How Everything is Connected to Your Pelvic Floor

When you think about your pelvic floor, you might immediately associate it with pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or Kegels. But the truth is, your pelvic floor is involved in so much more than you realize. It’s not just a set of muscles that control bladder function—it’s a crucial part of your core, your nervous system, your digestion, and even your posture. In fact, tension or dysfunction in your pelvic floor can ripple through your entire body, affecting areas you might never have considered—like your jaw, shoulders, back, and even your feet.

Let’s break down how everything in your body connects back to your pelvic floor.

 

 

1. Your pelvic floor is the foundation of core stability

Your core isn’t just about your abs. It’s a dynamic system made up of your diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles, back muscles, and—at the very bottom—your pelvic floor. These muscles work together like a well-coordinated team to stabilize your spine and pelvis.

If your pelvic floor is weak or overly tight, it can throw off this entire system. A weak or tight pelvic floor may lead to lower back pain, hip instability, tailbone pain, sciatic nerve pain, and more.

 

2. The connection between your pelvic floor and digestion

Your pelvic floor isn’t just about muscles—it also supports your intestines and plays a role in healthy digestion. If your pelvic floor isn’t functioning correctly, it can make it harder for your body to properly eliminate waste, leading to constipation and bloating. On the flip side, you might experience issues like urinary or fecal incontinence or a lack of support for your abdominal organs.

Many people who struggle with chronic digestive issues—like IBS—also have pelvic floor dysfunction, because these systems are so interconnected.

 

 

3. How your nervous system affects your pelvic floor

Your pelvic floor is deeply tied to your nervous system, especially your stress response. When you experience stress, your body naturally tenses up. And guess what? Your pelvic floor is often one of the first places to hold that tension.

If you’ve ever found yourself clenching your jaw, hunching your shoulders, or feeling tension in your neck after a long, stressful day, there’s a good chance your pelvic floor is also tightening in response. Chronic pelvic floor tension can contribute to issues like pain, urinary urgency, and even discomfort during sex.

Learning to release tension in your pelvic floor—through breathing exercises, pelvic floor therapy, or gentle movement—can help signal to your nervous system that it’s safe to relax.

 

4. The jaw-pelvic floor connection

Speaking of tension, did you know that your jaw and your pelvic floor are directly connected? This is because both areas are influenced by the same fascial lines and nervous system pathways.

If you grind your teeth, clench your jaw, or have TMJ pain, it’s worth considering whether your pelvic floor is also holding tension. Many people find that working on jaw relaxation techniques—like tongue posture correction or gentle stretching—can actually help release pelvic floor tension as well.

Guess what? As physical therapists, we can help relieve that tension in your jaw at the same time we’re doing work on your pelvic floor!

 

 

5. How your feet are connected to your pelvic floor

It might sound surprising, but your feet and pelvic floor have a strong relationship. Your feet are your body’s shock absorbers, helping you stay balanced with every step. But if your foot mechanics are off—whether due to flat feet, high arches, or poor footwear—it can create a chain reaction of dysfunction that travels up through your knees, hips, and eventually your pelvic floor.

For example, if your arches collapse, your knees and hips might rotate inward, which can put excessive strain on your pelvic floor muscles. This is why pelvic floor therapists often look at foot positioning and walking patterns when assessing pelvic floor dysfunction.

 

Everything is connected

Your body is one big interconnected system, and your pelvic floor is at the center of it all. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, digestive issues, jaw tension, or foot discomfort, addressing pelvic floor health can be a game-changer.

If you suspect your pelvic floor might be holding tension or contributing to other issues, working with a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you restore balance and function to your entire body.

Want to learn more about how to care for your pelvic floor? Join our free Whole Health newsletter or schedule an appointment with a Well + Core Physical Therapist today.