Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscles!
An overactive pelvic floor occurs when the muscles in this area remain tense and have difficulty relaxing. This is becoming an increasingly common presentation in pelvic health physiotherapy, affecting both men and women. Many individuals experience a tight, stiff pelvic floor without even realizing it, often holding tension in this region as a subconscious protective mechanism—similar to how we might clench our jaw or tighten our shoulders in response to stress.
Why Does This Happen?
In our modern, fast-paced world, we are constantly exposed to multiple stressors. The pressures of work, family responsibilities, social expectations, and personal challenges can take a toll on both our mental and physical well-being. The prevalence of anxiety and depression in the community is higher than ever, contributing to chronic muscular tension, including in the pelvic floor.
When the nervous system is in a state of dysregulation, the body struggles to find moments of rest and release. Without adequate time to unwind and reconnect with the body, many people unknowingly develop habits of holding tension in the pelvic floor. This can stem from poor posture, prolonged sitting, high physical demands, or even emotional stress. Just as we might tighten our shoulders when feeling overwhelmed, we may unconsciously contract our pelvic floor muscles throughout the day.
Symptoms of an Overactive Pelvic Floor
Chronic tightness in the pelvic floor can lead to a variety of uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms, including:
Pelvic pain ⚡
Discomfort during intercourse ❤️
Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements 💩
Urinary urgency or hesitancy 🚽
A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
Lower back, hip, or abdominal tension
These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, making simple activities such as sitting, exercising, or even deep breathing feel difficult and uncomfortable.
Treatment and Management
The good news is that an overactive pelvic floor can be effectively managed with targeted pelvic health physiotherapy. Treatment aims to restore normal muscle function by addressing the underlying causes of tension. Some of the most effective strategies include:
Breathwork and diaphragmatic breathing 🌬️ – Encouraging deep, relaxed breathing helps to regulate the nervous system and promote pelvic muscle relaxation.
Gentle stretching and mobility exercises 🧘♀️ – Techniques to release tension in the hips, lower back, and core can relieve pelvic muscle tightness.
Manual therapy and pelvic floor release techniques – Physiotherapists use hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tightness and improve blood flow.
Postural awareness and movement retraining – Learning to move and sit in ways that reduce unnecessary muscle engagement.
Education and self-management strategies – Understanding the connection between stress, emotions, and pelvic floor tension empowers individuals to take an active role in their recovery.
By addressing both the physical and emotional contributors to pelvic floor overactivity, individuals can regain comfort, confidence, and improved pelvic health. If you suspect you may have an overactive pelvic floor, seeking guidance from a pelvic health physiotherapist is an essential step toward long-term relief and well-being.
Crafted by pelvic health physiotherapist Louise Hug, the Perineal Massage Egg is a flexible, palm-sized massage device designed to support comfortable and effective perineal massage.
Designed to apply gentle pressure to the perineum (the area of skin in front of the anus), the Egg helps stimulate blood flow, encourage muscle relaxation, and support tissue preparation. Featuring 10 vibration modes that gradually increase in intensity, it allows you to customise your massage experience for comfort and ease.
Made from body-safe silicone, the Perineal Massage Egg is 100% waterproof, making it easy to use, clean and incorporate into your pelvic health routine.
Features:
10 vibration patterns with USB charging cord included
100% waterproof
Ergonomic, non-slip design
Discreet storage pouch included
High-quality, food-grade silicone rubber, prepared in compliance with FDA guidelines, for safety and biocompatibility
Uses:
Perineal massage in pregnancy
Gentle massage of perineal and vaginal tissue
Promoting awareness and relaxation of the pelvic floor
Gentle tissue massage after healing
Scar desensitisation
Complementing dilator therapy
Supporting pelvic floor down-training for overactive pelvic floor
Reintroducing comfortable touch
How To Use:
Clean the egg before use with warm water and gentle soap, removing any residue.
Press and hold the on/off button for 3 seconds to turn on.
Single press button to change vibration patterns, 10 vibrating patterns will cycle.
Massage, sweep or hold gentle pressure in tight areas, with the more tapered end.
Press the on/off button for 3 seconds to turn off.
Wash the egg after each use and store in the provided pouch.
Charge the device as necessary using the port on the more rounded end of the egg.
Please note:
Do not charge when the device is switched on. Maintain personal use only. Not compatible with silicone based lubricant. Avoid heat exposure and store in a cool, dry place. If you feel uncomfortable while using, please stop using immediately and discuss with your pelvic health physiotherapist.
Useful links:
Common medications: Amytriptaline, Duloxetine, Opioids, Pregabalin, Capsaicin cream, Diazapam Suppository
Stretches: Easy Pelvic Stretches, Men, Women, Workstation, Resting Poses, Flare-up
Abdominal Release with Jilly Bond
Bladder Pain and Overactive Pelvic Floor
Mindful Apps: Smiling Mind, Insight Timer, UCLA mindfulness
Overactive Pelvic Floor &
Male Sexual Dysfunction: Read More
Designed for comfort and control, Peri Flow® Silicone Dilators support pelvic health by aiding in pelvicpain desensitisation, perineal and internal scar tissue massage, and pelvic floor relaxation. Ideal for those experiencing dyspareunia, post-gynaecological surgery recovery, or anxiety-related pelvic tension, these dilators help improve sexual health and overall well-being.
Crafted from high-quality, body-safe silicone, they are safe for intimate use and compatible with both water-based and oil-based lubricants. The contoured shape mimics the vaginal canal, featuring a gentle tapered end for ease of use and an easy-grip handle for better control.
Each set includes cleaning instructions, a breathable cotton storage bag, self-examination mirror and access to our Dilator e-book, providing guidance for safe and effective use.
Neutral, calming colors
Soft, body-safe silicone
Designed for comfort and ease
Take a step toward greater comfort and confidence—guided by your gynaecologist or pelvic health physiotherapist, explore our silicone dilators today.
Our luxurious, all-natural Peri Balm is thoughtfully crafted by Louise Hug using 100% pure, ethically sourced ingredients and carefully blended in the pristine environment of Western Australia.
Formulated to nourish and protect delicate intimate skin, our Peri Balm provides lasting hydration, helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, enhances natural lubrication, and delivers soothing relief to dry or sensitive skin.
Gentle enough for everyday use, it supports your body's natural pH balance without the use of harsh chemicals, making it the perfect addition to your daily intimate care routine.
Discover our Mini Peri Balm! Perfect for first-time users or as a travel size alternative.
Key Benefits:
Hydrates dry, delicate skin
Protects with a nourishing, natural barrier
Enhances natural lubrication
Soothes discomfort, irritation and tightness
Safe for intimate areas of all genders
Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Uses:
Perineal massage
Dry, irritated vulval and perineal skin
Eases pain associated with internal examinations, tampon insertion and sexual intercourse
Soothes itching and neural pain
Hormonal changes including perimenopause and menopause
Postpartum recovery
Dilator therapy
Build vulval barrier defences against UTIs and thrush
Daily, intimate skincare for everyday comfort
Please note:
Peri Balm is NOT compatible with latex condoms. Seek medical advice should any discomfort or pain occur. Avoid product exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Further Reading
Research on the effectiveness of olive oil for vaginal tissue - “The OVERcome Pelvic Floor Study”, published in Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2013.