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Pelvic Floor Information

The Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor consists of several layers of muscles that cover the bottom of the pelvic cavity. These muscles have 3 distinct roles:
To Support the pelvic organs, the bladder, uterus and colon within the pelvis.
To assist in stopping and starting the flow of urine or the passage of gas or stool.
To aid in sexual appreciation

How to Locate the Pelvic Floor Muscles
Insert 1 or 2 fingers into the vagina or place a fingertip or on into the rectal outlet. 
Contract and lift the muscle as though you were holding back gad or a bowel movement 
You should actually feel the pelvic floor move during these muscle contractions.

The Functional Stop Test
This test is used to asses the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. DO NOT do this test every time you void because it will cause urine to flow back up into your system. It should be done once a week at the most.
Procedure:
Begin a flow of urine
Attempt to completely stop the flow of urine by contracting the pelvic floor muscles. DO NOT hold your breath. DO NOT contract your abdomen, thighs or buttocks to complete the test. Try to isolate the pelvic floor muscles.
Take note of whether you can completely stop the urine stream.

If performed correctly. you have isolated the pelvic floor muscles. When performing subsequent pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), you should feel a sensation of pulling up and in much like it did during this test. 

What Makes the Pelvic Floor Muscles Weak
Childbirth
Constipation
Sustained coughing or sneezing
Heavy lifting
Obesity
Hormones associated with menopauase

How Posture Affects the Pelvic Floor
The way you carry your body all day affects the pelvic floor muscles
Some tips:
Standing: Keep your knees unlocked, buttocks and abdomen relaxed.
Sitting: Use proper support for the back. An additional cushion under the thighs keeps pressure off the pelvic floor and buttocks
Lying: Elevate the legs on a pillow or two.

Preventing Stress on the Pelvic Floor
Lifting correctly
As you get ready to lift:
Bend your knees
Gently hold in your stomach muscles
Pull your vaginal muscles up and in.
Exhales or breathe out as you lift.(DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH!)
Moving Out of a Chair:
Take  your bottom with you! Scoot to the edge of the chair.
Tighten the muscles around your vagina
Suck in your lower belly muscles.
Push off the chair using your leg and arm muscles as you breathe out.