Why tight muscles cause leaks
A tight pelvic floor can indeed contribute to urinary incontinence, but it's important to clarify that there are different types of urinary incontinence, and the mechanisms behind each type can vary. When it comes to tight pelvic floor muscles and incontinence, the most relevant type is often referred to as "functional" or "non-relaxing" pelvic floor dysfunction. Here's how a tight pelvic floor can lead to incontinence:
Impaired Coordination: The pelvic floor muscles need to coordinate effectively with other muscles and structures involved in bladder control. When the pelvic floor is overly tight and cannot relax appropriately, this coordination can be disrupted. Instead of contracting and relaxing as needed, the muscles may remain in a constant state of tension.
Difficulty Emptying the Bladder: A tight pelvic floor can make it difficult for the bladder to fully empty during urination. This incomplete emptying can lead to residual urine in the bladder, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urgency incontinence (sudden, strong urges to urinate).
Obstructed Urine Flow: In some cases, excessively tight pelvic floor muscles can create a physical obstruction in the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This obstruction can cause difficulty initiating urination and result in stress incontinence (leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing or sneezing).
Increased Muscle Tension During Stress: Stress incontinence can also be exacerbated by tight pelvic floor muscles. When pressure is exerted on the bladder (e.g., through physical exertion or even just standing up), the pelvic floor muscles should provide support to prevent urine leakage. However, if these muscles are overly tense, they may not respond effectively to the increased pressure, leading to leakage.
Muscle Fatigue: Constant muscle tension can lead to muscle fatigue over time. Fatigued pelvic floor muscles may not function properly, contributing to incontinence.
It's worth noting that pelvic floor dysfunction is not limited to tightness alone; it can also involve muscle weakness or a combination of tightness and weakness. Therefore, treatment approaches can vary depending on the specific issues involved. For individuals with a tight pelvic floor contributing to incontinence, pelvic floor acupuncture can help and pelvic floor physical therapy may be recommended. These therapies combined can help relax and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, as well improve muscle coordination and flexibility.
