The Who, What, When, Why, and Where of Pelvic Floor Therapy
Understanding the Basics and Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy is one of the most misunderstood yet critically important forms of physical therapy. It plays a vital role in supporting our bodies during movement, breathing, elimination, intimacy, and more. Despite this, most people have no idea what their pelvic floor is—let alone how to care for it.
At Athletic Evolution Woburn, we specialize in helping people regain control, strength, and confidence in their pelvic health. Whether you're dealing with incontinence, postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, or sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor therapy can provide lasting relief. In this article, we’ll cover the who, what, when, why, and where of pelvic floor therapy—starting with the basics.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The
pelvic floor is a group of 14 muscles, connective tissues, ligaments, bones, and nerves that form a sling-like structure at the base of your pelvis. This "floor" connects from the
pubic bone to the tailbone (front to back) and from
hip to hip (side to side), forming the literal foundation of your core.
If you picture your core as a cylindrical canister:
- Top: Respiratory diaphragm (breathing)
- Sides: Transverse abdominis (TA) and other abdominal muscles
- Back: Multifidus (deep spinal muscles)
- Bottom: The pelvic floor
The transverse abdominis (TA) acts like a corset, narrowing the waist when contracted and stabilizing the spine. The pelvic floor works in coordination with all these structures, contributing to every breath, movement, and postural adjustment you make throughout the day.
This system is always active. It never rests—and when something goes wrong, the symptoms can affect everything from your mobility to your mental health.
Who and What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy For?
So, what exactly is pelvic floor therapy?
Think of it this way: A pelvic floor therapist is like a plumber—but for your most private parts. We’re here to diagnose dysfunction, find the root cause, and implement physical strategies to restore optimal function.
While other specialists (like urologists, gynecologists, or proctologists) may help identify problems, a pelvic floor therapist
connects the dots across your body’s systems, ensuring every part adapts to change during the healing process.
We evaluate movement, breathing, posture, strength, tissue tone, and more. And yes, that includes internal and external pelvic structures.
Why Is the Pelvic Floor So Important?
Let’s look at the
five S’s of pelvic floor function:
- Support – The pelvic floor acts like a hammock that supports and protects the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Weakness here can lead to prolapse (organ descent).
- Sphincter Control – It allows us to control when we urinate or defecate, helping prevent leaking or urgency.
- Sexual Function – A strong pelvic floor enhances blood flow, sensation, and muscular control for pleasure, arousal, and orgasm.
- Stability – The pelvic floor anchors the bottom of the core, helping transfer loads between the upper and lower body during movement.
- Sump Pump Action – These muscles also assist in pumping lymphatic and venous fluid out of the pelvis, reducing swelling and congestion.
When any of these functions are impaired, the symptoms can be wide-ranging—from minor discomfort to major disruption.
When Should You Seek Out Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy can help
anyone, regardless of gender or age, who experiences issues such as:
- Stress incontinence (leaking during sneezing, coughing, laughing)
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Constipation
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Hemorrhoids and anal fissures
- Chronic pelvic pain (vulvar, testicular, coccyx, rectal, abdominal)
- Painful intercourse
- Erectile dysfunction or difficulty achieving orgasm
- Low back or tailbone pain
- Pregnancy or postpartum-related discomfort (e.g., diastasis recti)
- Endometriosis or interstitial cystitis
You don’t have to live with these issues. Whether your symptoms are new or long-standing, pelvic floor physical therapy can help you take back control over your body.
What Does a Typical Session Look Like?
Each session at Athletic Evolution is personalized, but most include:
- A full-body assessment
- Breathing and posture evaluation
- Pelvic floor muscle testing (external and/or internal)
- Manual therapy and myofascial release
- Biofeedback and relaxation training
- Strengthening and coordination exercises
- Education on bowel/bladder strategies
You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s going on, what you can do at home, and how we’ll measure progress together.
Where Can You Get Pelvic Floor Therapy in Woburn?
We offer expert pelvic floor therapy at:
Athletic Evolution Woburn
800 W Cummings Park, Suite 1750
Woburn, MA 01801
Our pelvic health specialist works with patients across
Woburn, Burlington, Wilmington, and Greater Boston, combining pelvic floor therapy with functional rehab, orthopedic care, and return-to-activity training.
We believe healing is about more than the pelvic floor—so we treat the whole person.
Final Thoughts
Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just for postpartum moms or older adults. It’s for anyone struggling with silent, often embarrassing issues that impact daily life. If you’ve been told to “just live with it,” it’s time for a better answer.
At Athletic Evolution Woburn, we help you move better, feel stronger, and restore function where it matters most.
Book Your Pelvic Floor Evaluation Today
800 W Cummings Park, Suite 1750, Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 935‑7701
Schedule Online Now
Internal Links:
- [Pelvic Floor Therapy Near Me –
https://www.athletic-evolution.com/pelvic-floor-therapy]
- [Physical Therapy – https://www.athletic-evolution.com/physical-therapy]
