Why is the Pelvic Floor So Important?

The pelvic floor is part of your core and consists of a group of muscles and tissue that help with important functions like urinating, defecating and having sex. The pelvic floor also helps to protect certain organs and your spine by absorbing pressure from activities such as coughing, laughing, lifting, running and more.


Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) plays a crucial role during pregnancy and postpartum recovery by promoting optimal pelvic health, preventing and treating common issues, and supporting overall well-being for individuals in these stages. 


During pregnancy, PFPT supports the pelvic floor muscles, prevents incontinence, improves posture and alignment, relieves pelvic pain and promotes relaxation to help with labor. During the postpartum stage, PFPT helps to restore pelvic floor function, reduces and supports pelvic organ prolapse, prevents and treats incontinence, promotes healing and supports core strength.

Free Pelvic Health Classes

We offer free, online pelvic health classes for pregnant people who are pre-birth, and for those who are in postpartum recovery. These classes are held on Zoom and are available to anyone, regardless of where they deliver.

Led by pelvic floor specialist Elizabeth A. Maskell, PT, DPT, this class covers:
  • Pelvic floor preparation and coordination
  • How to push, breathe and open your pelvis during labor
  • Reducing risk for tearing
  • How to exercise safely during pregnancy  

Classes take place on Zoom from 3 to 4 p.m. on the following Wednesdays:
  • December 11, 2024
  • March 12, 2025
  • May 14, 2025

For details, call (559) 324-4057.

Led by pelvic floor specialist Elizabeth A. Maskell, PT, DPT, this class covers:
  • Pelvic floor and core retraining
  • Pressure management techniques to protect the pelvic floor 
  • Back pain reduction and improper posture
  • How to exercise safely during the postpartum phase

Classes take place on Zoom from 3 to 4 p.m. on the following Wednesdays:
  • February 5, 2025
  • April 9, 2025

For details, call (559) 324-4057.

Learn More About Pelvic Floor Health

Community Medical Centers' Elizabeth Maskell explains the importance of pelvic floor health and describes her work helping patients who are either preparing to give birth — or have already given birth — improve their pelvic floor muscles.


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