The Pelvic Diaphragm: Treating Pain and Dysfunction from a Global Anatomical Perspective

Treat pain and discomfort in the pelvic diaphragm with the latest research.

The pelvic floor (pelvic diaphragm)  is a funnel-shaped muscular structure that supports pelvic organs, maintains continence, contributes to sexual function and core stability, and assists blood and lymph circulation—yet it can be compromised by pregnancy, ageing, and hormonal changes. Pelvic floor dysfunction is not simply about weakness but often involves impaired relaxation and global biomechanical factors, meaning effective management requires restoring optimal muscle length, reducing abdominal compression, and addressing whole-body influences such as foot function and proprioception.

Practitioners will explore an interconnected anatomical perspective, learning how the pelvic diaphragm connects to the respiratory diaphragm, cervical fascia, jaw, and tongue. With over 200 color photos and illustrations, this book provides a comprehensive overview of up-to-date research translated for clinical application. Hands-on fascial release techniques are included, as well as body reading strategies and assessment methods to improve accuracy in treatment planning.

With a wealth of information on treatment strategies, The Pelvic Diaphragm offers practitioners a broad understanding of an interconnected anatomical perspective and the ways it can be used to treat each clients unique situation. Pull back the curtain on the pelvic diaphragm and provide clients with appropriate, effective care.

The book includes two chapters authored by experienced practitioners of manual therapy and Pilates. This gives readers the opportunity to see how concepts translate across clinical and movement settings.

Julie Hammond lives in Western Australia, where she runs a clinical practice and specializes in bodywork and structural integration. She is the director and lead teacher of Anatomy Trains Australia & New Zealand and lectures internationally. She organized the first Australian Fascia Symposium in 2020 and cofounded Balancing the Diaphragms. Hammond contributed a chapter on Anatomy Trains Structural Integration for Fascia, Function, and Medical Applications by David Lesondak.