The muscles of the pelvic floor play a key role in core stability, breathing and posture, as well as the support of the pelvic organs. Pelvic floor muscles work alongside other key muscles to enable proper support of the lower back, pelvis, bladder and bowel.
Pelvic floor muscles play a role in health conditions such as:
The most common causes of injury to the pelvic floor muscles, nerves and fascia are pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy the growing baby puts extra pressure on the mother's pelvic floor, especially if she is expecting twins, triplets or other multiples. In preparation for delivery, the mother’s body produces hormones which soften the ligaments and muscles to allow for the pelvic joints and soft tissue to widen, allowing the baby to descend through the birth canal. Pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by: