Can Running Cause Pelvic Floor Problems? What Western MA Runners Need to Know

Running is more than a workout. It’s a passion, a mental reset, and—for many of us—a way to feel strong and alive. But if you're dealing with pelvic pain, bladder leaks, or prolapse symptoms when you run, you might wonder: Is running making this worse?

The good news: you don’t have to stop running. With the right pelvic floor physical therapy and strength programming, you can rebuild from the inside out—and run with confidence again.

How Running Impacts the Pelvic Floor

Running is a high-impact sport. That means each step sends force through your feet, hips, core, and pelvic floor. Over time, this can contribute to:

• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)

  

• Urinary incontinence (leaks)

• Pelvic pain or heaviness

• Hip/SI joint instability

But movement isn’t the problem. Repetitive impact without proper breathing, body mechanics, and strength support is. Just like lifting weights can build muscle, running can build resiliency in your pelvic floor—if it’s done with intention and support.

Signs Your Pelvic Floor Might Be Struggling with Running

You might notice:

• Leaking urine during runs, jumping, or sprinting

• Pressure or heaviness in your pelvic area

• Feeling like your core “gives out” mid-run

• Needing to pee frequently or “just in case”

• Pain around your hips, SI joint, or pubic bone

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help Runners

At Renew Health in East Longmeadow, MA, our pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in helping runners address:

✅ Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

We assess your strength, coordination, and control—not with Kegels, but with real-life movement like running, jumping, and breathing.

✅ Gait & Running Form

We analyze your posture, foot strike, cadence, and core control during running to spot inefficiencies or habits that may be contributing to symptoms.

✅ Strength & Mobility Programming

We help you build a body that supports your running. That includes breathwork, deep core activation, glute strength, and load tolerance.

Western MA Runners

Whether you’re training for a 5K or just want to run without worrying about leaks, we’re here to help. At Renew Health in East Longmeadow, we specialize in pelvic floor therapy for runners, postpartum athletes, and active folks who want to stay strong for the long haul.

👉 Schedule a free discovery call to learn how we can help you run stronger, longer, and symptom-free.

FAQ: Pelvic Floor Therapy for Runners

Q: Should I stop running if I have bladder leaks?
Not necessarily. With the right pelvic floor strategy, many people return to running symptom-free—even after years of leaking.

Q: Can running make prolapse worse?
It can, if your pelvic floor isn’t managing load well. But many runners with prolapse return to running with support and the right approach.

Q: How long does it take to see results?
Most clients notice improvements within 4–6 weeks of targeted pelvic floor therapy, depending on symptom severity and consistency.