The pelvis is a powerhouse that plays a crucial role in our daily actions and movements. Whether you’re a man or a woman, the health of your pelvis is vital for your overall wellbeing. In this blog post, I want to shed light on some common misconceptions people of all ages have about pelvic health because it’s important to understand and care for this essential part of your body if you want to stay in action.
Structure of the Pelvis
Let’s start by understanding the basic structure of the pelvis, which is located at the base of the spine and made up of several parts:
- Hip bones – the wide bones of your hips that look a bit like elephant ears and support your legs and trunk.
- Sacrum – a large, triangular bone at the base of your spine that supports your body when you sit or stand.
- Coccyx – also called your tailbone, this small bone sits at the base of your sacrum and helps you balance when you sit.
Within the pelvis, there are pelvic floor muscles—a hammock-like group of muscles that provide support to the organs in the pelvic region. For both men and women, these muscles are crucial for maintaining bowel and bladder control, supporting the spine, and ensuring balance and stability during movement. They also provide vital support for both male and female reproductive organs.
Common Misconceptions About Pelvic Health
There are many common misconceptions about pelvic health that men and women of all ages believe to be true. Here are ten common myths about pelvic health with the true data about each:
1. Myth: Men don’t have pelvic floor muscles.
Reality: Men do have pelvic floor muscles that play a key role in urinary and bowel control, sexual function, and overall pelvic stability.
2. Myth: Only pregnant or postpartum women have trouble with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Reality: Pelvic floor issues can affect both men and women at any stage of life, not just during pregnancy or postpartum.
3. Myth: Men don’t have to worry about incontinence.
Reality: While less common than in women, men can also experience urinary incontinence, often related to prostate issues or pelvic floor dysfunction.
4. Myth: It’s normal to leak a small amount of urine when you laugh or cough as you get older.
Reality: While common, it’s not normal. Incontinence is treatable, and physical therapy can help improve pelvic floor function.
5. Myth: Pelvic floor issues only affect older individuals.
Reality: Pelvic health is relevant at all ages, and addressing concerns early can prevent complications later in life.
6. Myth: Kegel exercises are the only solution for pelvic floor issues.
Reality: While Kegels can be beneficial, physical therapy includes various exercises and techniques that are more effective than Kegel exercises alone.
7. Myth: Pelvic pain is a normal part of aging.
Reality: Pelvic pain should not be dismissed as a normal part of aging; it could indicate underlying issues that require attention.
8. Myth: Pelvic floor issues are solely a women’s health concern.
Reality: Men also experience pelvic floor problems, and seeking help from a physical therapist is crucial for effective management.
9. Myth: Pelvic floor dysfunction is untreatable.
Reality: Physical therapy is a proven and effective treatment for many pelvic floor issues, offering relief and improved function.
10. Myth: You should only see a physical therapist for pelvic issues if you’re experiencing pain.
Reality: Physical therapists can address a range of pelvic health concerns, from pain to incontinence, in both men and women. You don’t have to wait until you are in pain to seek help from a physical therapist for pelvic health concerns.
Physical Therapy Can Help Improve Pelvic Health
At Rebound Physical Therapy, our skilled professionals understand the nuances of pelvic health in both men and women. Whether you’re dealing with pain, incontinence, or other pelvic floor issues, our physical therapists can develop personalized treatment plans to improve pelvic health. Don’t let misconceptions hinder your wellbeing—call Rebound at (785) 271-5533 if you have any questions or if you’d like to schedule an evaluation, and discover how physical therapy can help you stay in action and continue doing the activities you love.
