In this condition, pelvic floor muscles are contracted, tense and weak. Blood flow is restricted, which can cause an acidic environment in the area and this, in turn, can create an inflammatory cascade. When this “inflammatory soup” is generated, it’s harmful to the region’s muscles and nerves. The muscles become tender and the nerves begin to fire inappropriately, causing subconscious chronic pain and tensing of the pelvic floor. Endometriosis is another factor that could lead to pelvic floor hypertonia.
What Is Pelvic Floor Muscle Hypertonia?
Hypertonia is defined as tight muscle tone and reduced capacity of the muscle to stretch when pelvic floor muscles are contracted, tense and weak, blood flow is restricted and oxygenation is reduced. In fact, a 10% increase in pelvic floor muscle contraction can cause up to a 50% decrease in blood flow and oxygen supply. This restriction can create an acidic environment in the area. That, in turn, can lead to an unhealthy inflammatory cascade.
This negative cycle produces a mixture of inflammation. The region’s muscles and nerves begin deteriorating. The muscles become tender and the nerves begin to fire inappropriately, causing chronic pain.
