Pelvic Floor Symptoms Are Common — But They Are Not Normal
- Dr. Matt Paluchniak
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever leaked during a workout, felt pressure or heaviness, avoided jumping or running, or noticed changes, especially after pregnancy — you’re not alone.
Pelvic floor symptoms affect millions of women, especially active adults and moms. Yet far too often, these symptoms are dismissed as “normal” or something you just have to live with.
Here’s the truth:
Pelvic floor issues are common — but they are not normal. And they are absolutely treatable.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments that sit at the base of your pelvis.
These muscles play a critical role in:
Supporting your bladder, uterus, and rectum
Controlling bowel and bladder function
Contributing to core strength and stability
Supporting posture and breathing
Playing a role in sexual function
The pelvic floor works closely with your diaphragm, deep core muscles, hips, and nervous system — not in isolation.
When this system isn’t functioning optimally, symptoms can show up in many ways.
Common Pelvic Floor Symptoms
Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
Urinary leaking with coughing, sneezing, running, or lifting
Pelvic pressure or a sensation of heaviness
Pain with intercourse or tampon use
Difficulty starting or fully emptying the bladder
Constipation or bowel movement strain
Core weakness or “mom pooch” that doesn’t improve with exercise
Hip, low back, or tailbone pain
Feeling unstable or disconnected through your core
Many people assume these issues are simply part of motherhood, aging, or high-impact exercise.
They are not.
Why Kegels Aren’t Always the Answer
One of the biggest misconceptions in pelvic health is that every issue requires more kegels.
In reality, pelvic floor problems are rarely just a strength issue.
Your pelvic floor must be able to:
Contract when needed
Relax when needed
Coordinate with breathing
Respond to load and impact
Support movement patterns like squatting, lifting, and running
For many people, the pelvic floor is actually overactive or tense, not weak. Strengthening muscles that can’t fully relax often makes symptoms worse — not better.
This is why personalized pelvic health therapy matters.
What Is Pelvic HealthTherapy?
Pelvic health therapy is a specialized form of therapy that evaluates how your pelvic floor works with the rest of your body.
At Evolv Physical Therapy & Performance, pelvic health therapy may include:
Comprehensive movement and strength assessment
Breathing and pressure management strategies
Pelvic floor coordination training
Core and hip strengthening
Mobility work for hips, spine, and pelvic tissues
Return-to-exercise and impact progression
Education for lifting, workouts, and daily activities
Treatment is always individualized — because no two bodies or symptoms are the same.
Who Can Benefit From Pelvic Health Therapy?
Pelvic health therapy is not only for postpartum women.
Active women who leak during workouts
Runners experiencing pelvic pain or heaviness
Moms returning to exercise after birth
Women with painful intercourse
Athletes lifting heavy weights
Individuals with chronic low back or hip pain
Women approaching or going through perimenopause or menopause
Pelvic health is performance health — not just recovery.
When Should You Seek Help?
If you are experiencing symptoms that:
Affect your workouts
Change how you move
Limit your confidence
Cause you to avoid certain activities
Have persisted longer than a few weeks
…it’s worth getting assessed.
Ignoring symptoms often leads to compensation patterns, worsening discomfort, and decreased confidence over time.
Early care leads to better outcomes — and faster returns to the activities you love.
You Don’t Have to “Just Deal With It”
Leaking, pain, pressure, or discomfort are not the price you pay for being active or becoming a mom.
Your body is not broken — it’s simply asking for the right support.
Pelvic health therapy helps restore confidence, strength, and control so you can:
Lift without fear
Run without leaking
Train without hesitation
Live without constantly worrying about your body
Take the Next Step
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are pelvic-floor related, we’ve made it easy to start.
👉 Curious how healthy your pelvic floor is? Take our FREE Pelvic Health Quiz!
👉 Schedule a FREE phone consultation with one of our expert therapists!
👉 Click here to learn more about Women's Pelvic Therapy
📍 Evolv Physical Therapy & Performance — Cedarburg, WI Helping women stay healthy, strong, and thriving at every stage of life.
