Pelvic health is an important part of overall well-being, but many women are unsure what is normal and what may need attention. Symptoms like pelvic pain, leakage, or pressure are common, but they are not something you have to live with. This guide explains common pelvic health symptoms, what they may mean, and how physical therapy can help improve comfort and function.

Reviewed and contributions made by Abi Purvis, DPT

Key Takeaways

• Pelvic health symptoms are common but not always normal.
• Issues like leakage, pain, or pressure can often be treated.
• The pelvic floor plays a key role in bladder, bowel, and core function.
• Early treatment can improve symptoms and quality of life.
• In most cases, no doctor’s referral is needed to begin care at ATI Physical Therapy.

What is Pelvic Health

Pelvic health refers to how well the muscles, ligaments, and tissues in the pelvic region function together. These structures support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs, and they play a key role in core stability and movement.

When the pelvic floor is working well, it helps control bladder and bowel function, supports posture, and contributes to overall stability. When it is not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms that affect daily life.

Understanding how this system works can help you recognize when something feels off and when it may be time to seek help.

By the Numbers: Pelvic Health in Women

Pelvic health concerns are more common than many people realize, especially across different life stages.

• Up to 50% of women experience some form of pelvic floor dysfunction during their lifetime, including symptoms like leakage or pelvic pressure (World Health Organization).
• Urinary incontinence affects millions of women worldwide and becomes more common with age and after childbirth (World Health Organization).
• Regular physical activity and targeted exercises can help improve pelvic floor function and reduce symptoms (World Health Organization).

These trends highlight how common pelvic health issues are and why they should be addressed, not ignored.

What is Normal and What is Not

Pelvic health changes can happen over time, especially during major life events like pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or menopause. Because these changes are common, it can be difficult to know what is expected and what may need attention. Understanding the difference between temporary changes and ongoing symptoms can help you take the right next step.

What Can Be Normal

Some temporary changes may occur during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or after changes in activity levels. Mild soreness or short-term changes in bladder control can happen as the body adapts and recovers.

What Is Not Normal

Persistent or worsening symptoms are a sign that something may need attention. These include:

• Leaking urine with coughing, sneezing, or exercise
• Ongoing pelvic pain or discomfort
• A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area
• Difficulty controlling bowel movements
• Pain during everyday activities including sexual intercourse

If symptoms continue or interfere with your daily life, it is important to seek guidance.

If you or a loved one is experiencing pelvic health concerns, come to ATI Physical Therapy for an initial evaluation. We will connect you with the right specialist and build a personalized plan around your needs. In most cases, no doctor’s referral is needed to begin care.

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Common Pelvic Health Symptoms

Pelvic health symptoms can present in different ways and may affect daily routines, physical activity, and overall comfort. In many cases, symptoms develop gradually and may be dismissed or overlooked. Recognizing these signs early can help you address them before they become more limiting.

Bladder Control Issues

Leakage or urgency can occur when pelvic floor muscles are not coordinating properly or they are weak.

Pelvic Pain

Pain in the pelvic region may be related to muscle tension, weakness, or irritation in pelvic floor hips and low back.

Pressure or Heaviness

A feeling of pressure may indicate that the pelvic floor is not providing enough support.

Core Weakness

The pelvic floor works closely with the core. Weakness or imbalance can affect stability and movement.

Glute Bridges

• Lie on your back with knees bent
• Lift your hips toward the ceiling
• Lower slowly
• Perform 2 sets of 10 repetitions

Standing Hip Abduction

• Stand upright, holding a stable surface
• Lift one leg out to the side
• Lower slowly
• Perform 2 sets of 10 per side

Hip Flexor Stretch

• Step one foot forward into a split stance
• Gently shift your weight forward
• Hold for 20 to 30 seconds per side
• Repeat 2 times

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

Pelvic floor therapy focuses on improving how the muscles in the pelvic region function during everyday activities in coordination with muscles of the core and lower extremities. Many symptoms are related to muscles that are either too weak, too tight, or not working together properly. Addressing these underlying issues can lead to meaningful improvements in both comfort and function.

