Pevlic floor

Anatomy

The pelvic floor muscles are the sling of muscles between our legs that attach to the pubic bone and coccyx (front to back) and ischial tuberosity (sit bones) side to side
Skeletal muscle – can be stretched or tight, weak or strong, strained, torn and have scar tissue
In women, there are three sphincters: urethra, vagina & anus.

Supports pelvic organs – bladder, uterus, large bowel & rectum
Good muscle tone is important to keep urethra & anus closed to prevent incontinence
Need to be able to relax pelvic floor muscles voluntarily to allow urination & defecation
Is part of the ‘core’ – work with deep muscles of the lower abdomen, lower back for pelvic stability

Urinary and faecal incontinence – 30% to 50% of women will experience during pregnancy and/or immediately after birth
- Urgency incontinence
- Frequency incontinence
- Stress incontinence
Pelvic girdle pain and low back pain due to pelvic instability
Prolapse due to lack of support of pelvic organs

The pelvic floor muscles, connective tissue and fascia are softened and made more pliable by the release of relaxin and progesterone
The work of the pelvic floor muscles are increased by supporting the growing baby
Downward pressure and cause stretch, strain & weakness
Relaxin softens the ligaments of the pelvis – all ‘core’ muscles need to work harder to maintain pelvic stability including pelvic floor
Change in posture can influence function of pelvic floor muscles

In preparation for childbirth, there is an increase in flexibility and elasticity of the pelvic floor to allow for birth
Perineal and pelvic floor stretching and/or tear or episiotomy
Can sustain nerve damage due to compression of nerves

Skeletal muscle takes 6 weeks to heal
Referral to Women’s Health Physio
- use https://choose.physio/find-a-physio à Pelvic Health
Pregnancy and post-pregnancy specific compression garments may be of assistance