Pelvic Floor Pain in Other Parts of Your Body?
Sometimes pain or problems in the body can be pretty straightforward. Your shoulder hurts, and you can point to exactly where the problem originates.
Your back is bothering you, and you can pinpoint the exact spinal segments that feel like they aren’t moving well. I wish the pelvic floor muscles spoke to us in that same way…but the reality is that the pelvic floor muscles are very different kinds of structures in the body.
Yes, they’re skeletal muscle– which is the same type of muscle in your quadriceps, upper traps, or even your abs.
But, they behave very differently than so many muscles in the body. Check out these interesting facts about the pelvic floor…
They are predominantly automatic in function. They are postural muscles, aiding in supporting our upright posture. They are active in coordination with our respiratory diaphragm (and literally contract and move with every breath we take). They coordinate to aid in sexual arousal and orgasm. They activate and relax to control our bladder and bowel function. They are even involved in perceived threat- responding with tension and protection. And guess what? Most of the time, you don’t have to think about them doing any of these tasks at all! They do it automatically.
They are intricately involved in visceral organ function. Think about the other muscles in your body. Which other skeletal muscles are connected with a visceral process like digestion or urination? (hint– it’s mostly the glottis, respiratory diaphragm, and just a few others!!!). How amazing is that? So, because the pelvic floor muscles are involved so deeply with visceral function, problems in the pelvic floor can present a little differently. Increased tension in the pelvic floor– which elsewhere may make someone feel just stiffness, an ache, or a change in their movement– here, can mean a change in bowel function. Suddenly, the bowels are more difficult to empty– it feels like your body is fighting against you. Or, perhaps your bladder urges seem stronger and/or more difficult to control.
They are known to refer to other areas of the body. Other muscles can refer as well. We know that the upper trapezius muscles can refer in a headache pattern. The abdominal muscles can refer to the low back. But, the pelvic floor referral patterns can be wild! I’ve seen these muscles refer all around the pelvis– into the lower abdomen, the groin, the low back, the buttock, and more! Patients are often surprised when we palpate a muscle internally and it reproduces a sensation they’ve felt at other areas around pelvis, hips or buttock.
So, if you’ve noticed an unusual change in symptoms– whether it’s bowel function, bladder function, sexual health, or orthopedic problems in the body (that weird back, hip, or even knee pain?!), your pelvic floor may be trying to communicate with you! If you’re curious if your pelvic floor is involved, let us know! Our clinicians are happy to help you sort through your symptoms to get to the root of your problem!
Have a great rest of your week!
Warmly,
Jessica
Where to Find Pelvic Therapy for Pelvic Pain in Marietta and Atlanta
You don’t just have to deal with pelvic pain. You deserve answers, support, and options that help you feel like yourself again. At Southern Pelvic Health, we offer comprehensive pelvic therapy care for those who are experiencing pelvic pain with intercourse and would love to help you.
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