Treatment is personalized and may include:

• Targeted strengthening and stretching exercises
• Relaxation and breathing techniques
• Movement and posture training
• Education on daily habits and body mechanics

With the right approach, many women experience reduced symptoms and improved confidence in daily activities.

Simple Exercises to Support Pelvic Health

Targeted exercises can help improve pelvic floor function and support overall stability. These movements focus on both strength and coordination, which are important for proper muscle function. Consistency and proper technique are key to seeing improvement over time.

Move slowly and stop if pain increases.

Pelvic Floor Contractions (Kegels)

• Gently contract the muscles used to stop urine flow
• Hold for 3 to 5 seconds
• Relax fully
• Perform 10 repetitions

Diaphragmatic Breathing

• Lie on your back or sit comfortably
• Inhale deeply through your nose
• Allow your abdomen to rise and rib cage to exapnd
• Exhale slowly
• Perform for 5 to 10 breaths

Glute Bridges

• Lie on your back with knees bent
• Lift your hips toward the ceiling
• Lower slowly
• Perform 2 sets of 10 repetitions

When to See a Physical Therapist

If pelvic health symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting your quality of life, it is important to seek care. These issues are common, but they are often treatable with the right support.

A physical therapist trained in pelvic health can evaluate your symptoms and create a personalized plan to improve function and reduce discomfort.

Ready to take the next step?
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Frequently Asked Questions

Are pelvic health issues normal after pregnancy?
Some changes are common, but ongoing symptoms should be evaluated.

Can pelvic floor therapy really help?
Yes. Many women see improvement with guided therapy and exercise.

Do I need a referral for pelvic health therapy?
In most cases, no referral is needed to begin care.

Is leakage something I have to live with?
No. Leakage is common, but it is often treatable.

The post Pelvic Health for Women: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Seek Help appeared first on ATI.

Reviewed and contributions made by Senior Director Specialty Services Kari Melby 

May 14th kicks off Women’s Health Week. ATI joins our fellow healthcare providers to empower women to advocate for themselves and their unique health needs.

We encourage women to focus on their immediate and long-term health to improve their overall well-being. For all women, regular check-ups, including an annual visit to your OBGYN, staying active, eating a balanced diet of whole foods, prioritizing mental health and reducing stress are all a part of a healthy lifestyle.

Your daily habits make a significant impact on your well-being. Practicing habits that contribute to and enhance your health is essential. It is also important to note how your body changes as you age. From one’s first menstruation to her last, a woman’s overall health and pelvic health are linked.

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Not sure where to start with physical therapy? Get a free screening and let us help you start the path to recovery today.

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Women’s Health and the Pelvic Floor

Pelvic Health relates to the pelvis and the pelvic floor. The pelvis houses major organs like the bladder, vagina, uterus and rectum. The pelvic floor consists of pelvic and lower abdominal organs, nerves, veins and network of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue.

The pelvic floor muscles support organs and aid in bladder, bowel and sexual function. It also coordinates with deep abdominal muscles and the diaphragm for core stability and strength.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction occurs when these muscles are unable to relax or work together in coordination. It can result in uncomfortable, sometimes embarrassing symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

When your pelvic floor or pelvic health is compromised, some symptoms you may experience include one or more of the following:

• Frequently needing to use the bathroom
• Constipation, straining, and/or pain during bowel movements
• Incontinence (urinary or stool)
• Painful urination
• Experiencing ongoing pain in pelvic region, genitals or rectum
• Pelvic pain with sexual activity
• Feeling pressure or heaviness in pelvic region
• Difficulty emptying bladder or bowel
• Feeling lower back or hip pain with no other cause

If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, pelvic floor physical therapy may be the key to unlocking relief.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy can help and what to expect

Working with a pelvic health physical therapist [PT] can help improve the coordination and strength of your pelvic floor muscles and relieve uncomfortable symptoms. To get started, you will first need an assessment with a specialty-trained pelvic health PT.

During this first assessment, you will have a detailed conversation with your PT, discussing your symptoms, medical history, difficulties with activity completion and lifestyle. Once your therapist understands these factors, they will then complete a thorough assessment of your posture, and alignment and muscle function in your trunk, pelvis and hips.

