Pelvic floor health might not be something you think about every day, but it has a huge impact on your overall wellbeing. If you’re dealing with discomfort, weakness, or issues in this area, pelvic floor osteopathy can be a game-changer. Osteopathy Vancouver, an experienced osteopath office based right here in Vancouver, offers specialized pelvic floor therapy that helps you find relief and strengthens this essential muscle group.

What Exactly is Pelvic Floor Osteopathy?

- And Why It Matters -

Pelvic floor osteopathy is a type of therapy focused on assessing and improving the function of the pelvic muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue. These muscles are responsible for stabilizing your core, supporting organs like the bladder and uterus, and helping with essential bodily functions. When the pelvic floor isn’t functioning optimally (often called pelvic floor dysfunction), it can lead to a variety of issues, including back pain, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and even discomfort with physical activities or sports. Pelvic floor therapy helps ease and correct these issues, so you can move, breathe, and feel better.
Lucile from Osteopathy Vancouver combines her years of experience with a customized approach to help you build strength and relieve tension in this crucial area. She works holistically to get to the root of the issue rather than just treating the symptoms.

For more general information on osteopathy and its benefits, check out our general osteopathy page.

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Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor

- For Women, Pregnancy, and Beyond -

For women, pelvic floor health is especially important. Pregnancy, childbirth, and aging can all take a toll on the muscles in the pelvic area. Pelvic floor therapy in Vancouver can be incredibly helpful for mothers recovering after childbirth and for anyone experiencing issues like bladder weakness or lower back pain due to pelvic muscle strain. Osteopathic techniques are gentle and non-invasive. Osteopathy Vancouver may use: Soft tissue manipulation to relieve stress in the pelvic region Breathing exercises to encourage relaxation and strength Targeted movements and exercises that build core stability This therapy is also valuable for anyone going through the postpartum phase. The body changes significantly during pregnancy, and the pelvic muscles often need focused support to regain strength and flexibility. If you’re pregnant or recently had a baby, we also offer specialized prenatal osteopathy to keep you feeling supported throughout this journey.

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What Exactly Are Pelvic Floor Muscles?

- why are they so important -

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a supportive "sling" at the base of your pelvis. They help support organs like the bladder, uterus, and bowel and play a huge role in core stability, posture, and even breathing. These muscles can either become weak or overly tight (hypertonic), which can lead to different types of discomfort. For example: Weak pelvic floor muscles might result in bladder control issues or pain in the hips and lower back. Tight or hypertonic muscles can lead to chronic pelvic pain or problems with bowel movements. It’s not just a matter of strength; it’s about balance. Having strong but flexible pelvic floor muscles can improve your quality of life by allowing for better movement and reducing discomfort. For more on how these muscles impact health, both the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic have extensive resources on pelvic floor health and dysfunction.

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Simple Exercises and Tips to Relax Pelvic Floor Muscles

Sometimes, pelvic floor issues come from muscles that are too tight or tense, which can lead to pain and restricted movement. Luckily, there are simple exercises and stretches you can do to help relax and release pelvic floor tension. These movements are gentle but effective, and they’re a great way to support the work Osteopathy Vancouver does in your sessions. Consistency is key; doing these exercises regularly can make a big difference in relieving pelvic floor tension and building stability over time. If you’re someone who participates in sports, maintaining strong yet flexible pelvic floor muscles is crucial. For more on how osteopathy can help with sports-related injuries, visit our page on sports injuries and osteopathy.
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Diaphragmatic breathing

Lying on your back, take deep breaths and let your belly expand with each inhale. This encourages the pelvic area to relax.
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Pelvic tilts

Lie on your back with knees bent, gently tilting the pelvis to engage and release your core.
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Child’s Pose

This yoga stretch can be particularly helpful in releasing tight muscles in the lower back and pelvis.

What is a Hypertonic Pelvic Floor?

- And Do Men Have a Pelvic Floor, Too? -

A hypertonic pelvic floor means that the muscles in this area are too tight or contracted, which can cause ongoing discomfort and even pain. This condition can occur from a variety of factors, including stress, injury, or extended periods of sitting (hello, desk jobs!). Symptoms of a hypertonic pelvic floor might include:

  • Pelvic pain or discomfort
  • Urinary urgency or frequency
  • Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements

    Hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction requires a different approach than weak pelvic muscles. Osteopathy Vancouver’s methods focus on gently relaxing the area and relieving tension so that the muscles can return to their natural state. Lucile years of expertise allow her to identify the specific techniques that work best for each person.
Men have a pelvic floor too! It’s a group of muscles located at the base of the pelvis that plays a critical role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and core stability. Often overlooked, the male pelvic floor is just as important as its female counterpart for overall health and well-being.

For example, these muscles are actively engaged when you stop the flow of urine, control gas, or maintain stability during physical activity. A well-functioning pelvic floor can prevent or alleviate issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or erectile dysfunction.

Men can strengthen their pelvic floor through targeted exercises, like pelvic floor contractions (commonly called kegels) or specific stretches and breathing techniques to release tension.

Whether recovering from surgery, addressing chronic conditions, or enhancing athletic performance, men can benefit significantly from focusing on their pelvic health. As osteopaths, we often integrate pelvic floor assessment and care into holistic treatment plans for optimal function and long-term health.

So, fellas, don’t skip leg day—or pelvic day! It’s time to embrace your inner muscle whisperer and flex where it counts. After all, it’s not just about abs; the real powerhouse is hiding a little lower.

Rebuild your base!

Breaking Through Pelvic Floor Challenges: A Holistic Approach

How Osteopathy and Physiotherapy Work Together to Reconnect, Relieve, and Recover

"I often see patients feeling frustrated or stuck in their pelvic floor rehabilitation journey. Reconnecting with this area isn’t just about activating the muscles—it’s about understanding their subtle dynamics. Osteopathy complements physiotherapy beautifully by releasing tension externally, promoting awareness, and helping patients engage with their bodies on a deeper level." says Lucile (Osteopathy Vancouver).

 

Some individuals struggle to connect with their pelvic floor, making rehabilitation with a pelvic floor physiotherapist more challenging and potentially leading to feelings of frustration or stagnation. Osteopathy serves as a highly complementary approach, helping patients reconnect with this area, especially after childbirth, sexual trauma, or conditions like vaginismus. It can also enhance progress during plateaus in rehabilitation.
Collaboration between a pelvic floor physiotherapist and an osteopath ensures a more holistic approach to recovery. Physiotherapists provide internal assessments to identify precise dysfunctions and prescribe targeted exercises, while osteopaths focus on external assessments, improving mobility, releasing tension, and fostering body awareness. Together, they help patients not just regain function but also restore confidence and a sense of connection with their bodies.

Floor it today!