Book excerpt: The remarkably complex pelvic floor and its disorders comprise one of the most interesting -- and challenging -- areas of physical therapy. And recently, common problems once considered taboo, such as incontinence, have become mainstream issues. More than ever before, a solid understanding of the structure and function of the manifold problems of the pelvic floor is vital to successful treatment. This groundbreaking work brings together an international team of world-renowned experts in the treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence, as well as sexual dysfunction, to provide a comprehensive guide to the structure and function of the muscles of the pelvic floor. Using concise text and clear illustrations and helpful photographs, the authors present all phenomena associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. The authors begin with a detailed overview of the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor, and then discuss all state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment strategies, from biofeedback and manual therapy to the causes of different types of pain and psychosocial problems. Detailed discussions of the specific issues associated with children, women, and men, as well as with rectal and anal dysfunction, follow. With its thorough coverage, this highly practical text is essential reading for all health care professionals who wish to provide their patients suffering from disorders of the pelvic floor with the best care available.