My first encounter with pelvic floor therapy was a few of years prior to becoming pregnant. Back in 2016 I started to have significant back pain and after going to countless practitioners from doctors, neurosurgeons, to chiropractors, and physical therapist, I found myself in a small physical therapy office that focused on women’s health and the pelvic floor. At that point, I learned through MRI imaging that I had several herniated discs in my lower back.

I was apprehensive to try this because until that point, I never heard of pelvic floor therapy and felt like I just stumbled upon something that “could” help.

At that point, one could say I was desperate to try to find a way to cope with the pain. The pain of simply sitting was unbearable. I found myself standing throughout my work days, including my graduate classes at night. The back of the classroom was my place of comfort and safety, taking notes, and trying to not distract my teachers and classmates.

Another contributing factor to seek out alternative therapies was our desire to start a family one day. There were several practitioners who told me that once you open pandoras box with back pain, it’s hard to close it, almost impossible. One practitioner told me they were uncertain if I would be able to safely carry a baby without being bedridden.

Knowing that we eventually wanted to start a family, I thought I would put aside some of my skepticism and discomfort and give it a try.

Working with a practitioner, I learned SO much about the importance of our pelvic floor and just how much it does for us. Not only did I find relief in back pain, but I learned a lot about other areas that were too weak and needed to be supported.

Fast forward to years later, two pregnancies, and additional physical therapy with pelvic floor specialists, I can truly say our muscles do so much to support our bodies. It is key we pay attention to these vital parts.

Below, I will highlight some of the key things that our pelvic floor does for us , including benefits of addressing pelvic floor recovery during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Some of the key things that our pelvic floor does, includes:

•Supporting your bladder and bowel control. The pelvic floor muscles help keep you continent by tightly controlling the openings of your urethra and anus. Without a strong pelvic floor, incontinence can result. 

•Allowing you to stand upright. The pelvic floor muscles attach to the pubic bone and coccyx, providing a hammock-like sling that holds up your pelvic organs so you can stand and walk comfortably.

•Facilitating childbirth. During labor and delivery, the pelvic floor muscles must stretch significantly to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Then they must contract after birth to help control blood loss.

•Enhancing sexual function and pleasure. A toned pelvic floor can improve arousal, enhance sensation, increase orgasm intensity and help achieve sexual satisfaction.

•Supporting your core stability. The pelvic floor muscles are part of your core muscle group that includes your deep abdominal muscles. They provide a foundation for whole body stability and posture.

But despite all the pelvic floor does for us, it often goes unnoticed until there's a problem like incontinence, pelvic pain or sexual dysfunction. Pregnancy and childbirth can take a serious toll on these muscles, yet many women are unaware of how important pelvic floor therapy can be.

Taking care of your pelvic floor health during pregnancy and after childbirth is vital for a healthy and comfortable postpartum period.  Pelvic floor therapy can help strengthen and rehabilitate the muscles in this important area, leading to a wide range of benefits.     

Some of the main benefits of pelvic floor therapy during and after pregnancy include: 

• Reduced urinary incontinence. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to urine leakage, especially after the stress of childbirth on the body.  Physical therapy focuses on improving muscle strength to help control the flow of urine.

• Less bowel and bladder issues. Pelvic floor therapy addresses muscle weaknesses that can cause bowel and bladder problems like fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and difficulty fully emptying the bladder.

• Improved pelvic pain and discomfort. Tightness and pain in the pelvic region is common during and after pregnancy. Gentle stretches and exercises can alleviate this pain and discomfort.

• Faster recovery from childbirth. A proactive approach to pelvic floor health during pregnancy can make recovery from vaginal deliveries easier and more comfortable.

• Better sex life. Weakened muscles can cause pain during intercourse and reduced sensation. Physical therapy targets improving muscle tone and flexibility to enhance intimacy.

Unfortunately, in the United States, many women are not aware of the benefits of pelvic floor therapy.  In other countries like the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe, pelvic floor physical therapy is a standard part of prenatal and postpartum care. 

As we continue to shine a light on the importance of pelvic floor health, I hope we can make this kind of gentle, body-positive physical therapy accessible for all women during what is already an emotional and physically demanding time. With proper care, education and resources, we can help new and expecting mothers recover at a pace that feels good for their bodies and minds. Let's continue the conversation in a spirit of kindness, compassion and community.

So the next time you're washing your hands or going to the bathroom, take a moment to appreciate the superhero working tirelessly between your legs. A strong pelvic floor truly is the foundation for so much of your health, wellness and quality of life. With proper care and attention, you can help these muscles live up to their superpower potential.