ANTHROS BLOG
June 9th, 2025
Understanding Hypertonic Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs.
These muscles should function dynamically—contracting when needed and relaxing when appropriate. However, in cases of hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction (HPFD), these muscles become overly tight and unable to relax fully.
Stretching helps by:
While HPFD can stem from multiple causes—including stress, trauma, or improper exercise—one often overlooked culprit is poor sitting posture.
Sitting in a slouched or posteriorly tilted position (where the pelvis tucks under and the lower back rounds) shortens and over-activates the pelvic floor muscles.
This continuous engagement prevents the muscles from relaxing, contributing to hypertonicity over time.
On the other hand, sitting with an excessive anterior pelvic tilt (where the lower back is overly arched) places undue strain on the hip flexors, lower back, and pelvic floor.
This imbalance can create compensatory tension in the pelvic muscles, worsening dysfunction.
Hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction is a challenging but manageable condition, and addressing how you sit is a critical step in reducing symptoms. By choosing an ergonomic chair, maintaining good posture, and incorporating movement into your day, you can help prevent and alleviate pelvic floor tension.
If you experience persistent symptoms, consulting with a pelvic floor physical therapist can provide further guidance on relaxation techniques and postural corrections tailored to your needs.
Taking care of your pelvic health starts with something as simple as how you sit—so make it count!