What Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues located at the base of your core. These muscles support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. They also help with posture, stability, and core strength.

When these muscles are too weak, too tight, or not working properly, you may experience issues such as:

• Urinary or bowel leakage
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pain during intercourse
• Low back or hip discomfort
• Difficulty with core exercises

These symptoms are more common than most people realize — and they’re not something you simply have to live with.

Who Does It Affect?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect anyone, though it’s especially common in:

• Women during or after pregnancy: The muscles stretch and sometimes weaken from the strain of childbirth.
• Men after prostate surgery: The muscles that control bladder function can be affected.
• Athletes: High-impact activity and poor movement mechanics can place extra stress on the pelvic region.
• Older adults: Muscle tone naturally decreases with age, which can impact pelvic floor strength.

No matter your age or gender, pelvic floor health plays a key role in your movement, stability, and confidence.

Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters

Ignoring pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to long-term discomfort and limitations in daily life. These muscles are essential to your body’s foundation — and when they’re not functioning well, it can affect your hips, back, and overall movement patterns.

Proper care and strengthening can help:

• Improve bladder and bowel control
• Reduce pain and pressure
• Enhance posture and stability
• Support better performance during exercise and daily activities

Pelvic floor therapy can help restore balance and function to these muscles, giving you more comfort and control.

Pelvic Floor Therapy at Physical Therapy Doctor NJ

Our licensed physical therapist, Dr. Irina Fookson, DPT, is trained to evaluate and treat pelvic floor dysfunction with a compassionate, one-on-one approach. Each treatment plan is personalized to your needs, focusing on restoring strength, mobility, and coordination.

Therapy may include:

• Education about pelvic floor function
• Gentle strengthening or relaxation exercises
• Breathing and posture training
• Manual therapy as needed
• Guidance on daily habits that support long-term improvement

We provide a professional, private environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your symptoms and confident in your progress.

Support Outside of Therapy

For additional support, patients can explore Revive, a reusable bladder support device designed for women experiencing leakage. Visit https://www.userevive.com/ and use the discount code: DOC10 for 10% off your purchase.

This can be a helpful tool to complement your pelvic floor therapy and support your journey toward better bladder control and confidence.

Take the Next Step

If you’ve experienced symptoms like leakage, pelvic pressure, or discomfort, know that help is available — and effective.

At Physical Therapy Doctor NJ, we’re here to help you understand your body, strengthen your foundation, and get back to doing what you love without limitations.

Contact us today to schedule your pelvic floor evaluation and start feeling better, stronger, and more confident in your daily life.