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Your pelvic floor might not be something you think about daily, but it plays a huge role in your quality of life—especially as you age. From bladder control to core support and sexual health, these muscles are essential. For many people in the Chicago area, understanding how the pelvic floor changes over time is the first step to feeling stronger, healthier, and more in control.

In your 30s, the pelvic floor may begin to feel the effects of childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, or high-impact workouts. You might notice:

Occasional urinary leakage during exercise or sneezing

Mild pelvic discomfort or pressure

Core instability or difficulty with abdominal exercises

This is a great time to start pelvic floor therapy—even if symptoms are minimal. Prevention and early care make a big difference.

As you enter your 40s, hormone levels begin to shift, especially estrogen, which plays a key role in pelvic tissue health. Common symptoms during this stage include:

Increased bladder urgency or leakage

Pelvic heaviness or discomfort

Changes in sexual sensation

Low back or hip pain linked to core weakness

Pelvic floor therapy can help retrain and strengthen these muscles, restoring function and improving quality of life.

By the time you reach your 50s and beyond, menopause and aging may further weaken the pelvic floor. Without proper care, this can lead to:

Prolapse (when pelvic organs drop)

Ongoing bladder or bowel issues

Difficulty with daily movement or exercise

But here’s the good news—it’s never too late to start. Pelvic floor therapy is highly effective for older adults and can significantly improve comfort, confidence, and mobility.

📍Conveniently located in Willowbrook, IL, serving Willowbrook, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Woodridge, Lemont, Naperville, Clarendon Hills, Elmhurst, La Grange, and Downers Grove.

📞 Call us today at (630) 299-5870 to schedule an appointment

💻 Book your consultation online at www.elitephysicaltherapyclinic.com

When you think about good posture, you probably picture standing up straight, shoulders back, and head held high. But what if we told you that your posture plays a major role in your pelvic health too? For many, this miss connection goes unnoticed—until pain, discomfort, or pelvic floor dysfunction begins to affect daily life.

Your posture influences how your pelvic floor muscles function. These muscles support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When your spine is misaligned due to slouching or poor posture, the pressure on your pelvic floor changes—and that can lead to real problems like:

Urinary leakage

Pelvic pain or pressure

Constipation

Core weakness

Lower back discomfort

Over time, poor posture can weaken or overstrain the pelvic floor, making symptoms worse.

Think of your body like a chain: your head, spine, pelvis, and legs are all linked. When your posture shifts out of alignment, the tension redistributes through your core and pelvis. This can cause the pelvic floor muscles to:

Overcompensate and become tight

Stop firing properly

Lose coordination and strength

This disruption may go unnoticed for a while, but it often contributes to pelvic floor dysfunction—especially in women who are pregnant, postpartum, or in menopause.

At Elite Physical Therapy, we look at the whole picture—not just isolated symptoms. Our team specializes in posture correction and pelvic floor therapy. With a personalized treatment plan, we can help you:

Improve posture and core engagement

Strengthen or release the pelvic floor

Restore bladder and bowel control

Reduce pain and discomfort

Regain functional strength for daily life

📍Conveniently located in Willowbrook, IL, serving Willowbrook, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Woodridge, Lemont, Naperville, Clarendon Hills, Elmhurst, La Grange, and Downers Grove.

📞 Call us today at (630) 299-5870 to schedule an appointment

💻 Book your consultation online at www.elitephysicaltherapyclinic.com

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it’s not always comfortable. From

back pain and pelvic pressure to bladder issues and core instability, expecting moms know these discomforts can take a toll. Fortunately, Pelvic Floor Therapy offers

a natural, non-invasive way to ease discomfort and prepare your body for a smoother

labor and delivery.

