When Do We WANT the Pelvic Muscles to Turn On?

To get a little nerdy on you, research shows that while walking, the pelvic muscles contract a little on one side (the side you’re putting weight on) and are more relaxed on the other. We need the pelvic muscles to contract in order to provide stability and some shock absorption while you’re standing on that foot. They’re also activated when running and jumping too. As muscles contract, they shorten. [A good example of this is the bicep bulging- that’s the muscle fibers shortening and coming closer together].

If a muscle is already short, contracted, and tight (i.e. an overactive tight pelvic floor), it won’t have enough length to shorten even further. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again (I’m obsessed, I know), I care more about length, mobility, and range of motion of the pelvic floor muscles than strength.

What happens when they can’t lengthen when they need to? Sometimes leakage. Sometimes pain. Sometimes funky body mechanics. We want the muscles to be able  to contract and relax. If you think you’ve got some pelvic floor dysfunction, seek out a pelvic therapist that can assess your pelvic  muscles and make a plan for your specific body.

Any questions? Please reach out!