How to Improve Pelvic Floor Strength for Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Reduce Urinary Incontinence
- Julian Simpson
- Jun 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
How to Improve Pelvic Floor Strength for Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Reduce Urinary Incontinence
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating autoimmune chronic disease in which the immune system of the body attacks the myelin of nerve cells, causing permanent damage to nerves
Women are three times more likely to develop MS compared with men
What makes MS worse?
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection,
ultraviolet B light,
obesity,
vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency,
and smoking
Why is strengthening the pelvic floor and core essential for MS patients?
Evidence shows that the performance and the strength of core muscles are significantly decreased in MS patients
Also, depression, fatigue, and low quality of life are prevalent among MS patients, which be improved if they have regular physical activity
Research in 2025 showed that perineal muscle training for 12 weeks could significantly improve the overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and quality of life.
What are some pelvic floor exercises that can help with urinary incontinence?
Kegel exercises
Empty your bladder.
Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.
Tighten your pelvic floor muscles.
Hold for 3–5 seconds.
Relax for 3–5 seconds.
Repeat 10 times, 3 times a day.
Bridge pose
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart.
Inhale and lift your hips towards the ceiling.
Hold for 10–15 seconds.
Slowly lower your hips back to the floor.
Repeat 10–15 times.
Bird dog
This exercise works your abs, back, glutes, and hips.
It also engages your pelvic floor muscles.
Split tabletop
Lie on the floor and lift your legs so that your thighs are perpendicular to the floor.
Let your legs slowly open to the sides.
For more information about how we can help YOU with your Multiple sclerosis pain, strengthen the pelvic floor after pregnancy and improve your underlying dysfunction so the problem doesn’t come back .
Please call Health Wise Chiropractic 03 9467 7889 or book online to see one of our Chiropractors in Sunbury or Melton/Strathtulloh Today!
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Each program contains
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Afshari P, Abedi P, Majdinasab N, Tafakh S, Haghighizadeh M. Strengths of pelvic floor muscles in women with multiple sclerosis and its relationship with urinary incontinence and quality of life. Front Neurol. 2025 Jan 13;15:1514157. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1514157. PMID: 39871990; PMCID: PMC11769808.