Your physical therapist will also assess your core muscles to gauge how strong they are and how well they work together. This assessment includes checking core support and pelvic floor muscles’ coordination, mobility, strength, and endurance. If appropriate, your PT will also test these muscles in different activities and positions.

To address bowel, bladder, sexual concerns or core weakness, your therapist may recommend an internal pelvic examination. This may or may not occur during your first visit. Your pelvic health PT will provide education regarding the importance of this examination and always obtain your consent prior to completing this exam.

Ultimately, your therapist’s task is to evaluate your symptoms and concerns to determine the best course of care. Then, your physical therapist will work with you (and your healthcare provider) to choose the right treatment plan for you.

How do you do pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy improves your pelvic floor muscle mobility (tone), coordination, and strength. Our Women’s Health Specialists will take the time to determine what treatment is right for you. They will also be your guide throughout treatment. A list of our treatment options includes:

• Patient, dietary and behavioral education
• External and internal manual therapy
• Muscle and body awareness activities Appropriate strengthening and flexibility exercises
• Biofeedback, electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Hot and cold therapy
• Home exercise program

How do I get started?

If you are ready to learn more about pelvic floor physical therapy, visit our Women’s Health Care Services page. Our pelvic health specialists are looking forward to welcoming you and help you find relief.

The post ATI Celebrates Women’s Health Week appeared first on ATI.

May is Women’s Health Month, a time dedicated to encouraging women to examine and prioritize their health. From pelvic pain to postpartum conditions, women face unique healthcare needs throughout their lives, and physical therapy may be an effective option for treatment.

ATI Women’s Health teams specialize in delivering therapy for pelvic health and obstetrical care. Our therapists are skilled at providing patients with compassionate, expert care in a comfortable atmosphere.

What is ATI Women’s Health?

ATI Women’s Health clinics offer physical therapy treatment designed by women for women. Personalized care is delivered through customized treatment programs for a wide variety of women’s health issues. We understand the intimacy of these issues, and our specialty-trained healthcare professionals are devoted to providing treatment in a peaceful, supportive environment.

What Conditions do ATI Women’s Health Therapists Treat?

Some of the many conditions we treat include:

• Difficulty tolerating a pelvic examination
• Low back pain during pregnancy
• Weakened core strength or discomfort following delivery
• Discomfort during or following sexual intimacy
• Loss of bowel/bladder control when coughing, laughing or sneezing
• Chronic constipation
• Frequent urination

What Services Does ATI Women’s Health Offer?

We provide specialized services for:

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Pelvic organ prolapse, chronic constipation, bowel/bladder dysfunction (frequency, urgency, retention and/or incomplete emptying).
• Incontinence: Urinary (stress, urge, mixed, overflow), fecal.
• Pelvic Pain: Vulvodynia, vulvar vestibulitis, dyspareunia, vaginismus, coccydynia, levator ani syndrome, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, painful defecation, anal and/or rectal pain.
• Pregnancy and Postpartum Care: Obstetrical low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, pubis symphysis, sciatica, diastasis recti.
• Pre- and Post-Surgical: Hysterectomy, cesarean, episiotomy, sling procedure, prolapse repair, radiation.

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

Your initial evaluation with one of our licensed therapists will include a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment, a review of your medical history and treatment recommendations for a successful recovery.

Following your initial evaluation, based on the therapist’s findings and your doctor’s recommendations, a plan of care will be outlined.

Get Started with Women’s Health

If you or a loved one could benefit from expert physical therapy for pelvic health and obstetrical care, our team is ready to help. Find a Women’s Health clinic location nearest you to begin your journey toward a pain-free life.

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The post Women’s Health Month appeared first on ATI.

Every life is special, and in this life we have the capability to create another. For those that have decided to start a family or are already expecting a little one, it’s important to make sure that you’re preparing your body and your baby’s for the life ahead. Prior to and during pregnancy, your nutrition is key to a healthy birth and a healthier you.

