In resting conditions the pelvic floor musculature maintains a constant baseline contraction which helps maintain urinary and fecal continence and support the pelvic organs. The pelvic floor also has the ability to produce stronger contractions anytime there is an increase in abdominal pressure. For example, when we cough or sneeze our pelvic floor has the ability to contract more to help maintain closure of the urethra against that increase in abdominal pressure. Once the pressure has decreased in the abdomen the pelvic floor will relax to its baseline activity.
An overactive or non-relaxing pelvic floor is a condition in which the pelvic floor muscles do not relax, or may even contract when relaxation is needed. This may result in difficulty voiding the bladder and constipation due to the pelvic floor’s inability to fully relax while toileting. Pelvic pain can also be contributed by the presence of an overactive pelvic floor. The heightened muscle activity could result in the development painful muscle spasms or trigger points.
An overactive pelvic floor is difficult to accurately diagnosed due to the variety of nonspecific symptoms including:
chronic constipation
difficulty initiating urination
incomplete emptying of the bladder
pain with intercourse
abdominal bloating
lower abdominal pain
groin pain
low back pain
Potential Causes of an Overactive Pelvic Floor
Physical or emotional trauma
Poor Posture
Childbirth
Pelvic Surgery
Low back pain
Sexual Abuse
Irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis or endometriosis
If you feel you are suffering from an overactive pelvic floor or have questions contact us at (806) 467-81 81 or via email at info@tpttx.com. Be sure to join the TPT Health Movement by signing up for our blog so you'll receive instant notification of new posts. Sign up in the right hand column to the right (or below on mobile version).
