Condition · Pelvis
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
How Myofascial Release addresses it, and what to expect.
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a condition in which the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in the pelvic floor do not function properly. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the organs in the pelvic region, including the bladder, uterus (in females), and rectum. These muscles also play a crucial role in controlling bowel and bladder movements. Several factors can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, including childbirth, trauma, surgery, chronic constipation, obesity, and aging. Pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest in various ways and may include pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary or fecal incontinence, painful intercourse, constipation or difficulty emptying the bowels, and muscle spasms.
Why fascia is involved
A pelvic floor that is stuck tight cannot do its job.
The pelvic floor is muscle wrapped in fascia, slung from the pubic bone to the tailbone and out to the hips. It needs to contract and fully relax. When the fascia around it is restricted, from childbirth, surgery, trauma, chronic constipation, sitting posture or stress, the pelvic floor gets stuck partly on, and the results range from pain and painful intercourse to incontinence, urgency, prolapse symptoms and constipation.
Myofascial Release addresses the restriction rather than only training the muscle. Therapists gently release the pelvic floor and everything attached to it, including the hips, tailbone, abdomen and lower back, so the tissue can lengthen and then contract properly. It pairs well with pelvic floor physical therapy, and many people find it is the piece that lets the exercises finally work.
MFR Resource
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Every therapist in the Directory is trained in the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach®.