Healthy Eating

The first stage of good nutrition during pregnancy is focusing on healthy eating by selecting nutrient-rich foods from a variety of sources to get the nutrients, vitamins and minerals both you and your baby need. Nutrition during pregnancy shares the same foundational principles as the dietary guidelines for all Americans focusing on a balanced assortment of lean meats and meat alternatives for protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy for calcium and vitamin D and healthy fats. Pregnancy nutrition does require an additional 200-300 calories per day during the second and third trimesters. You can meet this increased caloric need with one additional snack per day. A few great healthy snack ideas include an apple with nut butter, baby carrots with hummus or low-fat cheese or yogurt.

You have probably heard the saying “eating for two,” however, this is a common misconception. Being pregnant does not give you permission to eat anything you desire. According to Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel in their book “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” excessive intake or poor nutrition places the mother at risk for pregnancy complications including excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, anemia and preeclampsia. Conversely, a pregnant woman who eats well and avoids excessive weight gain may experience less morning sickness, fatigue, heartburn and constipation, display better-balanced emotions, are more likely to have a full-term pregnancy and experience a quicker post-partum recovery. Of equal importance, healthy eating may also give your baby a better chance for a healthy birth weight, improved brain development, reduced risk for certain birth defects and less picky eating habits as they grow.

Maintaining your caloric intake

How does a mother know if she is eating enough calories to meet the needs of her own body and her developing baby? Your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) will monitor your weight gain. If your weight gain is right on target, you’re eating the right amount of calories per day. If you are gaining too little weight or too much weight too quickly, you’ll have to adjust your caloric intake up or down, respectively. In general, daily caloric intake can be achieved by eating at least five times per day, three well-balanced healthy meals and two healthy snacks.

Supplements to consider

A prenatal vitamin is highly recommended when pregnant. In fact, any woman of childbearing age that is planning to become pregnant should take a prenatal vitamin. A prenatal vitamin contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid (400-600 mcg), iron (30 mg), calcium (250 mg), iodine (150 mcg) and omega-3 fatty acids/DHA (200-300 mg). Folic acid protects your baby from neural tube birth defect affecting the spine and brain. Folic acids can be found in green leafy vegetables, eggs, beans and citrus fruits. Iron is needed to meet the demands of the mother’s expanding blood supply and the developing blood supply of the baby. Iron rich foods include beef, green leafy vegetables, lentils and beans. Calcium is important for the mother’s bone health and fetal bone, muscle, heart and nerve development. Calcium is found in foods such as low fat dairy products, green leafy vegetables and salmon. Iodine has been found to be vital to normal thyroid function limiting the possibility of stunted physical growth, metal disability, deafness and miscarriage or stillbirth. Foods rich in iodine include cod, shrimp, tuna, eggs and dairy products. DHA is essential for proper brain growth and eye development. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids/DHA include wild salmon, canned light tuna, walnuts and omega-3 eggs.

The importance of water

The demand for fluids increases during pregnancy both for the mother and the baby. Water eases constipation, rids the body of toxins and waste products, reduces swelling and risk of urinary tract infections and preterm labor. Generally, it is recommended to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. However, the amount of water each individual needs is going to vary depending on activity level, the environment, food intake and body mass index. Your body will tell you when you need more water. Drink when you start to feel thirsty, but ideally before. Drink more water when you are exercising or have been in a hot environment. The best gauge of whether or not you are drinking enough fluids is the output and color of your urine. If your urine is dark yellow or similar to the color of apple juice, you need to drink more fluids.

Foods to Avoid

There are foods to avoid when pregnant to minimize you and your baby’s risk of listeria — bacteria that can cause a serious illness that can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or preterm delivery. It is recommended to avoid raw seafood, undercooked meats and eggs, unpasteurized milk and cheeses, pasteurized soft cheeses, hot dogs, deli meat and unwashed raw vegetables. It is also important to avoid seafood with high mercury content including shark, swordfish, mackerel and tilefish.

Are you experiencing pain or dysfunction during pregnancy?

Our physical therapists have advanced, specialized training in the management of musculoskeletal conditions during and after pregnancy that may lead to pain and dysfunction. Find a Women’s Health location nearest you and experience the power of ATI.

The post Pregnancy and Nutrition: What You Should Be Eating appeared first on ATI.