The Ultimate Guide to Pelvic Floor Health for Active Women & Moms in East Longmeadow, MA

Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters for Active Women

If you’re a runner, weightlifter, CrossFitter, or active mom in East Longmeadow, MA, and have ever experienced:

✔ Leaking when running, jumping, or lifting
✔ Pelvic pain, deep hip discomfort, or SI joint issues
✔ Low back pain that won’t go away, no matter how much you stretch
✔ Heaviness or pressure in your pelvic area
✔ Pain with sex, core engagement, or deep squats

You’re NOT alone—and these symptoms aren’t just "part of being a woman" or "normal after having kids."

At Renew Health, we specialize in helping active women, moms, and athletes reclaim their strength, stability, and confidence—without pain, dysfunction, or movement restrictions.

Pelvic health is essential for EVERY woman, whether you’ve had kids or not. In this blog, we’ll cover:
✔ What the pelvic floor does & why it matters for your strength & movement
✔ Common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction
✔ How high-impact activities like running, lifting, & CrossFit affect your pelvic health
✔ Why pelvic floor PT is NOT just about Kegels
✔ How we can help you move better, feel stronger, & prevent future issues

Let’s dive in!

What Is the Pelvic Floor & Why Is It So Important?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and fascia at the base of your pelvis. Think of it as a trampoline that supports your:
✔ Bladder (urinary control)
✔ Uterus
✔ Rectum (bowel control)
✔ Core stability & movement

It works with your deep core, diaphragm, & glutes to absorb impact, stabilize movement, and support your body during high-impact activities like running, lifting, or jumping.

Common Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (It’s More Than Just Leaking!)

Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t just affect postpartum women—it can happen to any active woman or athlete due to muscle imbalances, poor movement mechanics, or excessive intra-abdominal pressure.

🚩 You might have pelvic floor dysfunction if you experience:
✔ Urinary incontinence (leaking when running, jumping, sneezing, or lifting)
✔ Chronic hip, SI joint, or lower back pain
✔ Pelvic heaviness or pressure (possible prolapse symptoms)
✔ Pain during or after sex (deep, sharp, or burning sensations)
✔ Feeling like your core is "weak" despite working out regularly
✔ Difficulty engaging your deep core without breath-holding or over-bracing

How High-Impact Activities Affect Your Pelvic Floor

Many active women unknowingly place excessive strain on their pelvic floor, especially if they:
🚩 Over-brace their core during heavy lifts
🚩 Hold their breath when running or jumping
🚩 Compensate with hip flexors & quads instead of their glutes & core
🚩 Ignore pelvic pain or tightness & push through workouts

👩‍⚕️ Did You Know? Pelvic floor dysfunction often coexists with hip instability, SI joint pain, and back pain—meaning if you have one, you likely have the other!

Why Pelvic Floor PT Is NOT Just About Kegels

One of the biggest myths about pelvic health is that Kegels are the answer to everything.

🚫 Kegels are NOT always the solution—in fact, they can make some pelvic floor issues WORSE. Many active women actually have tight, overactive pelvic floors, meaning they need release & coordination work, not just strengthening.

At Renew Health Pelvic PT in East Longmeadow, MA, we take a whole-body approach to pelvic health, focusing on:
✔ Core & breathing mechanics (Stop breath-holding & gripping!)
✔ Glute & hip strength (Balance muscle imbalances that overload your pelvic floor)
✔ Impact training & movement efficiency (Run, lift, and jump pain-free!)
✔ Manual therapy & release work (For pelvic tightness & pain relief)

Ready to Take Control of Your Pelvic Health?

You don’t have to live with pain, leaking, or discomfort—and you don’t have to figure this out on your own!

At Renew Health Pelvic Floor PT in East Longmeadow, MA, we help active women & moms regain strength, stability, and confidence so they can run, lift, and move freely—without limitations.

Curious if pelvic floor therapy is right for you? Fill out our contact form to chat with one of our pelvic health specialists!

📋 Contact Us
📍 Renew Health – East Longmeadow, MA