The giant support of your body

Today we all exercise to be fit yet while doing so most of us forget to train one of the most important group of muscels in the body which is one of the major supporting system in our body- The Pelvic floor muscles or PFM or pelvic diaphragm.

What are pelvic floor muscles?

Pelvic floor muscles are group of muscles and ligaments which support the pelvic organs like bladder, bowel, uterus( in females) ,urethra in humans.

Structure of PFM:

It is a funnel shaped musculature which separates the pelvis from the genitals.

It comprises of the following:

1. Leavtor ani muscle which is the largest component and is divided into 3 parts- pubococcygeous,puborectalis, and iliococcygeous.

2. Coccygeous muscle

3. Fascia covering the muscles

Importance and function of PFM:

1. Provide support to abdominal viscera like bladder, intestine,uterus and bowel etc.
2. Resist the change in intra abdominal pressure while coughing or sneezing or lifting heavy objects.
3. Support and stabilize the spine.
4. Bowel and bladder control.

Pelvic floor disorders:

• Urinary incontinence or lack of urine control
• Fecal incontinence or lack of bowel control
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pelvic pain.

Causes of pelvic floor muscle disorder:

• Aging
• Obesity 
• Chronic constipation 
• Pregnancy and child birth
• Hormonal changes
• Incorrect lifting of heavy objects regularly

Symptoms:

• Increased frequency of urination and/or painful urination
• Low back ache with no other known cause
• Painful intercourse

Does pelvic floor disorder or dysfunction affect only females?

 This is a myth as the condition can affect both males as well females though is commonly seen in females specially post childbirth and menopause.

Treatment for pelvic floor disorder

Conservative treatment -

1. Physiotherapy-

Electrical stimulation for weak muscles, kegels exercise, core strengthening, biofeedback, vaginal cones( for females) are sone physiotherapy interventions.

                      The 4 steps of pelvic floor exercises are-Locate, squeeze, hold and release

          
             

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      2. Coping strategies
   
      3. Pessaries.

If conservative treatment fails the last option would be surgical repair of the muscles.

Hence, exercise of pelvic floor muscles is important for both males and females particularly post the ages of 30 years. 
For futher guidance contact your physiotherapist.

                   

Dr. Pranjal 
BPT