Pelvic Floor Dysfunction 101: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Let’s get real about the pelvic floor.

Most of us grow up never hearing about our pelvic floor until… something starts to feel off. Maybe you leak a little when you sneeze, or you’ve noticed a new heaviness “down there.” You might chalk it up to aging, motherhood, or “just being a woman.”

But here’s the truth: pelvic floor dysfunction is common—but it’s not normal. And it’s definitely not something you have to live with.

What exactly is the pelvic floor?

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that sits at the base of your pelvis, forming a supportive “hammock” for your bladder, uterus, and rectum.

When it’s healthy, your pelvic floor:

• Supports your pelvic organs

• Helps control your bladder and bowels

• Works with your core to stabilize your spine and hips

• Plays a role in sexual function

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction happens when the muscles in your pelvic floor are too weak, too tight, or not working together as they should. This imbalance can affect your bladder, bowel, core, and even your posture.

Common symptoms (it’s more than just bladder leaks!)

While bladder leaks are a common sign, pelvic floor dysfunction can show up in many ways, including:

• Urinary issues: Leaking when you cough, sneeze, or exercise; frequent bathroom trips; difficulty starting or stopping the flow.

• Bowel problems: Constipation, straining, incomplete emptying, or accidental leakage.

• Pelvic pain: Aching, burning, or pressure in the pelvic region.

• Pain with intimacy: Discomfort or pain during or after sex.

• Prolapse symptoms: A feeling of heaviness, bulging, or “something falling out” in the vagina.

• Lower back, hip, or tailbone pain that doesn’t seem to improve with standard treatment.

Why pelvic floor dysfunction happens

Several factors can contribute to pelvic floor issues:

• Pregnancy and childbirth (vaginal or C-section)

• Hormonal changes, especially during menopause

• Chronic constipation or straining

• High-impact exercise without proper support

• Pelvic surgeries

• Trauma or injury

• Prolonged sitting or poor posture

How physical therapy helps

At our Greer SC physical therapy clinic, pelvic health physical therapy addresses the root cause of your symptoms—not just the surface problem.

Here’s what we do:

1. Comprehensive evaluation – We look at how your pelvic floor, core, and whole body work together.

2. Manual therapy – Hands-on techniques to release tension, improve mobility, and reduce pain.

3. Targeted exercises – Strengthening or relaxing the pelvic floor as needed, plus improving coordination with your core.

4. Education & self-care tools – Strategies for bladder and bowel health, posture, and everyday movement.

5. Whole-person approach – We support your physical and emotional well-being through the process.

You don’t have to “just live with it”

Pelvic floor dysfunction may be common, but it’s not a life sentence. Whether you’ve had symptoms for months or decades, it’s never too late to restore function, comfort, and confidence.