You can do them anywhere—while sitting, standing, or lying down.
Deep Breathing and Relaxation
Breathing exercises can help relax a tight pelvic floor.
How to Do It:
- Get Comfortable: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.
- Inhale Deeply: Breathe in through your nose, allowing your belly to expand.
- Exhale Slowly: Release the air through your mouth while gently contracting your pelvic muscles.
- Repeat: Continue for 5-10 minutes.
This improves circulation, reduces tension, and promotes relaxation.
Squats and Hip Bridges
Strengthening surrounding muscles supports pelvic health.
Squats:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Lower your hips as if sitting in a chair.
- Keep your knees behind your toes.
- Return to standing.
- Repeat 10-15 times.
Hip Bridges:
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat.
- Lift your hips, squeezing your pelvic floor muscles.
- Hold for a few seconds.
- Lower back down.
- Repeat 10-15 times.
These exercises enhance core strength and posture while supporting pelvic health.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you experience pain, have trouble identifying the right muscles, or notice persistent symptoms, consult a pelvic floor therapist.
How Long Does It Take for Pelvic Floor Therapy to Work?
Results vary. Some see results in 2-4 weeks. Good changes are not seen until 6-8 weeks of consistent effort. There are several things that drive progress:
- Condition Severity: Minor Problems Heal Faster Than Chronic Pain
- Regular Exercise: Exercising on a daily basis improves recovery.
- How Often Should You Go to Therapy: Once a week works for many people. Some need more, others less.
Early results happen, but long-term success takes commitment. Stick with the plan for better bladder control and less pain.
Risks & Side Effects
Pelvic floor therapy is generally safe, but some people have experienced side effects:
Common Side Effects:
- Mild Discomfort
- Fatigue
- Temporary Urinary Frequency
When to Be Concerned:
- Severe Pain
- Unexplained Discharge or Bleeding:
- Dizziness or Extreme Fatigue
FAQs About Pelvic Floor Therapy
What Does Pelvic Floor Therapy Treat?
It’s helpful for urinary incontinence, postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, bowel control issues, and sexual health concerns.
Is It Painful?
The vast majority experience little or no pain. Some feel mild soreness, but therapy should not hurt.
Why Do Men Need Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Yes. It also helps men with problems such as erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and recovery after prostate surgery.
How Effective is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback aids people who have trouble activating pelvic muscles. Sensors enable it to provide real-time feedback, increasing muscle control.
Can It Improve Sexual Health?
Yes! Stronger pelvic muscles enhance sexual function. For women, it reduces pain and improves orgasms. For men, it helps with erectile dysfunction and performance
Last Words
Pelvic floor therapy is a powerful, non-invasive treatment for bladder control, postpartum recovery, sexual health, and pelvic pain. Whether you’re strengthening weak muscles or relaxing tight ones, therapy provides long-term benefits.
If you struggle with pelvic health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. Early intervention leads to better results. With the right guidance, you can regain strength, comfort, and confidence in your daily life.
