Your pelvic floor and diaphragm move in synchrony — when the diaphragm descends on inhale, the pelvic floor gently lengthens; when the diaphragm ascends on exhale, the pelvic floor lifts. This coordination is essential for continence, core stability, and spinal support. Dysfunctional breathing patterns disrupt this synchrony, contributing to pelvic floor disorders that affect an estimated 25% of women and a significant number of men.
Physical therapists specializing in pelvic health increasingly prioritize breathing retraining over isolated Kegel exercises because proper diaphragmatic breathing naturally engages the pelvic floor in its functional pattern. Research shows that many people with pelvic floor dysfunction cannot effectively perform Kegels in isolation, but they can achieve proper pelvic floor activation through coordinated breathing exercises that restore the diaphragm-pelvic floor partnership.
The practical approach involves learning to feel the pelvic floor respond to breathing rather than forcefully contracting it in isolation. During diaphragmatic breathing, you should feel a gentle expansion and release in the pelvic floor that mirrors the diaphragm's movement. This coordination, once reestablished, carries into daily activities — lifting, coughing, exercise — providing the automatic support that prevents incontinence and supports pelvic organ position.