When it comes to pelvic floor muscles, many people wonder: are they voluntary or involuntary? The answer is both! Understanding how these muscles function is essential for maintaining pelvic health, preventing dysfunction, and improving overall well-being. If you’re experiencing issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or discomfort, a pelvic floor evaluation with a Doctor of Physical Therapy is the best way to determine how your muscles are working and how to improve their function.
The Dual Nature of Pelvic Floor Muscles
Pelvic floor muscles are unique because they operate under both voluntary and involuntary control. Here’s how:
Voluntary Control:
Some pelvic floor muscles can be consciously contracted and relaxed, much like the muscles in your arms or legs. This is what allows you to perform Kegel exercises and engage your pelvic floor for activities like stopping the flow of urine or providing support during movement.
Involuntary Control:
Other aspects of pelvic floor function happen automatically. Your pelvic floor muscles contract reflexively to support your organs, maintain continence, and stabilize your core without you having to think about it. For example, they work automatically when you sneeze, cough, or laugh to prevent leakage.
How Dysfunction Disrupts Involuntary Control
When the pelvic floor muscles become dysfunctional, their ability to engage involuntarily can be compromised. Dysfunction may arise due to factors such as pregnancy and childbirth, surgery, chronic straining, or prolonged periods of pelvic floor overuse or underuse. This can lead to conditions such as:
Incontinence:
The muscles fail to contract reflexively during sudden pressure changes, such as when sneezing or laughing.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse:
Weakness in the pelvic floor reduces automatic support for internal organs, leading to discomfort and dysfunction.
Pelvic Pain and Tension:
Hypertonic (overactive) pelvic floor muscles may remain contracted involuntarily, making it difficult for the muscles to relax and function correctly.
When these automatic functions are impaired, individuals may experience leakage, discomfort, or instability without realizing their pelvic floor muscles are the root cause.
Retraining the Pelvic Floor: From Conscious Effort to Automatic Function
The good news is that pelvic floor dysfunction can be treated through targeted physical therapy, retraining the muscles to regain proper automatic function. This process involves:
Identifying Dysfunction: A pelvic floor physical therapist will assess whether your muscles are weak, overactive, or lacking coordination.
Building Conscious Control: Initially, you may need to perform exercises like Kegels or relaxation techniques with focused effort to strengthen or release muscle tension.
Training for Reflexive Activation: Once voluntary control improves, exercises that integrate pelvic floor engagement into daily activities (like breathing techniques, posture training, and functional movements) help reinforce automatic function.
Restoring Automaticity: Over time, consistent practice allows the pelvic floor to respond naturally to movement, pressure changes, and bodily needs without conscious effort.
Why a Pelvic Floor Evaluation is Essential
Because these muscles play such a crucial role in daily function, it’s important to ensure they are working properly. However, not all pelvic floor dysfunction presents the same way. Some people have weak muscles that need strengthening, while others may have tight, overactive muscles that require relaxation techniques. The best way to determine what your pelvic floor needs is through an evaluation with a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist.
Dr. Bailee, a board-certified specialist in pelvic floor physical therapy, can assess your unique situation and develop a tailored treatment plan to help you improve function and prevent future issues. Whether you’re dealing with postpartum recovery, incontinence, pelvic pain, or simply want to maintain optimal pelvic health as you age, professional guidance is key.
Take Control of Your Pelvic Health
If you’re unsure whether your pelvic floor muscles are functioning correctly, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. A professional pelvic floor evaluation can provide clarity and guidance on how to improve muscle function for long-term health.
Book an appointment today and take the first step toward better pelvic health!
Written by:
Dual Board-Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist and Owner of Bonneville Pelvic Health
As an expert in pelvic floor rehabilitation, Dr. Bailee Burningham brings extensive experience in treating complex pelvic floor disorders. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
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