Stress and Your Pelvic Floor: It’s Not Just ‘In Your Head’
When life gets busy or overwhelming, we often expect our mental health to take the hit. But did you know stress can also directly affect your pelvic floor function?
At Root To Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we often see how emotional and physical stress show up in the body, especially in the muscles that support your core and pelvis.
Many people notice that when stress levels rise, so do certain physical symptoms:
Constipation
Pelvic pain or pressure
Increased urinary urgency or frequency
Abdominal cramping
Pain with intercourse
Low back pain
These symptoms aren’t coincidences or “just in your head.” They’re your body’s way of signaling that your nervous system is stuck in survival mode and your pelvic floor is responding.
How Stress Impacts the Pelvic Floor
Stress doesn’t just live in the mind, it lives in the body. Here’s how it can affect your pelvic floor and core function:
Muscle tension: Chronic stress can cause the pelvic floor muscles to tighten or overactivate, making it harder for them to relax and function properly.
Inflammation: Elevated stress hormones can worsen inflammatory conditions like endometriosis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), both of which commonly affect pelvic health.
Posture: When we’re anxious or rushed, we tend to slouch or hold tension in the belly and pelvis. Over time, that posture can compress the pelvic organs and increase discomfort.
Digestion: Living in constant “fight-or-flight” mode can slow digestion, reduce blood flow, and lead to bloating, constipation, or abdominal pain.
Addressing these symptoms individually is important but true healing often begins with understanding the mind-body connection. When we support the nervous system, the pelvic floor can finally exhale.
How We Help at Root To Rise
At Root To Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we take a whole-person approach to care. Our pelvic floor specialists in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, Maine blend physical therapy, mindfulness, breathwork, and movement to help your body feel grounded and safe again.
Our approach focuses on:
Releasing tension in the pelvic floor and core
Improving posture and alignment to reduce strain
Restoring balance in the nervous system
Empowering you with tools for stress management and mindful movement
We believe healing happens when the body feels supported, not forced.
Why Southern Maine Patients Choose Root To Rise
Patients across **Southern Maine—including Scarborough, Saco, and Bath—**choose Root To Rise for our unique blend of:
Specialized pelvic floor physical therapy
Holistic, integrative care that addresses mind and body
Personalized education and empowerment for lasting results
Whether you’re experiencing vulvar pain, urinary leakage, constipation, or pelvic floor dysfunction, we create a plan designed specifically for your needs and lifestyle.
Ready to Feel More Balanced?
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, urinary issues, or tension that worsens with stress, we’re here to help.
Book your free consultation today at our Scarborough, Saco, or Bath, Maine clinic and discover how expert pelvic floor physical therapy and nervous system support can help you rise into healing.
Read more of our blog posts about how stress impacts your pelvic floor:
Schedule your free 30 minute consultation with us in Saco, Scarborough, Bath or virtually today!