It’s all connected.

How the Pelvic Floor Connects Throughout the Body

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues at the base of the pelvis. While many people think of it only in relation to bladder or bowel function, it actually plays a key role in whole-body stability and movement. When the pelvic floor is underactive, overactive, or not coordinating properly, it can contribute to symptoms in multiple regions of the body. On the flip side, the lower back, jaw, foot/ankle, ribs, hip, and tailbone can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction as well. Here’s a little information on how its all related!

Lower Back Pain
The pelvic floor is part of the “deep core system,” along with the diaphragm, deep abdominals, and multifidus muscles. These structures work together to stabilize the spine. When the pelvic floor is not functioning effectively, the lower back muscles may become overloaded, contributing to chronic tension or pain.

Jaw Pain
Research shows a neurological connection between the jaw and the pelvic floor through shared pathways of the autonomic nervous system. Stress or clenching behaviors in the jaw are often mirrored by increased tension in the pelvic floor. Addressing pelvic floor dysfunction can sometimes improve jaw-related pain and vice versa.

Foot and Ankle Pain
The pelvic floor plays a role in absorbing and transferring forces with each step. If pelvic floor support is compromised, excess strain can travel downward, affecting the feet and ankles. Conversely, foot or ankle injuries can alter gait mechanics, which increases load on the pelvic floor and surrounding pelvic structures.

Rib Pain
The diaphragm and pelvic floor are biomechanical partners that regulate intra-abdominal pressure. On inhalation, the diaphragm descends as the pelvic floor lengthens; on exhalation, both recoil upward. When this pressure system is disrupted, patients may experience rib or thoracic discomfort along with shallow or inefficient breathing.

Hip Pain
The pelvic floor and hip musculature share fascial and muscular connections. Dysfunction in the pelvic floor can alter hip joint mechanics, leading to instability or impingement-type symptoms. Likewise, hip pathology often results in compensatory pelvic floor overactivity, creating a cycle of pain and restriction.

Tailbone Pain
Several pelvic floor muscles attach directly to the coccyx (tailbone). Trauma, prolonged sitting, or childbirth can irritate this area, producing localized pain and secondary pelvic floor spasm. Patients with coccydynia often present with both coccygeal tenderness and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

If you feel like it could be all related, it definitely could be! I love to find the connections, treat the whole person, and help you with more than just the pelvic floor! If this is something you relate to, and need someone to look at the whole picture, as it related to your pelvic floor symptoms- Breeze Pelvic Health can help!