Overactive Pelvic Floor

Understanding Overactive Pelvic Floor and How Physiotherapy Can Help

The pelvic floor, a group of muscles situated at the base of the pelvis, plays a crucial role in supporting pelvic organs, maintaining continence, and contributing to sexual function. However, like any muscle group, the pelvic floor can become dysfunctional, leading to a condition known as overactive pelvic floor (OPF) or hypertonic pelvic floor muscles. Overactive pelvic floor muscles can create a variety of symptoms, often mimicking other musculoskeletal and urological conditions.

Signs of an Overactive Pelvic Floor

Some common signs of an overactive pelvic floor include:

1. Pelvic Pain: Chronic pelvic pain, often described as a dull ache or sharp pain in the pelvic region, can be a prominent symptom of an overactive pelvic floor. Pain may be located across the lower abdomen (or on one side), tailbone pain or buttock pain.

2. Urinary Symptoms: Issues such as urinary urgency, frequency, hesitancy, or even incontinence can occur due to the pelvic floor muscles being unable to relax sufficiently.

3. Bowel Dysfunction: Constipation, straining during bowel movements, or a feeling of incomplete emptying can result from pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

4. Sexual Dysfunction: Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), or generalised pelvic discomfort during sexual activity are common manifestations.

5. Muscle Tension: Tension and tightness in the pelvic area, hips, lower back, or thighs may also indicate overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

1. Pelvic Floor Assessment: A thorough assessment by a pelvic floor physiotherapist involves evaluating muscle tone, strength, coordination, and any trigger points contributing to muscle tightness.

2. Manual Therapy Techniques:Techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point release, and soft tissue massage help in reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation of the pelvic floor.

3. Biofeedback: This technique involves using sensors to provide real-time information about muscle activity, helping individuals learn to control and relax their pelvic floor muscles.

4. Therapeutic Exercises: Specific exercises to stretch, strengthen, and coordinate the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles are prescribed based on individual needs. These exercises aim to restore proper muscle function and alleviate symptoms.

5. Education and Behavioral Strategies: Education about pelvic anatomy, posture correction, relaxation techniques, and bladder/bowel habits can empower individuals to manage symptoms effectively.

6. Integrated Approach: Sometimes, addressing overactive pelvic floor muscles may require a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration with urologists, gynecologists, pain specialists, or psychologists.

An overactive pelvic floor can contribute to many bothersome symptoms and is not an uncommon condition. At Balanced we can help women with overactive pelvic floor muscles piece together and overcome their symptoms by assessing their history along with their pelvic floor muscle function.

We're located in Vincentia and service the areas of Jervis Bay including Huskisson, Sanctuary Point, St Georges Basin, Nowra and surrounds.

Feel free to contact us or book your initial pelvic floor assessment via the buttons below.