Understanding the Pelvic Floor: A Simple Guide by Your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist in Little Italy, Toronto

Hi There! I’m Maja, a pelvic floor physiotherapist based in Little Italy, Toronto. In this blog, we’ll discuss the pelvic floor and why it’s important.

What is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the bottom of your pelvis. They form a “trampoline-like” diamond structure from the pubic bone to the tailbone, and the sit-bone to the sit-bone. Depending on how you count them, there are about 14 muscles in total. 

Why is the Pelvic Floor Important?

The pelvic floor has several key functions:

Supports Organs

The pelvic floor supports the bladder, intestines, and uterus, keeping them in place. This is especially important when pregnant! To learn more about pelvic floor changes in pregnancy you can watch this video.

Controls Urination and Bowel Movements

Strong pelvic floor muscles help control when you go to the bathroom. They contract and relax to allow you to start and stop the flow of urine and manage bowel movements.

Pressure regulation with breathing:

When you breathe, your diaphragm and pelvic floor move together to manage pressure within the abdominal cavity.

• Inhalation: As you inhale, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward. Simultaneously, the pelvic floor muscles lengthen and relax to accommodate the increase in pressure from the expanding lungs and descending diaphragm.

• Exhalation: As you exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward. The pelvic floor muscles contract slightly to help push the air out and maintain pressure balance.

• Video describing connection breathing

Hip and Back Stabilization

The pelvic floor muscles stabilize the pelvis and lower back, dysfunction can lead to hip and low back pain.

Sexual function

The pelvic floor muscles help achieve arousal and orgasm. Pain with penetration can occur when the pelvic floor muscles become dysfunctional.

Sump-Pump

The pelvic floor helps move lymph fluid and blood through the pelvis and up into the trunk.

When to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist

If you are experiencing any of the below concerns, a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help:

• Incontinence

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Back or Hip Pain

• Pain with sexual activity

• A weak core

• Constipation

• Diastasis recti (video info)

• Pregnant

• Post-partum

• Cesarean section/c-section recovery

Book Your Appointment Today!

As a pelvic floor physiotherapist in Little Italy, Toronto, I offer specialized treatments and exercises tailored to each individual. If you’re in the College and Bathurst area of Toronto and need professional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Book an appointment today and let’s work together towards your goals!

By Maja Degen, your trusted pelvic floor physiotherapist in Little Italy, Toronto. Schedule an appointment directly.