Pelvic floor tension, discomfort with intimacy, pelvic pain and difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor can affect many women at different stages of life. While pelvic floor exercises are often discussed, not everyone needs to focus on strengthening. For some women, learning to relax the pelvic floor and address areas of muscle tension is an important part of treatment.
At Tugun Osteopathy, we offer individualised pelvic health care, including internal pelvic floor release work where appropriate, to help women better understand their bodies and address their pelvic health concerns.
What is internal pelvic floor release work?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that sit at the base of the pelvis. These muscles help support the pelvic organs, contribute to bladder and bowel control, and play a role in sexual function and pelvic stability.
Like other muscles in the body, the pelvic floor can become tense, sensitive or difficult to relax. This may occur for a variety of reasons, including persistent pain, stress, previous injury, surgery, childbirth or habitual muscle guarding.
Internal pelvic floor release work involves a number of hands-on treatment techniques performed by a suitably trained practitioner. It involves using a gloved finger, with your consent, to gently assess and treat areas of tension, restriction or tenderness through the pelvic floor.
The aim is to help improve muscle relaxation, reduce sensitivity where possible, and support more comfortable pelvic floor function. It can also be used for those without specific pelvic floor concerns, helping to improve overall pelvic floor function, pregnancy and postpartum support or for when preparing for labour and birth.
What concerns can internal pelvic floor release help with?
Internal pelvic floor treatment may form part of a broader management plan for women experiencing:
Pelvic pain: Ongoing or recurring discomfort in the pelvis, including pain associated with muscle tension.
Pain with intimacy: Discomfort during vaginal penetration or difficulty tolerating internal examinations.
Vaginismus and pelvic floor guarding: Involuntary tightening or difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.
Endometriosis-associated pelvic pain: Supporting the management of muscle tension and tenderness that may accompany endometriosis, alongside appropriate medical care.
Bladder symptoms: Some women with urinary urgency or frequency may also experience pelvic floor overactivity or difficulty relaxing.
Pregnancy and postnatal concerns: Addressing pelvic floor tension or discomfort where appropriate during pregnancy or following birth.
Scar-related discomfort: Supporting the management of surrounding muscle tension and sensitivity associated with previous pelvic procedures or injuries, where relevant.
The suitability of internal release work depends on your symptoms, medical history and assessment findings. It is not a stand-alone treatment for every pelvic health concern.
What happens during an appointment?
Your appointment begins with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history and goals. We will discuss your concerns, answer your questions and explain the assessment and treatment options available.
If an internal assessment or treatment is appropriate, we will explain what it involves and obtain your explicit consent before proceeding. You can ask questions, request adjustments or choose not to have internal treatment at any stage.
During internal pelvic floor release work, your practitioner may gently assess the pelvic floor muscles for areas of tenderness, increased tension or difficulty relaxing. Gentle, sustained pressure may be applied to specific areas, depending on your presentation and tolerance.
Treatment should be guided by your comfort, and you should never feel pressured to continue. You can pause or stop at any time. External treatment and other management strategies can also be explored if internal treatment is not right for you.
Following treatment, we may discuss strategies such as breathing exercises, pelvic floor relaxation, movement, gentle stretching or other individualised exercises to help support your progress between appointments.
Does internal pelvic floor release hurt?
Experiences vary depending on your symptoms, sensitivity and the degree of muscle tension present. Some women describe a feeling of pressure, tenderness or a gentle stretching sensation. Others may find certain areas particularly sensitive.
Treatment should always be adapted to your comfort level. Significant pain is not something you need to push through, and your practitioner can modify the technique, use external approaches or stop treatment altogether.
If you have a history of painful examinations, pelvic trauma or difficulty tolerating vaginal penetration, let your practitioner know. We can discuss your concerns and explore an approach that feels appropriate for you.
Is internal pelvic floor release the same as pelvic floor strengthening?
No. Pelvic floor strengthening exercises and internal release work have different purposes.
Strengthening may be beneficial for some people, particularly when there is reduced muscle strength or support. However, pelvic floor muscles also need to be able to lengthen and relax appropriately.
For women experiencing an overactive or tense pelvic floor, repeatedly performing contractions without addressing relaxation may not be the most appropriate starting point.
Pelvic health treatment should be individualised. Depending on your assessment, your management plan may involve relaxation strategies, coordination exercises, strengthening, hands-on treatment or a combination of approaches.
Pelvic health care at Tugun Osteopathy
At Tugun Osteopathy, we provide individualised pelvic health care in a supportive and respectful environment. We understand that discussing pelvic symptoms can feel uncomfortable, particularly if you have been experiencing them for a long time or have previously felt dismissed.
Our approach is centred on understanding your concerns, explaining your options and working with you towards your goals. Internal pelvic floor treatment is offered only when appropriate and with your consent.
Whether you are experiencing pelvic pain, discomfort with intimacy, bladder symptoms or pelvic floor tension during pregnancy or after birth, you do not have to navigate these concerns alone.
Interested in pelvic health treatment?
Book an appointment at Tugun Osteopathy to discuss your symptoms and explore whether pelvic floor assessment and treatment may be suitable for you.
Visit tugunosteopathy.com/book to book your appointment.