The Missing Link in Core Strength: The Pelvic Floor Muscle

Think of your body's core as a canister made up of the pelvic floor muscle group-bottom, the abdominal muscles-front, the low back muscles-back, and the diaphragm-top. Each of these components plays an important role in supporting and stabilizing your body.

But the pelvic floor muscle group is the foundation of this canister, providing the base of support for the rest of your core.

The pelvic floor muscles act as a hammock, supporting the organs in your pelvis and helping to control your bladder and bowel movements. These muscles also play a role in sexual function and can affect the stability of your low back and hips.

The abdominal muscles work in conjunction with the pelvic floor muscles to provide stability and support for the midsection of your body. A strong, toned abdominal region helps to maintain good posture and reduce the risk of injury.

The low back muscles play a crucial role in supporting the spine and maintaining good posture. They also help to distribute the load of your upper body and protect the spinal cord.

The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle that sits at the base of the ribcage. It plays a key role in breathing and also helps to support the spine and maintain good posture.

When all of these components are working together effectively, they form a strong and stable core canister that supports your body and helps you to move and function efficiently. But if any ONE component is weak or not functioning properly, it can affect the ENTIRE canister, leading to pain, injury, or functional problems.

This is why it’s so important to target the pelvic floor muscle group in your exercise routine. By strengthening this crucial component of your core, you can improve the stability and function of your entire body. Work with a pelvic health physical therapist to ensure proper form and technique and incorporate pelvic floor-specific exercises into your routine. Your body will thank you for it!