The Facts About Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Pelvic floor dysfunction is far more common than most women realize—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood areas of health. From leaking during workouts to pelvic pain that doesn’t go away, many women live with symptoms for years because they’ve been misinformed or made to believe it’s “just a part of being a woman.”

At YourFormSux (YFS), we help Canadian women break free from misinformation and take back control of their pelvic health through expert physiotherapy. This blog is your guide to understanding what pelvic floor dysfunction really is—and how the right physiotherapy can make all the difference.

What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue located at the base of your pelvis. These muscles support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and they play a key role in core stability, posture, and sexual function.

Pelvic floor dysfunction happens when these muscles are:

Too weak

Too tight

Poorly coordinated

Overcompensating for other muscular imbalances

When the pelvic floor isn’t functioning properly, it leads to symptoms that can be subtle, persistent, and frustrating.

Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction can present in a variety of ways, including:

Leaking urine when sneezing, coughing, or exercising

Frequent urgency or difficulty emptying the bladder

Pelvic pressure or a sensation of heaviness

Pain during intercourse or tampon insertion

Chronic low back, tailbone, or hip pain

A “disconnected” feeling in the core during movement

These symptoms may vary based on your age, lifestyle, childbirth history, and posture. But regardless of their cause, they are not something you have to live with.

What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can develop for several reasons, including:

Pregnancy and childbirth (especially with prolonged labor or tearing)

Hormonal changes during menopause

Repetitive high-impact exercise or heavy lifting without proper technique

Poor posture and sedentary lifestyles

Stress and chronic breath-holding

Surgery or trauma in the abdominal or pelvic region

Chronic constipation or straining

Sometimes, dysfunction develops without a single clear cause—especially when body mechanics and breathing patterns aren’t working in harmony.

Myths That Delay Recovery

Before we talk about solutions, let’s dispel a few common myths:

Myth: “It’s normal to leak after having a baby.”

Fact: It may be common, but it’s never normal—and it is treatable.

Myth: “Just do Kegels and it’ll go away.”

Fact: Kegels aren’t for everyone. They can worsen symptoms if your pelvic floor is already tight or overactive.

Myth: “Pelvic floor issues only happen to older women.”

Fact: Athletes, young women, and even teenagers can experience pelvic dysfunction, especially with poor coordination or high physical demand.

Myth: “You just have to live with it.”

Fact: With physiotherapy, most pelvic floor issues can improve significantly—or even resolve entirely.

How Physiotherapy Helps

At YourFormSux, pelvic floor physiotherapy is personalized, respectful, and focused on full-body recovery—not just symptom management. Here’s how it works:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

We assess how your breath, posture, and movement patterns are affecting your pelvic floor. Depending on your comfort level, we may conduct an internal or external muscle assessment to understand tone, coordination, and function.

2. Breath and Core Reconnection

Breathing patterns play a massive role in pelvic floor health. Shallow breathing and breath-holding increase pressure in the abdomen and strain the pelvic floor. We guide you in restoring 360-degree diaphragmatic breathing to support internal balance.

3. Tailored Movement Strategies

You’ll learn how to move safely and confidently. Whether you’re lifting weights, running, caring for a baby, or simply getting out of a chair—your physiotherapist helps you retrain movements to reduce pressure and increase control.

4. Muscle Retraining

Depending on your needs, therapy may focus on:

Lengthening and releasing overactive muscles

Strengthening weak or underused muscles

Coordinating muscle timing with core engagement and breath

Teaching you how to relax and contract at the right moments

5. Lifestyle Modifications

We help you develop sustainable habits—like better toileting posture, smarter lifting techniques, and ways to manage stress and alignment throughout your day.

Who Should Consider Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

If you’re experiencing any of the following, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help:

Urinary or fecal incontinence

Pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort

Pain during or after intercourse

Difficulty controlling or initiating urination

Diastasis recti (ab separation)

Trouble reconnecting with your core post-pregnancy

Chronic low back, tailbone, or hip pain

Even if you’re symptom-free, physiotherapy is a great preventive tool—especially during transitions like postpartum recovery, return to exercise, or menopause.

What to Expect at YFS

At YourFormSux, we believe in meeting you where you are. Your first appointment includes:

A judgment-free conversation about your symptoms and concerns

A whole-body assessment including breath, posture, and core patterns

A plan that fits your life, your comfort level, and your goals

We don’t follow one-size-fits-all protocols. Your care is as unique as your body—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Pelvic floor dysfunction is treatable. You don’t have to live with leaking, pain, or pressure. You don’t have to figure it out alone. And you definitely don’t have to fall for myths that keep you in discomfort.

With the right physiotherapy support, you can reconnect with your core, restore confidence in your body, and move through life feeling strong, in control, and symptom-free.