28/05/2026
NO, sometimes you don't have to do pelvic floor exercises. You see, as we continue to learn as clinicians, we realise that what we thought was weakness was actually pelvic floor muscle tension. Pelvic floor strengthening is just one part of the solution when it comes to bladder or bowel problems.
Some of the questions we ask: Do you tense your jaw muscles? Do you have pain with intimacy? Do you have any constipation?
If you answer yes to one of these questions, it may be that you have overactive pelvic floor muscles.
The relationship between stress or urge urinary incontinence and overactive muscles may sometimes be overlooked. More and more research is confirming that a functional pelvic floor should be able to relax when needed, and to contract when we need it the most.
During our first pelvic health appointment, your physio will spend time teaching the most basic thing: breathing like a yogi, letting your belly expand, while dropping your pelvic floor.
Think of your core like a balloon that inflates and deflates. When you breathe in, you allow the air in, and your pelvic floor expands the same way. This is the first stage towards a functional pelvic floor.
Curious?
Are you having urinary symptoms despite a perfect pelvic floor routine?
www.westrydephysiotherapy.com.au
