“Pelvic floor dysfunctions are more common than you would think, affecting all genders and ages, with long-term implications if not addressed,” says physical therapist Melissa L. McElroy, a ...

The pelvic floor is connected to the tailbone and your lower back. If those muscles are weak, the tailbone weakens, too, creating instability and potentially contributing to a back fracture.

Pelvic-floor exercises, such as kegels, involve contracting and relaxing the muscles that form the pelvic floor. This repeated action strengthens the muscles, improving their endurance and control.

Recent biomechanical research indicates that pelvic floor dysfunction may be present in up to 30% of people with chronic lower back pain. Strengthening these muscles can provide relief where other ...

Your pelvic floor supports organs like your bladder, bowels and reproductive system. Strengthen it with exercises and mantras (like "squeeze before you sneeze") from physical therapist Sara Reardon.

Your pelvic floor helps with all sorts of bodily functions — it helps you go to the bathroom, breathe, and orgasm, and it supports your internal organs. But pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to ...

Why it works: Child’s pose allows you to stretch both sides of the pelvic floor, including the lower back. How to do it: Kneel with knees wider than shoulder-width apart and feet together. Bring ...

The pelvic-floor muscles are important for stability and support during pregnancy, labor and delivery and postpartum recovery. Feb. 28, 2025, 11:52 AM PST Stephanie Mansour Super Scout / Getty Images ...

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects many runners, causing pain, leaks, and performance issues. Learn how to identify symptoms, find the right help, and recover effectively.

Pelvic floor therapy can help strengthen them with targeted exercises that improve bladder control and relieve lower back, hip, pelvic and shoulder pain. Before delivery, therapists can also ...

Jill hosts an Intro to Pelvic Floor Therapy class where you can explore this topic further and discover how therapy can help you. Visit trinityhealthmichigan.org for more information.

As you breathe back in, think about breathing into your pelvis and lengthening your pelvic floor muscles, not pushing them. “Timing and syncing with breathing is key,” Clark explains.