The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Athletes: Not Just for New Moms
Pelvic floor physical therapy is often associated with postpartum recovery, but its benefits extend far beyond new moms. Athletes of all backgrounds—runners, lifters, cyclists, and more—rely on pelvic floor function for core stability, breath control, and injury prevention. When these muscles are weak, overactive, or uncoordinated, it can lead to issues like hip pain, low back discomfort, and even performance limitations.
At Eastside Movement in Austin, we take a whole-body approach to pelvic floor physical therapy, helping athletes improve strength, mobility, and movement efficiency. Whether you’re experiencing pelvic discomfort, core weakness, or unexplained pain, pelvic floor therapy can be a game-changer for your performance.
Why the Pelvic Floor Matters for Athletes
The pelvic floor is a key part of the core, working alongside the diaphragm, deep abdominals, and back muscles to provide stability, strength, and control during movement. Athletes rely on this system for:
Core Stability – A strong and coordinated pelvic floor helps maintain proper posture and balance, reducing strain on the lower back and hips.
Breath Control & Performance – The pelvic floor and diaphragm work together to regulate intra-abdominal pressure, which is essential for lifting, sprinting, and endurance sports.
Injury Prevention – Dysfunction in the pelvic floor can contribute to low back pain, hip instability, and even knee injuries due to poor core engagement.
When the pelvic floor isn’t functioning properly—whether from weakness, tightness, or poor coordination—athletes may experience decreased power, inefficient movement patterns, and an increased risk of injury.
Common Pelvic Floor Issues in Athletes
Many athletes don’t realize that pelvic floor dysfunction can directly impact their performance and comfort during training and competition. Some of the most common issues include:
Urinary Leakage During High-Impact Activities – Runners, weightlifters, and CrossFit athletes may experience stress incontinence (leaking urine) due to poor coordination of the pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic Pain and Tightness – Overactive pelvic floor muscles can cause discomfort in the hips, groin, or lower abdomen, leading to restricted movement and reduced power output.
Low Back, Hip, or Groin Pain – Since the pelvic floor is part of the core stabilization system, dysfunction can create instability, forcing other muscles to compensate and resulting in pain or decreased efficiency.
These issues are often overlooked or misdiagnosed, but with the right approach, they can be effectively treated to improve performance, strength, and overall movement quality.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps Athletes
Pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t just about strengthening—it’s about improving coordination, mobility, and function so the entire body moves efficiently. Athletes benefit from pelvic floor therapy in several ways:
Strengthening & Coordinating Pelvic Floor Muscles – Instead of simply tightening the pelvic floor, therapy helps athletes activate, relax, and engage these muscles appropriately during movement.
Addressing Imbalances That Contribute to Pain or Dysfunction – Many athletes experience tightness rather than weakness in the pelvic floor, which can create issues like hip pain or low back instability. Therapy focuses on balancing strength and flexibility.
Enhancing Core and Hip Strength for Better Movement Efficiency – The pelvic floor is part of the core, so improving its function helps increase stability, reduce injury risk, and improve power output in sports.
By incorporating breathwork, movement retraining, and strength exercises, pelvic floor therapy helps athletes train smarter and move more efficiently.
Pelvic Floor Therapy at Eastside Movement
At Eastside Movement, we take a whole-body approach to pelvic floor physical therapy, ensuring that athletes receive the care they need to move efficiently and pain-free. Our specialized treatments go beyond basic strengthening to address the root causes of dysfunction.
What sets our approach apart?
Comprehensive Assessments – We evaluate pelvic floor function in relation to the entire body, identifying movement patterns that contribute to pain or instability.
Customized Treatment Plans – Whether you need strengthening, relaxation techniques, or movement retraining, our therapy is tailored to your sport and specific needs.
Integration of Strength, Mobility, and Breathwork – We help athletes coordinate their pelvic floor with the rest of their core, improving stability, power, and endurance.
By focusing on how the pelvic floor interacts with the rest of the body, our therapy helps athletes train smarter, recover faster, and perform at their best.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is not just for postpartum women—it’s a powerful tool for athletes looking to improve core stability, prevent injuries, and enhance overall performance. Whether you’re dealing with hip pain, low back discomfort, or pelvic floor dysfunction, addressing these issues can make a significant difference in movement efficiency and strength.
At Eastside Movement, we take a comprehensive approach to pelvic floor therapy, helping athletes optimize their body mechanics for pain-free performance. If you’re experiencing pelvic discomfort, instability, or unexplained movement limitations, pelvic floor therapy could be the missing piece in your training.
Take control of your movement—schedule a pelvic floor assessment at Eastside Movement today.
