Pelvic Health - And Why It’s Important
We’re shifting gears this week on the Rooted in Wellness blog with a topic that, believe it or not, is still considered taboo in 2025—pelvic health. Alongside orthopedic and sports medicine, I’ve developed a deep passion for pelvic floor rehabilitation. It’s an area of healthcare that’s often overlooked, misunderstood, and not talked about nearly enough.
What really is the “pelvic floor?”
Most people associate the pelvic floor with functions like urination, defecation, and sexual health—and yes, it plays a crucial role in all of those. But what many don’t realize is that the pelvic floor is also the foundation of our core. When we hear the word “core,” we often think of six-pack abs and summer-ready bodies. But in reality, the core is a complex system of muscles that runs throughout the trunk, working together to support body weight and protect internal organs. At the base of this system is the pelvic floor—a hammock-like network of muscles that provides essential stability and support.
Because of its role, pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to a variety of orthopedic issues, especially in the lower back and hips. And this isn’t just limited to a specific gender or age group—people of all genders and across the lifespan can experience pelvic floor-related issues.
The Pelvic Journey
I’ll be honest: back in physical therapy school, I didn’t see myself working in pelvic health. I vividly remember sitting through lectures and lab sessions thinking, “Nope, not for me.” The stigma surrounding pelvic floor therapy made it seem uncomfortable and awkward. Discussions about bowel movements, bladder habits, and the idea of internal work were topics I wasn’t prepared to explore as a 20-something student.
But that changed after I graduated.
My first job out of PT school was at an orthopedic clinic, and right next door was our company’s pelvic health clinic. One day, the clinic director gave a presentation to our team about Level 1 pelvic floor therapy. It was my first real exposure to what pelvic floor rehab looked like in a clinical setting—and it completely shifted my perspective.
During that presentation, I realized just how common pelvic floor dysfunction is—and how little it’s talked about. At the time, I was also dealing with some urinary urgency and incontinence, which made the topic feel even more relevant. What started as curiosity quickly grew into a passion as I began working more closely with the pelvic health clinic.
Everyone has a pelvic floor
I pursued additional training and expanded my knowledge beyond urinary incontinence and pregnancy-related rehab. I learned about pelvic pain, painful intercourse, constipation, postpartum recovery, erectile dysfunction, and rehabilitation after procedures like prostatectomy or hysterectomy—just to name a few. The more I treated patients, the more I saw how deeply pelvic health impacts every aspect of a person’s life.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can make someone afraid to leave the house, worried they won’t make it to a bathroom in time. It can create strain in relationships and diminish confidence. And sometimes, it doesn’t present as an obvious pelvic issue at all—it shows up as chronic hip, pelvic, or lower back pain.
While working at the pelvic health clinic, I saw countless patients who had spent years searching for answers to their pain. Many had tried physical therapy before with little success—until we addressed their pelvic floor. Time and time again, these patients found relief, sometimes after years of frustration. It still amazes me how overlooked the pelvic floor can be in traditional orthopedic treatment.
That’s why I developed such a strong appreciation for pelvic floor rehabilitation. Don’t get me wrong—I still love orthopedic rehab. But my passion for pelvic health grew as I saw the profound impact it can have on people’s well-being.
Through this blog and Roots Performance & Wellness, I want to break the stigma surrounding pelvic health. It’s time for these conversations to be normalized. Pelvic floor rehab doesn’t have to be scary or taboo—it can be life-changing.
— Dr. Rachel Wolinski, PT, DPT, Cert. DN
Rooted in Wellness Blog