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Core strength is central to Pilates practice. Because the pelvic floor is the foundation of your core, there’s a complementary relationship between pelvic floor physical therapy — used to relieve or prevent pelvic floor dysfunction — and Pilates. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, consider pelvic floor physical therapy and Pilates to improve your condition. 

What is the pelvic floor? 

A group of muscles between the pubic bone and the tailbone make up your pelvic floor. They support the uterus, bowel, and bladder. 

The pelvic floor has a range of motion just like any other muscle in the body. Healthy pelvic floors should be able to contract, lift, squeeze, and relax. 

These muscles can be weakened by pregnancy, childbirth, straining while having a bowel movement, prostate cancer treatment, obesity, and aging. Healthy pelvic floors are critical for normal urination, defecation, and sexual function.

It is estimated that approximately 50% of adult women and up to 11% of adult men experience urinary incontinence, one pelvic floor disorder. Unfortunately, it often goes untreated, perhaps due to embarrassment or not realizing there are treatment options. 

Injury to the pelvic floor is similar to a strain or sprain. Just like a sprained ankle, your pelvic floor muscles need rest and rehab to return to normal function. 

Pelvic floor physical therapy

One way you can work to get your pelvic floor back to normal function is through pelvic floor physical therapy given by professional physical therapists who are trained to treat pelvic floor dysfunction. 

Whether you’re experiencing pelvic pain or pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, preparing for childbirth or recovering from labor and delivery, your pelvic health can improve with physical therapy. 

Here’s what to expect in a session: 

• A comprehensive evaluation to determine your pelvic floor’s flexibility, coordination, and strength. 
• After your assessment, the therapist will determine a personalized treatment plan that might include pelvic floor exercises, relaxation techniques, exercises for the surrounding areas, manual therapy, lifestyle changes such as daily movement and exercising for at least 30 minutes, and more.

Pilates exercises help improve pelvic floor strength

A perfect complement to pelvic floor physical therapy is Pilates. Since the pelvic floor works closely with the hips, core, and legs, improving motion and strength in those areas, which happens with Pilates, can positively affect your pelvic floor. You will also learn how to use breath to improve pelvic floor health.

Finding the balance of strength and relaxation in your pelvic floor will take time and consistency. Call or text our instructors at 303-472-6743 to schedule your introductory Pilates session to improve your pelvic floor function. We can also recommend a pelvic floor therapist to compliment your Pilates practice.