The pelvic floor muscles run, like a muscular trampoline, from the tailbone (coccyx) to the pubic bone (front to back) and from one sitting bone to the other sitting bone (side to side). Although the pelvic floor is hidden from view, it can be consciously controlled and therefore trained, just like any other muscle in your body.
The muscle is divided into a superficial - and a deep layer.
The superficial muscles include:
o Bulbospongioisis
o Ischiocavernosis
o Superficial transverse perineal muscle
o Urethral and anal sphincter muscles
The superficial muscles are more commonly associated with vulvar pain syndromes.
The deep layer consists of the Levator Ani muscle group and the Coccygeus. The Obturator Internus and Piriformis muscles also play a role in pelvic floor muscle function.
The pelvic floor has unique innervation and is never completely at rest, which helps us maintain continence but also comes with certain consequences in the face of dysfunction and treatment options.
