The Rehab Gap – 10 Blog Series No5
The Rehab Gap: Pelvic Floor Injuries Nobody Talks About
Alright… let’s talk about the muscle group that everyone has…and almost no one wants to talk about.
The pelvic floor.
First Up — This Is Normal (Way More Than You Think)
Pelvic floor issues are far more common than people realise.
We’re talking:
- post-childbirth
- after abdominal or pelvic surgery
- heavy lifting injuries
- high-impact sport
And not just for women either — men can absolutely have pelvic floor dysfunction too.
This isn’t rare.
It’s just… quiet.
What Even Is the Pelvic Floor?
Quick version:
It’s a group of muscles that sit at the base of your pelvis.
Their job is to:
- support your organs
- help control bladder and bowel function
- work with your core for stability
So yeah… kind of important.
Signs Something’s Not Quite Right
Here’s what people often experience (but don’t always connect to pelvic floor):
- leaking when running, jumping, or sneezing
- pelvic heaviness or discomfort
- lower back feeling unstable or “off”
- reduced core strength or control
- feeling like your body just isn’t “holding together” properly
And here’s the kicker…
A lot of people think:
“That’s just normal after injury / childbirth / getting older.”
It’s common.
But it’s not something you just have to live with.
Why It Gets Ignored
Let’s be honest.
This isn’t exactly easy dinner table conversation.
So instead of getting help, people often:
- stop exercising
- avoid certain movements
- modify their lifestyle quietly
- just “put up with it”
No one posts:
“Leaked a bit during burpees today, solid session.”
So it stays hidden.
The Rehab Gap Here Is Real
In many rehab pathways — including those supported through the ACC — pelvic floor function isn’t always addressed unless:
it’s specifically assessed
or the person brings it up
And if someone doesn’t feel comfortable mentioning it?
It can get completely missed.
Why This Matters (More Than You Think)
The pelvic floor is part of your core system.
It works together with:
- your diaphragm
- your abdominal muscles
- your lower back
If it’s not functioning well, it can affect:
- lifting ability
- running mechanics
- spinal stability
- overall movement confidence
So when people say:
“My core just doesn’t feel right anymore”
Sometimes… this is why.
Important Reality Check
Pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t always just “weakness”.
It can also be:
- poor coordination
- timing issues
- overactivity (too tight, not relaxing properly)
So smashing out endless Kegels without guidance?
Not always the answer.
What Proper Rehab Looks Like
Good pelvic floor rehab involves:
- assessment (yep, this part matters)
- learning how to activate and relax properly
- integrating it into breathing and movement
- gradually returning to load and impact
It’s not just isolated exercises.
It’s about getting the system working as part of the whole body again.
Real Talk
If you’ve:
- stopped running because of leaking
- avoided certain exercises
- felt unstable through your core
- or just thought “something’s not right down there”
You’re not alone.
And you’re definitely not broken.
You’ve just got a piece of the rehab puzzle that hasn’t been addressed yet.
Final Thought
Pelvic floor issues sit right in the middle of the rehab gap because:
- they’re common
- they’re important
- and they’re often not talked about
The Goal?
To get you back to moving, lifting, running, and living…
Without having to plan your workout around the nearest bathroom.
If this is something you’ve been quietly dealing with…
It’s worth addressing.
Because ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.
It just makes your body work harder to hide it.
So let Rehab Coach NZ and their Continence NZ certified pelvic floor trainers help you 'Bridge the Gap'.