Pelvic floor issues may be more commonly talked about among women who are planning on becoming pregnant or who have recently given birth, but it’s a topic that’s relevant for both men and women who are working toward whole-body wellness. No matter who you are, if you’ve experienced unexplained pain in your lower body, discomfort during daily activities, or changes in your bathroom habits, your pelvic floor might be trying to tell you something.
Symptoms of pelvic pain
Pelvic floor pain can be difficult to explain to others, including to healthcare professionals who may not see anything abnormal in test results or your lifestyle to help you find relief. If that sounds like your experience, watch out for the symptoms below, which could point to pelvic floor dysfunction—specifically a tight pelvic floor:
- Pelvic bone/tailbone pain
- Low back ache
- Abdominal ache
- Testicular pain
- Muscle spasms
- Groin pain
- Abnormal (more or less frequent) urination
- Pain with bowel movements
- Hip pain
Types of pelvic dysfunction
As you can imagine, the muscles in your pelvic floor are like any other muscle in your body, which means they can be dysfunctional by being either too weak or too tense.
Hypertonic pelvic floor (tension)
This type of pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles are too tense or overactive. It’s commonly referred to as a “tight pelvic floor.” Instead of relaxing and contracting as they should, the muscles remain clenched, leading to pain, discomfort, and blockages (e.g., issues with urination or bowel movements).
Hypertonic pelvic floor symptoms include urinary, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions and can cause pain that’s constant or comes and goes with certain movements.
Hypotonic pelvic floor (weakness)
On the other hand, some people experience pelvic floor hypotonia, or weak pelvic floor muscles. Weak muscles may fail to support key functions, resulting in incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse in severe cases.
While weakness and tightness may seem like opposites, they can be related; muscles that are overused get fatigued, leading to weakness. This causes an overlap in symptoms between hyper- and hypotonic pelvic floor dysfunction that can be difficult to decipher on your own. That’s why it helps to have a pelvic floor specialist who can provide you with a clear diagnosis and targeted treatment plan for the root cause of the issue.
Natural treatment options for pelvic pain
Fortunately for those looking for holistic care, non-medicated treatments are the standard for pelvic floor pain. Personalized physical therapy plans often yield excellent results on their own, especially for those who continue to target the pelvic floor through daily habits.
Some of the treatment options that can be helpful to people with pelvic floor dysfunction include:
Therapeutic exercises
Physical therapy exercise is the primary recommendation for relieving tight pelvic floor symptoms. Contrary to common assumptions, Kegels aren’t always the solution—especially for tight pelvic floor muscles. The reason is because not every exercise is right for every person with pelvic floor symptoms. Therapists may guide you through personalized stretches or relaxation techniques to help release tension rather than build strength, for example.
Biofeedback therapy
Biofeedback involves using sensors to monitor muscle activity, helping you gain more awareness of what the muscles feel like within your pelvic floor. This real-time feedback teaches proper control and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles that helps you recognize and manage your condition on your own.
Ergonomic assessment
Especially for folks who work at a desk all day, your office setup can play a significant role in pelvic health. Ergonomic adjustments—like investing in a supportive chair or setting your desk to the correct height—can minimize unnecessary strain on your pelvic area.
Similarly, people often benefit from postural evaluations and training to ensure their walking gait and posture aren’t contributing to pelvic misalignment or other issues. This is especially relevant to people who are newly pregnant or are planning to be soon.
These solutions don’t just treat the symptoms; they address the underlying tension, empowering you to take a more active role in managing pain and discomfort.
Expert pelvic floor therapy in North Carolina
Women aren’t the only ones to struggle in silence with pelvic floor disorders and pain. No matter your age, a weakened or tight pelvic floor can affect key aspects of your life. Fortunately, treatment is nearby and can help almost anyone with various pelvic floor needs. Learn how our pelvic floor specialists can empower you to gain more control or relax tense muscle groups for a better quality of life by calling a nearby Peak Performance clinic or by requesting your appointment online today.