Pelvic Floor Therapy focuses on strengthening and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic

floor—the group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. During

pregnancy, hormonal changes and growing baby weight can weaken or strain these

muscles, leading to symptoms like:

● Pelvic pain or pressure

● Low back or hip pain

● Urinary leakage

● Constipation

● Pain during movement or exercise

Your journey starts with a one-on-one assessment by a licensed physical therapist at Elite

Physical Therapy Clinic. From there, a customized treatment plan is developed and may include:

∙ Canalith repositioning maneuvers to help reposition inner ear crystals causing vertigo

∙ Gaze stabilization exercises to improve visual focus during head movements

∙ Balance and gait training to reduce fall risk and improve mobility

∙ Habituation exercises to decrease motion sensitivity

At Elite Physical Therapy, we develop customized therapy plans to

meet each mom’s unique needs. Pelvic Floor Therapy can:

● Improve posture and core stability

● Reduce pressure on the lower back and pelvis

● Enhance muscle coordination for pushing during labor

● Relieve bladder and bowel issues

● Help manage diastasis recti (abdominal separation)

Preparing your pelvic floor muscles before labor helps make delivery more efficient and

may reduce the need for interventions. Key benefits include:

● Better control during pushing

● Reduced risk of tearing

● Faster postpartum recovery

● Improved confidence and body awareness

Elite Physical Therapy offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help you feel

strong, supported, and ready for delivery. We work closely with you and your healthcare

team to create a comfortable, empowering pregnancy experience.

Conveniently located in Willowbrook, IL, serving Willowbrook, Hinsdale, Oak Brook,

Woodridge, Lemont, Naperville, Clarendon Hills, Elmhurst, La Grange, and Downers

Grove.

Call us today at (630) 299-5870 to schedule an appointment or

💻 💻 Book your consultation online at https://elitephysicaltherapyclinic.com/

Urinary incontinence treatment is essential for managing bladder leakage and restoring control and confidence. At Elite Physical Therapy, we offer specialized pelvic rehab programs tailored to help patients overcome incontinence and improve quality of life.

Urinary leakage, also known as incontinence, is the involuntary loss of urine. It can occur for various reasons, such as:

1. Weak pelvic floor muscles: The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and help control urination. When these muscles are weak, they may not function properly, leading to leaks.

2. Overactive bladder: This condition causes a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often leading to leakage.

3. Stress incontinence: Physical activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising can increase pressure on the bladder, causing leaks.

4. Post-pregnancy and childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken pelvic floor muscles and damage nerves, increasing the risk of urinary incontinence.

5.Menopause: Hormonal changes can affect the pelvic floor and bladder function, contributing to leakage.

One of the biggest challenges in addressing urinary leakage is the stigma attached to it. Many individuals feel embarrassed or ashamed, which prevents them from seeking help. It’s important to understand that urinary leakage is a medical condition, not a personal failing.

While urinary leakage is common, it is not a normal part of aging or life after childbirth. It is a sign that something in the pelvic floor or urinary system is not functioning correctly. Accepting leakage as a normal occurrence can lead to worsening symptoms and a decreased quality of life.

The first step in addressing urinary leakage is to seek help. A pelvic floor therapist can provide a comprehensive assessment and develop a personalized treatment plan. Here are some effective treatments:

1. Pelvic floor exercises: Also known as Kegel exercises, these strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control.

2. Bladder training: This involves learning techniques to control the urge to urinate and gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits.

3. Biofeedback: This therapy helps patients become more aware of their pelvic floor muscles and how to control them effectively.

4. Lifestyle changes: Modifying diet, fluid intake, and managing weight can significantly impact bladder health.

5. Medical interventions: In some cases, medications or surgical procedures may be necessary to address underlying issues.

It’s crucial to take charge of your health and seek solutions for urinary leakage. Here are a few tips to get started:

1. Consult a specialist: A pelvic floor therapist can provide expert guidance and support.

2. Stay informed: Educate yourself about urinary incontinence and the available treatments.

3. Practice exercises: Regularly perform pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles.

4. Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and manage your weight.

Urinary leakage is a common issue, but it is not something you have to live with. By seeking help and taking proactive steps, you can regain control over your bladder and improve your quality of life. Remember, it’s never too late to address urinary leakage and take the first step towards a healthier, leak-free life.

As a pelvic floor therapist, I am here to support and guide you on your journey to better bladder health. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make a difference!