What is an over-active pelvic floor?

A tight pelvic floor, also known as a hypertonic/overactive pelvic floor occurs when the muscles in the pelvic floor become too tense and are unable to relax

There is a misunderstanding that a tight pelvic floor means a strong pelvic floor 🙅🏼‍♀️

The pelvic floor should be able to fully CONTRACT and fully RELAX, working in its full range of movement.

A tight or overactive pelvic floor can therefore present with similar symptoms to a weak pelvic floor

Symptoms include:

💧 Bladder Leakage

🍆 Painful sex

🦴Persistent hip/Back pain

💦 Frequent urination 

🔥 UTI’s

🍑 Glute pain

💩 Constipation 

It can mean that a woman thinks she needs to do MORE pelvic floor activations when really she needs focusing on relaxing her pelvic then contracting, more or incorrect activations can potentially make it worse.

An overactive pelvic floor can also be common amongst athletes and very active women - more so in runners and with those who have NO children 🏃🏽‍♀️

Just like any other muscle in our bodies, this area can become tight with stress, following trauma and with high intensity exercise.

If you think you have any pelvic floor dysfunction, it’s best to visit a Women's Health Physio so they can assess you correctly for your current symptoms.

Not sure where to go? Hit me up with your location and can find your closest WHP 🔍

Who learnt something?! 🙋🏼‍♀️