Why Your Pelvic Floor Symptoms Keep Coming Back: The Missing Pieces Most People Overlook

If you've ever thought, "I've done the exercises... why are my symptoms still showing up?" You're not alone. Many people experience improvements in pelvic floor symptoms like leaking, heaviness, urgency, or pain - only to have them return when life gets busy, stressful or unpredictable. It can feel frustrating, confusing and even discouraging, especially when you feel like you are doing "everything right".

Here's the Truth:

Pelvic floor symptoms are almost never caused by just one thing. They are influenced by several systems in the body and by patterns you use every single day. When we only focus on strengthening or only on relaxation, we might miss the bigger picture. And that's exactly why symptoms come and go.

Let's break down the often-overlooked factors that keep pelvic floor symptoms hanging around - and what you can do about it.

1. Breath Patterns and Pressure Management

Your pelvic floor doesn't work alone! It works with your diaphragm, deep core, and ribcage to manage pressure inside your abdomen. If you hold your breath to lift, suck in your belly all day or brace to hard during workouts, you may unintentionally push pressure downward - contributing to leaking, heaviness or discomfort

Small adjustments in your daily breathing can make a big difference :

• Gentle exhale on exertion during exercise

• 360 breathing during strength training

• Relaxed breathing in moments of stress

Learning how to use your breath during real-life moments is one of the most improtant pieces of pelvic floor rehab.

2. Stress + Nervous System

Stress isn't just a feeling - its a full body response. When you're dealing with emotional stress, poor sleep, illness or hormonal shifts, your pelvic floor may unconsciously tighten. A tight pelvic floor can make it feel weak or even painful which can both affect bladder and bowel control.

When people say, "My symptoms flare when I'm stressed" - that real!

Pelvic Floor Therapy should always consider:

• Down-regulation strategies

• Breathwork

• Consistent routines

• Gentle mobility on high-stress days

You don't need to be perfect - you just need the tools

3. The Habits You Don't Realized You Have

Many of us spend years gripping, clenching, tucking the pelvis or standing with a posture that increases pelvic tension. Others bear down with daily tasks without realizing it.

Common daily habits that influence symptoms:

• Rushing to pee "just in case"

• Breath-holding during lifting

• Squeezing your glutes while standing

• Constipation patterns

Changing theses habits shifts more than you'd expect!

4. You Haven't Been Taught How to Apply the Skills in Real Life

Kegels, relaxation, and breathing drills done don't automatically translate into:

• Running

• Lifting kids

• Squatting with weight

• No leakage

• Perfect bowels

Pelvic Floor therapy is not about doing the "right" exercise - It's about learning the right strategy for the right moment.

The Good News

Your symptoms are not a setback or a sign of failure. When you understand the bigger picture - breath, stress, strength , lifestyle and movement- you gain the ability to stay in control: long-term.

Pelvic floor therapy gives you the personalized roadmap you've been missing. When we evaluate the whole body instead of just one muscle group, we can identify exactly why symptoms come back... and more importantly, how to keep them from returning.

Interesting in learning more? Check out this Symptom Checker on my website to see how Pelvic Floor Therapy can help you! If you have more questions or ready to get started - I'm always happy to listen and discuss your pelvic floor symptoms!