Pelvic Floor – Part of a Group Effort
The Pelvic Floor Muscles (PFM) are part of a group of deep core muscles that work both together and separately. This group includes your deep abdominals, pelvic floor and deep low back muscles, all of which work together to keep your internal organs situated in their proper places. These muscles, often called your core, are extremely important because we have learned that being in control of them helps with the support job of the PFM, which in turn are key to maintaining healthy bladder and bowel control.
Pelvic Floor – What it Does
Your pelvic floor muscles contract and tighten up to maintain stability when you cough, sneeze or during exercise. Without a stable base, it is hard to keep control. They also will release when you need to empty your bowels or bladder or simply relax.
Pelvic floor muscles have 4 key jobs:
- Support (or Core stabilization)
- Bladder control
- Bowel control
- Sexual function