The Surprising Connection Between Hip Weakness and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Hip weakness and pelvic floor dysfunction are two conditions that may not appear related, but they can be intimately connected. The pelvic floor muscles are a complex network of muscles that play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and function of the pelvic region. The hip muscles also contribute to pelvic stability, and when these muscles are weak, it can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. In this blog, we will discuss the relationship between hip weakness and the pelvic floor, and how a pelvic floor physical therapist can help.
The Pelvic Floor and Its Role
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles form a sling-like structure that spans the bottom of the pelvis. The pelvic floor muscles help to control urinary and fecal continence, support the pelvic organs, and aid in sexual function. They also play a role in stabilizing the pelvic girdle, which is important for posture and movement.
Hip Muscles and Their Role
The hip muscles, including the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and hip adductors, play a crucial role in hip stability and function. The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body and is responsible for extending the hip. The gluteus medius and hip adductors help to stabilize the pelvis during movement, such as walking or running.
Hip Weakness and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
When the hip muscles are weak, it can lead to compensations in other areas of the body, including the pelvic floor. For example, when the gluteus medius is weak, the pelvis may drop to one side during walking or running. This can cause the opposite hip to hike up, which can place increased stress on the pelvic floor muscles. Over time, this can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or pelvic pain.
Additionally, research has shown that hip weakness can lead to altered pelvic floor muscle function. A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy found that women with hip weakness had reduced pelvic floor muscles strength and endurance compared to women with strong hips. This suggests that hip weakness may impair the ability of the pelvic floor muscles to contract effectively.
How a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Can Help
A pelvic floor physical therapist is a healthcare provider who specializes in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. They can help patients who are experiencing symptoms related to weak hip muscles and the pelvic floor. During an evaluation, the therapist will assess the strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles and hip muscles. They may use biofeedback, which involves placing a sensor inside the vagina or rectum to measure muscle activity, to help patients better understand how to contract and relax their muscles.
The therapist will also work with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan. This may include exercises to strengthen the hip and pelvic floor muscles, as well as strategies to improve posture and body mechanics. For example, the therapist may teach the patient how to engage their gluteus medius while walking or running to help stabilize the pelvis and reduce stress on the pelvic floor muscles.
In some cases, the therapist may also use manual therapy techniques, such as myofascial release or trigger point release, to address tight or tender muscles in the hip or pelvic floor. They may also use electrical stimulation to help improve muscle function.
Ready to take care of your hip weakness? Let’s chat!
Hip weakness and pelvic floor dysfunction are two conditions that can be intimately connected. When the hip muscles are weak, it can lead to compensations in other areas of the body, including the pelvic floor, which can lead to symptoms such as urinary incontinence or pelvic pain. However, a pelvic floor physical therapist can help patients address these issues by developing an individualized treatment plan that can help you get the healing you need.
Want to work together? Book a virtual or in-person session (Minnesota) with me to receive a specialized, unique-to-you treatment plan to get the healing you need.
Looking for additional resources on pelvic health? My YouTube channel holds dozens of videos where I offer free pelvic floor training, yoga exercises, and more. My instagram page takes a little bit more of a light hearted approach while still providing educational content. And of course, if you have a specific pelvic floor subject you’re looking for more information on, a quick search of my blogs may give you the answers you need.
More content you may like:
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. Laura Meihofer’s LLC is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program and others, as an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to products Laura organically uses and trusts. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same, but Laura will automatically receive a small commission. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps her spread her message!
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.