Sports Medicine and the Pelvic Floor

Sports Medicine and the Pelvic Floor: Science to Practice shines a spotlight on a critical but often overlooked aspect of female athlete health: the pelvic floor. Bringing together the expertise of international clinicians and researchers, this book highlights persistent gaps in knowledge and practice, offering valuable direction for future research. It educates professionals on how to effectively screen, treat, and rehabilitate athletes, emphasizing that pelvic floor dysfunction can profoundly impact engagement, athletic performance, and overall well-being. By addressing this traditionally taboo subject, the authors provide evidence-based insights that call for the pelvic floor to be considered as essential in sports medicine.Sections discuss practical strategies for screening and supporting athletes, managing or alleviating symptoms, and ensuring a safe return to sport, all while prioritizing long-term pelvic health. This is an indispensable resource for anyone working with female athletes, blending science and clinical experience to advance care in this vital area.Chapter contributions from an international panel of expertsOverview of the pelvic floor muscles, their function and what happens when they are dysfunctionalOutlines the current state of science on the pelvic floor within sports medicine