It's not just about doing kegels because Your pelvic floor muscles don’t just squeeze

The most common reaction when I teach adults and kids about their pelvic floor is “oooohhhh, I never knew that”, “Why do we not learn this in school”, “ That makes sense, I wish I knew that before”
 
Since the pelvic floor muscles are situated at the bottom of your pelvis on the inside, it's difficult to visualise and  sometimes feel. The pelvic floor is made up of various muscles that form a hammock at the bottom of your pelvis. 
 
Function of the pelvic floor muscles for all bodies:

1. Form part of the deep core
2. Maintain continence- i.e. keep pee and poo in
3. Allow things to come out i.e. pee, poo, baby
4. Important for posture and postural control
5. In adults- it is important for sexual function

 
Action of the pelvic floor:
When tightened (squeezed), the muscles lift the organs and close their openings. 
When relaxed, one is able to easily and effectively empty the bladder and bowel or allow a tampon to be inserted.
 
It is important to know that it is not an island- It does not work on its own. It needs to work together with your breathing muscles, tummy muscles, hip muscles and foot muscles to name a few. So when we have problems it's not as simple as the person having a weak pelvic floor.
 
Common Problems of the pelvic floor:

1. Too Weak
2. Too tight
3. Uncoordinated

 
In my experience all will result in some sort of bladder or bowel issues.
In my opinion and clinical experience, most adults are uncoordinated and tight and most kids are tight cos they are great at holding but not letting go.

WOMEN

MEN

Physiotherapy teaches you how to:
• Connect to your pelvic floor muscles correctly.
• Retrain pelvic floor muscles so that you are able to effectively contract and relax the muscles.
• Regain pelvic floor control while sneezing, coughing, laughing and lifting.
• Establish and maintain pelvic floor, core and breath control and coordination