15: How Scoliosis Affects the Pelvic Floor - What To Know & When to Get Help

This week, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth continue the series on scoliosis and the pelvic floor by diving deeper into how scoliosis can directly influence pelvic floor function—and what symptoms may signal that it’s time to seek help.

Building on last week's episode, Laura explains how scoliosis-related rotation, asymmetry, and postural shifts can create imbalances in the pelvic floor muscles (much like what we already recognize in the spine, ribs, & trunk). Because the pelvis is directly connected to the spine, scoliosis significantly affects how the pelvic floor contracts, relaxes, & coordinates.

Listen in as we explore common—but not normal—symptoms, including:

• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Leaking with exercise, lifting, or impact
• Difficulty with bowel movements or gas control
• Pain with intimacy, pelvic exams, or tampon use
• Feeling pressure, tightness, or difficulty taking a deep breath

Dr. Laura & Dr. Beth discuss why these symptoms are frequently normalized or dismissed—especially after pregnancy, with aging, or during hormonal transitions—and why they are common but not normal. They also explain why pelvic floor issues often go undiagnosed for years and how scoliosis can further complicate the picture.

For clinicians, trainers, and movement professionals, the episode highlights the importance of screening and open conversation. Dr. Laura introduces the Cozean Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Screen, a simple 10-question tool that can help identify when pelvic floor support may be needed and open the door to care.

The episode also touches on:

• Why scoliosis-specific exercises are often the first step—even when pelvic floor symptoms are present
• How spinal fusion and reduced mobility influences pelvic floor function
• The current gaps in research and why clinical patterns still matter
• The power of education, curiosity, and non-judgmental conversations

Whether you’re someone with scoliosis or spinal fusion, a clinician supporting this population, or simply noticing changes in your body and wondering if they matter, this episode helps clarify what’s normal, what’s common, and when support could help.

Resources & next steps:

• Dr. Laura's blogs:
  • Does Scoliosis Impact my Pelvic Floor?
  • How Your Spinal Fusion Impacts Your Pelvic Floor
  • How to Support Your Pelvic Floor with Scoliosis or Spinal Fusion
  • The Truth About Kegels
• Cozean Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Screening Protocol
• Virtual pelvic floor & scoliosis support with Dr. Laura
• Pregnancy, postpartum coaching with Dr. Laura
• Return to exercise support with Dr. Beth

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

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• Listen on Spotify

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