How Does the Pelvic Floor Become Tight?

One question that I get asked a lot is “what causes the pelvic floor to tighten up”?


More often than not, the pelvic floor muscles are not so much tight as they are over active.


To better understand how or why that might happen, I think its important to first look at the functions of the pelvic floor:

• Partners with your core to provide stability for your back and pelvis

• Provides a support system for your internal organs

• Prevents leaking and allows for efficient elimination—is instrumental in healthy bowel and bladder function

• Sexual health and pleasure

Pelvic floor overactivity ​can be a result of trauma.  This commonly happens during pregnancy and/or childbirth. During pregnancy the hormone relaxin aides in getting the body ready for baby’s delivery by helping to relax your joints.  If your core (or muscles in general) is not strong prior to pregnancy, the added laxity might trigger the pelvic floor to ramp up in order to provide more stability.


Depending on the circumstances, these muscles can be significantly injured during baby’s delivery.  A significant injury, whether there is tearing, bruising, or surgical incision, can be enough to interrupt to normal functioning of the pelvic floor.  


Another thing that might result in an overactive pelvic floor is over recruitment of those muscles, or muscle guarding.  Some people have a tendency to hold certain muscles “on guard”, but they may not even be aware they are doing it!  


Over active pelvic floor muscles can result in dysfunction of any or all of the four areas mentioned above.  The good news is that it is completely treatable! In fact, a pelvic floor physical therapist specializes in recovery for pelvic floor dysfunction and can help anyone dealing with these issues find real, lasting solutions!


At Inspire Physical Therapy we look at the body as a whole, realizing that you can not isolate and treat one body part without considering the impact to the rest of the body. If you are not sure if pelvic floor physical therapy can help you, reach out to us and make an appointment today—it could make all the difference in the world!