The Surprising Connection Between Your Feet and Your Pelvic Floor
Sophie Mason, PT, MPT, BSc (Hons.)
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
When we think about the pelvic floor, we often think of it in isolation. We tend to think of it as a system functioning deep within the pelvis, separate from the rest of the body. In reality, the pelvic floor does not work alone. It is part of an integrated, whole-body system that includes your breath, posture, hips, spine, and yes, even your feet.
At Proactive Pelvic Health Centre, we take a whole-body approach to pelvic floor physiotherapy, recognizing that symptoms often reflect how the entire system is functioning, not just the pelvis itself. Understanding the relationship between the feet and the pelvic floor can be a powerful missing link for people experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, persistent symptoms, or limited progress with isolated pelvic exercises.
Anatomy: How the Foot and Pelvic Floor are Linked
The body is organized through fascial and muscular chains. These are continuous lines of connective tissue that transmit force, tension, and movement from one region to another.
Some of the most important connections between the feet and pelvic floor occur through:
The deep front line (myofascial chain)
This line runs from the soles of the feet, up through the calves, inner thighs, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and into the neck and jaw.
The adductor and deep hip muscles
Muscles that help control foot position and leg alignment also influence pelvic positioning and pelvic floor muscle function.
The pressure system of the body
The pelvic floor works with the diaphragm, deep abdominals, and spinal muscles to manage pressure. Foot contact with the ground directly influences how efficiently this system responds during standing, walking, and lifting.
In short, how your foot meets the ground affects how force travels upward through your body, including to the pelvic floor.
Physiology: Why the Foot Matters for Pelvic Floor Function
When we stand, walk, or lift, a healthy foot absorbs, and transfers the force from the ground efficiently. When this system is disrupted—due to stiffness, weakness, injury, or altered mechanics—the force must be compensated for elsewhere.
Common foot-related contributors include:
Limited ankle mobility
Collapsed or stiff arches
Poor toe function
Previous foot or ankle injuries
Chronic use of overly supportive or restrictive footwear
These factors can lead to:
Changes in alignment
Increased tone or guarding in the pelvic floor
Decreased pelvic floor responsiveness (both strength and relaxation)
Compensatory overuse of the glutes, abdominals, or pelvic floor muscles
Over time, this may contribute to symptoms such as pelvic pain, stress incontinence, prolapse symptoms, or difficulty with pelvic floor coordination.
How Foot Dysfunction Can Contribute to Pelvic Floor Symptoms
Pelvic floor dysfunction is rarely caused by a single structure. Instead, it often reflects a global load management issue.
For example:
A foot that does not pronate well may reduce shock absorption, increasing upward force into the pelvis.
Poor foot stability may lead to increased gripping or clenching patterns throughout the body—including the pelvic floor.
Altered gait mechanics can change how the pelvic floor responds reflexively during walking and running.
In these cases, treating the pelvic floor alone, without addressing the foot, may provide only partial or temporary relief.
A Whole-Body Approach in Pelvic Physiotherapy
Pelvic physiotherapy should take a holistic view of the body. While internal pelvic floor assessment and treatment can be important, effective care often goes beyond the pelvis itself.
A whole-body pelvic physiotherapy approach may include:
Assessment of foot and ankle alignment, mobility, and strength
Gait and posture analysis
Breath and pressure management strategies
Exercises that connect foot activation with pelvic floor function
Education on footwear, movement habits, and load management
By improving how the foot interacts with the ground, we can often reduce unnecessary strain on the pelvic floor and improve its ability to respond dynamically, rather than constantly bracing.
Why This Matters for Long-Term Results
The pelvic floor is designed to respond, not constantly contract. When the foundation of the body, and our connection to the ground (our feet), are not functioning optimally, the pelvic floor may be forced into compensatory patterns that lead to further dysfunction and symptoms.
Addressing the foot–pelvic floor connection: Improves efficiency of movement
Reduces excessive tension patterns
Supports better symptom resolution
Encourages lasting, sustainable change
Pelvic health is whole-body health, and sometimes, meaningful pelvic floor improvement starts from the ground up.
References
Celenay, S. T., Yardimci, F. B., & Altay, H. (2024). Pelvic floor muscle strength and pelvic floor dysfunctions in women with pes planus compared with those without pes planus. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
Hodges, P. W., Sapsford, R., & Pengel, L. H. (2019). Postural and respiratory functions of the pelvic floor muscles. Neurourology and Urodynamics.
Porrón-Irigaray, A. et al. (2022). Pelvic floor muscle activity during gait and running in women. International Urogynecology Journal.