How the Pelvic Floor Affects Your Feet
The human body is a fascinating set of interconnected systems, and understanding these connections can lead to better overall health and well-being. One intriguing relationship that often goes unnoticed is the connection between the pelvic floor and the feet. In this blog, we'll explore this link, delving into the anatomy, function, and implications for overall health.
Understanding the Pelvic Floor:
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a sling-like structure at the base of the pelvis. It plays a crucial role in supporting various organs, including the bladder, uterus (in females), and rectum. Functionally, the pelvic floor assists in maintaining continence, stabilizing the pelvis, and providing support to the organs in the pelvic region.
We here at The HOPE Doctors always say your pelvic floor consists of the things that help you poop, pee, procreate!
It’s so much more than just your muscles between your legs. We MUST look at the low back and the hips/pelvis, and neck/jaw… and more!
The Connection to the Feet:
Surprisingly, the pelvic floor is intricately connected to the feet through a network of fascia and myofascial lines. Fascia is a dense, fibrous connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs, providing structural support and allowing for smooth movement. Myofascial lines are pathways along which these fascial connections travel throughout the body.
Physiologically - the “homunculus” is a structure to depict our body parts and their relationship to the brain. Unsurprisingly to us as Doctor’s of Physical Therapy, the feet and the genitalia are right next to each other!!! So it’s not only fascia - but the general MAKE UP of how we are made!
Postural Alignment:
The way we stand and walk has a direct impact on the alignment of the pelvic floor. Improper posture or gait can lead to misalignment, causing tension and imbalances in the pelvic floor muscles. This, in turn, can affect the feet and vice versa.
For example: if you tend to stand pronated (flat footed), your femur (upper leg) may internally rotate, causing you to have an anterior pelvic tilt with lengthening of the posterior pelvic wall and tightening of the anterior pelvic wall. We have to consider foot position to fully treat/assess the pelvic floor.
Gait Mechanics:
The act of walking involves a complex interplay of muscles and joints from the feet to the pelvis. An abnormal gait can result in increased tension in the pelvic floor or contribute to issues such as incontinence. Understanding and addressing these mechanics can have a positive impact on both the pelvic floor and foot health.
We also must pay attention to “landing mechanics” or how your foot hits the floor/ground as you walk/run!
Muscle Chains:
Fascial connections form myofascial chains that link different parts of the body. One such chain, known as the Deep Front Line, connects the pelvic floor to the feet. Dysfunction in this chain may manifest as issues in both regions, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to rehabilitation and strengthening.
Also why kegels aren’t the only exercise you should be doing!!
Implications for Health and Well-being:
Understanding the connection between the pelvic floor and feet has significant implications for various health conditions. Individuals with chronic pelvic pain, incontinence, or foot issues may benefit from a comprehensive approach that considers the interplay between these regions. Physical therapy, exercises focusing on pelvic floor and foot health, and awareness of posture can contribute to improved overall well-being. It is imperative to have a provider look at your foot posture, educate you on proper footwear, and assist you in improving your biomechanics of your entire kinetic chain vs just one area.
The body is quite complex. It takes a specific and “outside the box” thinking practitioner to be able to connect the dots.
Be sure you check us out to get to the root of your problems!
References:
Lee, D. G. (2013). The Pelvic Girdle: An Integration of Clinical Expertise and Research. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Myers, T. W. (2014). Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Page, P., Frank, C. C., & Lardner, R. (2010). Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach. Human Kinetics.
Sapsford, R. (2004). Rehabilitation of Pelvic Floor Muscles Utilizing Trunk Stabilization. Manual Therapy, 9(1), 3–12. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2003.12.005.
