Women’s Health - Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Osteopathy

The pelvic floor has an important role in urogenital health, respiration and spinal/postural stability. Pelvic floor problems can affect these functions.

The pelvic floor muscles are located between the coccyx (tailbone) and the pubic bone. They support the bowel and bladder along with the uterus and vagina (in females) and prostate (in males).

Muscular bands (sphincters) encircle the urethra, vagina and anus as they pass through the pelvic floor. When the pelvic floor muscles are contracted, the internal organs are lifted and the sphincters tighten the openings of the vagina, anus and urethra. Relaxing the pelvic floor allows passage of urine and faeces.

The pelvic floor is made up of the coccygeus and the levator ani muscles, and these muscles work together like a sling to help support the pelvic organs.

** This is a marvellous design to support our pelvic organs, support optimal breathing (YES the pelvic floor supports respiration!) and improve spinal stability! **

Pelvic floor issues more commonly affect women due to the impact of child bearing on her body, however men can also be affected.

Causes of a Weak or Dysfunctional Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor can be weakened in many ways, such as:

• supporting the weight of the uterus during pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, which may overstretch the muscles

• chronic constipation and straining

• constant coughing

• some forms of surgery that require cutting the surrounding muscles (including prostate cancer treatment in males)

• lower levels of oe