You may refer to something as a pain in the butt when it’s stressing you out, like traffic and long lines, but the reality is, you’re not too far off with that statement! Daily stressors and ongoing chronic stress can lead to pelvic floor pain for men.
The pelvic floor is the group of muscles and organs that support the bladder and bowel, but that’s not all it does, says Emily Bessemer, PT, DPT, PRPC. “A healthy pelvic floor can lead to a more fulfilling sex life, an increased ability to hold urine without urgency, and help prevent groin strains and low back injuries.”
Believe it or not, the pelvic floor and jaw are connected so if you’re clenching your jaw when feeling stressed, you’re clenching your pelvic floor. That tension you are feeling in one or both of the areas are connected. Pelvic floor muscles contract in response to both physical and mental stress. If you aren’t handling your stress in healthy ways and these muscles are tightening up often, it can lead to ongoing pain and dysfunction in that area, including chronic constipation.
Addressing your pelvic health through focused activities, such as posture training, yoga stretches and foam roller exercises can improve function while decreasing any pain.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can offer the right strategies for relief and lasting improvement. To make an appointment, call CentraState physical therapy at 732-294-2700.
WATCH: Learn more at livelifewellnj.com/pelvic-health
