What is PFFM?
Pelvic Floor Fascial Mobilization (PFFM) is an intravaginal and/or intrarectal manual therapy technique developed by Israeli physiotherapist Sivan Navot. It aims to improve the gliding of the fascial layers of the pelvic floor and, through that, muscle function.
PFFM builds on the principles of Fascial Manipulation®, developed by Luigi Stecco, and extends them to the inside of the pelvic floor by mapping internal treatment points and relating them to the established external points. It also incorporates original components developed by Sivan Navot: breath work (the sigh breath) and the hip throw manoeuvre.
Who is it for?
PFFM is used with women and men who have pelvic floor pain or dysfunction, and in cases where the source of pain seems distant from the pelvic floor, such as hip and groin pain. Suitability is decided in an individual physiotherapy assessment.
Published evidence
- Case report (2016): a 32-year-old professional cyclist with hip and groin pain that had only partly improved with conventional physiotherapy recovered fully after two PFFM sessions.
- Pilot randomized trial (2024): 40 multiparous pregnant women at 24 to 30 weeks with pelvic floor symptoms received either two PFFM sessions or conventional pelvic floor muscle training. Symptom scores (PFDI-20) improved by 42% with PFFM and 12% in the control group.
These are early results from a small study. Larger trials are needed to confirm them.
Publications
- Navot S, Carmeli E, Mohr-Sasson A, Hendler I, Kalichman L. Effect of pelvic floor fascial mobilization on pelvic floor dysfunction in multiparous pregnant women – A randomized pilot study. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024;40:437-442. PubMed | DOI
- Navot S, Kalichman L. Hip and groin pain in a cyclist resolved after performing a pelvic floor fascial mobilization. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2016;20(3):604-609. PubMed | DOI
For professionals
For lectures, workshops or research collaboration on PFFM, please get in touch through the contact page.