The Connection Between the Abdominal Muscles and the Pelvic Floor

6 July

When it comes to pregnancy and postnatal recovery, two major muscle groups are often overlooked in how closely they work together: your abdominal muscles and your pelvic floor.

At Tugun Osteopathy, we see many women who’ve had abdominal surgery (such as a caesarean section or laparoscopic procedure during pregnancy) or who experience pelvic floor dysfunction, without realising how deeply interconnected these areas truly are.

Understanding this connection is essential for restoring core strength, relieving pain, and supporting your long-term pelvic health.

How the Abdominal Muscles and Pelvic Floor Work Together

Think of your core as a pressure system. It includes your:

Diaphragm (top)
Deep abdominal muscles, especially the transversus abdominis (front and sides)
Pelvic floor muscles (bottom)
Deep back muscles (back)

These muscles work together to stabilise your spine, support your organs, control intra-abdominal pressure, and allow you to move safely and efficiently.

If one part of the system isn’t functioning well, like if your pelvic floor is weak or tight/overactive, or if your abdominals are compromised it can place excess strain on the others.

How a Weak or Tight Pelvic Floor Affects the Abdominals

When the pelvic floor muscles are weak, they struggle to support the pressure created by movement, coughing, lifting, or even just standing upright. This can lead to:

Bulging or doming of the abdominal wall (especially in diastasis recti)
Poor core activation
Increased risk of prolapse or urinary incontinence
Back or pelvic pain

When the pelvic floor is too tight, it can also interfere with abdominal function by:

Restricting natural movement in the pelvis and lower back
Limiting proper breath and diaphragm function
Causing bracing or overuse of superficial abdominal muscles

The Impact Abdominal Surgeries can have on Pregnancy

Abdominal surgeries, such as laparoscopic procedures or caesareans can further disrupt this relationship.

Scar tissue, changes in fascial tension, and altered neuromuscular signalling can all affect the ability of the deep core muscles and pelvic floor to coordinate effectively.

How Osteopathy Can Help Reconnect the Core and Pelvic Floor

As Osteopaths, we take a whole-body approach to care. We don’t just look at one area in isolation we assess and treat the way your body moves, breathes, and supports itself.

Using gentle, hands-on techniques, we can:

Release tension in tight or overactive muscles
Improve mobility around scars, ribs, pelvis, and spine
Encourage better breathing mechanics and core engagement
Support your nervous system to regulate muscle tone

We’ll also help guide you on breathing and movement strategies that promote proper abdominal and pelvic floor coordination.

Signs You May Have a Pelvic Floor–Core Disconnection

You might benefit from assessment if you’re experiencing:

A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
Abdominal separation that doesn’t seem to be improving
Pain during sex or when going to the toilet
Hip, pelvic, or lower back pain that worsens with exercise
Incontinence when sneezing, jumping, or lifting

Whether you're early in pregnancy, recovering from surgery, or months (or years!) postpartum, we can help you reconnect your abdominal and pelvic floor systems in a way that’s functional, gentle, and long-lasting.

📍 Book a session at Tugun Osteopathy today and let’s work together to rebuild your foundation, one breath and one movement at a time.