Your pelvic floor plays a powerful role in everyday functions, supporting your bladder, uterus, & bowel, & helping you maintain core stability. When these muscles are weak or stretched, it can lead to frustrating & even painful symptoms.

Common signs your pelvic floor may be weak & when it’s time to seek help

Urinary Leakage

One of the earliest & most common signs of a weak pelvic floor is stress urinary incontinence, leaking urine when you…

• Cough
• Sneeze
• Laugh
• Exercise
• Lift something heavy

This happens because your pelvic floor muscles can’t fully support your bladder, leading to involuntary leaks.

A Feeling of Heaviness or Pressure

You might notice a sensation of pelvic pressure, heaviness, or even a “falling out” feeling. This can be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse, where one or more pelvic organs shift downward due to a lack of support from the pelvic floor.

Difficulty Controlling Bowel Movements or Gas

A weakened pelvic floor can affect more than just the bladder. You may also experience…

• Accidental gas leakage
• Trouble holding in a bowel movement
• Incomplete emptying of the bowels

These symptoms can feel embarrassing but are extremely common & treatable with therapy.

Low Back or Hip Pain

The pelvic floor is part of your core. When these muscles weaken, your body may compensate in other areas, sometimes resulting in low back pain, hip tightness, or even pelvic instability.

Pain During Intimacy

Pain or discomfort during sex can sometimes be traced back to pelvic floor dysfunction. While overactive (tight) muscles are usually the cause, weak muscles may also contribute due to lack of support & control.

Needing to “Go” Frequently

Do you feel like you have to use the restroom every hour or more? Weak pelvic floor muscles may not fully support your bladder, leading to urgency & frequent urination, especially at night.

Difficulty Starting or Stopping Urine Flow

Another subtle sign of dysfunction is trouble initiating urination or feeling like you’re not completely emptying your bladder. This could mean your pelvic floor isn’t coordinating well with your bladder muscles.

What Causes Pelvic Floor Weakness?

Common contributors include…

• Pregnancy & childbirth
• Menopause
• Chronic coughing
• Obesity
• Constipation & straining
• Aging
• Certain surgeries

Even if you’ve never given birth, you can still develop weakness over time.

When to See a Specialist

If any of the symptoms above interfere with your comfort, activity, or confidence, it’s time to talk to a pelvic floor physical therapist. With the right evaluation & exercises, most women see significant improvement without surgery or medication.

Personalized Pelvic Floor Therapy in Springfield, MO

At Physical Therapy by Phoenix, we specialize in helping women rebuild strength, restore confidence, & get back to the activities they love. Regardless if you’re postpartum or simply tired of leaks and pressure, we’re here to help.

Address – 1839 E. Independence, Ste R, Springfield, MO 65804
Phone – (417) 708-5174