30/11/2025
How Pelvic Floor Function Influences Posture
The pelvic floor plays a foundational yet often underappreciated role in maintaining good posture and spinal alignment. While it's widely known for its involvement in bladder, bowel, and sexual function, the pelvic floor also acts as a key stabilizer within the body’s core system.
The pelvic floor works in coordination with the diaphragm (top), deep abdominal muscles (front), and multifidus muscles of the spine (back). Together, these muscles help regulate intra-abdominal pressure and stabilize the pelvis and lumbar spine during movement. If the pelvic floor is weak, overactive, or poorly coordinated, it can lead to compensatory imbalances elsewhere in the body.
For example, an underactive pelvic floor may result in anterior pelvic tilt, where the pelvis tips forward and the lower back arches excessively. This can cause chronic tension in the lumbar spine, hip flexors, and abdominal muscles. On the other hand, an overactive pelvic floor—where the muscles are constantly clenched—can limit mobility, disrupt breathing mechanics, and contribute to upper back and neck tension.
Poor pelvic floor function can also interfere with postural reflexes and balance, increasing the risk of falls or injuries, especially in older adults. Improving pelvic floor awareness and strength through physiotherapy can help realign the pelvis, normalize movement patterns, and reduce postural strain.
For individuals who struggle to activate their pelvic floor correctly, especially due to injury, childbirth, or surgery, the EMS (Electromagnetic Muscle Stimulation) chair offers a valuable, non-invasive tool. It promotes targeted muscle contractions to build strength and control, making it a helpful adjunct to posture-focused rehabilitation.
In short, a well-functioning pelvic floor supports more than continence—it’s essential for core stability, spinal health, and postural integrity.
