The Pelvic Floor and Biomechanics: What You Need to Know

The Pelvic Floor and Biomechanics: What You Need to Know

The pelvic floor is a complex and important structure in the body that is influenced by various biomechanical factors. As a quick refresher, the pelvic floor is made up of muscles and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs and contribute to continence control and sexual function.

Recent research has explored how body position, muscular activity throughout the body, and pressure changes inside the abdomen (intra-abdominal pressure) can impact pelvic floor functioning. Here are some key takeaways:

Body position matters. Studies show that being upright, like standing or sitting, is associated with greater pelvic floor activation compared to lying down. Ankles positioned in dorsiflexion (toes pulled up toward the shins) also facilitates more pelvic floor contraction.
Total body movement influences the pelvic floor. When you activate muscles to move and stabilize your body, like your abdominal muscles, it impacts pressure and loading on the pelvic floor region.
While biomechanics are important, they don't tell the whole story. Factors like genetics, hormones, past injuries, and mental health also play a role in pelvic floor disorders. And the body has an incredible ability to adapt and compensate.

The research on biomechanics and the pelvic floor is fascinating, but it's also complex. As your practitioner, I'm here to guide you on safe exercise and movement strategies for optimal pelvic floor support. This may include postural cues, breath training, progressions for loading, and more based on your unique needs. My goal is to give you the tools to keep your pelvic floor functioning at its best while staying active and enjoying the movements you love. Reach out anytime with questions!

SJ Walls

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5639926/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4352464/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20833070/

https://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(08)00425-5/pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19152943/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6192454/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20833070/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2775042/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8254587/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/nau.20232