By Leila Arab
Many women are told they need to “strengthen their core.”
But core issues are often misunderstood.
A weak core is not always about lacking strength.
Sometimes it’s about poor coordination, breathing mechanics, or pelvic floor dysfunction.
This matters because many women experience:
- leaking during exercise
- lower back discomfort
- abdominal pressure
- pelvic heaviness
- or instability during movement
Then they attempt to fix it with:
- endless ab exercises
- aggressive bracing
- or avoiding movement altogether
Often, symptoms stay the same — or worsen.
The core is a pressure management system.
It involves:
- the diaphragm
- deep abdominal muscles
- spinal stabilisers
- and the pelvic floor working together
If one part is not functioning properly, the system compensates.
For example, constantly bracing the abdominals can increase downward pressure onto the pelvic floor. In some women, this contributes to symptoms rather than improving them.
This is why proper assessment matters.
Women’s health physiotherapy looks at:
- breathing patterns
- pelvic floor function
- movement strategies
- posture and load management
The goal is not just “getting stronger.”
It’s improving how the system functions as a whole.
This becomes especially important:
- after pregnancy
- during return to exercise
- during high-impact sport
- or when increasing gym training
Pelvic floor symptoms are common.
But they are not something you simply have to accept.
Addressing these issues properly often changes not only symptoms — but confidence in movement entirely.
Call to book a women’s health physio appointment and train with confidence again.