As pelvic floor physical therapists, we often see patients who come to us with various pelvic floor dysfunctions, seeking relief and improvement in their quality of life. Whether it's urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or pelvic pain, our goal is to help our patients regain strength, flexibility, and control through targeted exercises and therapy.
One common misconception we encounter is the belief that once symptoms improve or the dysfunction resolves, there's no need to continue with pelvic floor exercises. They’ll commit their time and effort towards healing and a few months later feel like they’re back at square one with their symptoms of dysfunction. Just like any other form of physical fitness, consistency is key to maintaining pelvic floor health in the long term.

Why Consistency Matters
Imagine going to the gym to strengthen your muscles or improve your cardiovascular health. You wouldn't expect to maintain those gains if you suddenly stopped exercising altogether, right? The same principle applies to your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting pelvic organs, controlling bladder and bowel function, and contributing to sexual health.
During pelvic floor therapy, we work with patients to strengthen weak muscles, release tension in tight muscles, and improve overall coordination and control. This not only helps alleviate symptoms but also prevents future issues from arising. However, just like any other muscle group, if you neglect your pelvic floor, it can weaken over time, leading to a recurrence of symptoms or new problems.
Incorporating Exercises Into Your Daily Routine
We understand that life can get busy, and it's easy to let exercises slip when symptoms improve. We recommend making your pelvic floor exercises/stretches part of your daily routine. For most people, that looks like building it into their gym/ workout routine. This way you don’t have to think “I still have to do my pelvic floor exercises”.
Think of it as a daily commitment to your well-being, similar to brushing your teeth or eating healthy. By making pelvic floor exercises a habit, you're investing in your future health and preventing setbacks down the road.
Progress Is Not Linear
It's not uncommon for patients to feel great after pelvic floor therapy, only to notice a return of symptoms several months later. This can be frustrating and confusing, especially when they thought the issue was resolved. However, it's important to recognize that pelvic floor health is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.
Factors such as hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging, and even stress can impact pelvic floor function. Regular exercise helps maintain muscle tone and function, reducing the likelihood of symptoms returning or worsening over time.

As pelvic floor physical therapists, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take charge of your pelvic health. We encourage you to view pelvic floor exercises not as a temporary solution, but as a lifelong commitment to feeling your best. By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine and staying consistent, you can support your pelvic floor health and enjoy a better quality of life in the long term.
Remember, just like you wouldn't skip the gym after achieving a fitness goal, don't skip your pelvic floor exercises once you start feeling better. Your future self will thank you for the effort and dedication you put into maintaining a healthy pelvic floor.
Let's keep the conversation going about pelvic health—because every woman deserves a strong, healthy body!

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