Dorsal Vagal (Freeze/Fawn):

• Unlike fight-or-flight, where the pelvic floor tightens in response to stress, freeze mode causes a sense of disconnection from the body.

• Women often cannot fight or flee from their own pelvic floors, so they may instead freeze, resulting in a lack of sensation, dissociation, or numbness in the pelvic area.

• The fascia becomes rigid and dry, reducing mobility and increasing pain perception.

• Bladder function may be affected by delayed or absent signals, leading to retention or leaks due to an unresponsive pelvic floor.

• Movement feels slow, heavy, or disconnected, and engaging with the pelvic area may feel overwhelming.