If you’ve ever experienced unexplained pelvic discomfort, urinary leaks when you sneeze, or a sense of pressure “down there,” you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. These could be signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting people of all ages and genders. At Lodestar Physical Therapy in Murray, Utah, we’re here to help you understand your pelvic health and take control of your well-being.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that sit like a hammock at the base of your pelvis. These muscles support vital organs such as the bladder, uterus (in women), prostate (in men), and rectum. They’re essential for maintaining continence, supporting posture, enabling sexual function, and providing stability to your core.
When functioning correctly, the pelvic floor muscles tighten and relax in coordination with other muscles to control urination, bowel movements, and sexual activity. However, problems can arise when these muscles become too weak or too tight.
Common Pelvic Floor Issues
Pelvic floor dysfunction can take many forms. Some of the most common conditions include:
- Urinary incontinence: Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, or exercise.
- Fecal incontinence: Loss of bowel control may result from weakened pelvic floor muscles or nerve damage.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: A condition where pelvic organs descend due to loss of muscle support, causing a sensation of heaviness or bulging in the pelvic region.
- Pelvic pain: Chronic pain due to overly tight or spasming pelvic floor muscles.
- Pain during intercourse: Often linked to muscle tension or coordination issues.
These conditions can affect anyone—postpartum women, athletes, aging adults, or individuals recovering from surgery.
When to Seek Help
Many people delay getting care for pelvic floor issues because of embarrassment or the mistaken belief that their symptoms are “normal” after childbirth, aging, or surgery. But early intervention can make a huge difference.
You should consider seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist if you experience:
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Involuntary leaking of urine or stool
- Difficulty fully emptying your bladder or bowels
- Pain during sex or while using the bathroom
- A sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
- Unexplained lower back or hip pain
These symptoms are common, but they’re not normal. They’re treatable, and physical therapy is often the most effective, non-invasive place to start.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy involves assessing your muscles, identifying the root cause of your symptoms, and building a customized plan to help you recover. At Lodestar Physical Therapy, our expert clinicians are specially trained in evaluating and treating pelvic floor dysfunction.
We may use a variety of techniques, such as:
- Manual therapy to release tight muscles or trigger points
- Therapeutic exercises to strengthen or relax specific muscles
- Education and behavior strategies to address posture, breathing, and daily habits that impact pelvic health
Our goal is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. That means empowering you with knowledge, helping you build confidence in your body, and restoring function so you can live without discomfort or limitations.
Why Choose Lodestar Physical Therapy?
Located in the heart of Murray, Utah, just minutes from Murray Park and Intermountain Medical Center, Lodestar Physical Therapy offers a warm, welcoming environment where patients are treated like people, not just cases. We serve individuals throughout Salt Lake County, from Holladay to Millcreek and South Salt Lake.
Our team has extensive experience in pelvic health, and we tailor each care plan to your unique needs. Whether you’re a new mom recovering from delivery, an athlete dealing with chronic pelvic pain, or simply someone who wants to stop planning their life around the nearest restroom, we’re here to help.
At Lodestar, we believe in a holistic, evidence-based approach to healing. You’ll be seen by a licensed physical therapist who listens, understands your goals, and partners with you every step of the way.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
When you come in for your first appointment, we’ll start with a thorough health history and conversation about your symptoms, goals, and concerns. We’ll explain each part of the assessment process and answer your questions with compassion and clarity.
Depending on your needs, we may assess muscle function externally or internally (always with your consent), examine posture, movement patterns, and core engagement, and create a step-by-step treatment plan designed just for you.
You Deserve Relief—Let’s Start the Journey Together
Pelvic floor problems don’t have to be part of your daily life. Whether you’ve been silently struggling for years or just recently noticed symptoms, the team at Lodestar Physical Therapy is ready to help you regain control, confidence, and comfort.
Located conveniently in Murray and trusted throughout the Salt Lake Valley, Lodestar is proud to be a local partner in your healing journey.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule your first visit and discover how pelvic floor therapy can change your life.