What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy, also known as pelvic health physiotherapy or pelvic floor rehabilitation, is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs. This type of therapy is commonly used to treat a variety of pelvic floor issues, including pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that act as a hammock, supporting your pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum. The muscles also play a crucial role in controlling bowel and bladder function, and can sometimes weaken due to various factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, aging, or surgery, leading to pain and dysfunction.
What are Some Common Pelvic Floor Issues?
Some common pelvic floor conditions that can be treated include:
- Urinary or fecal incontinence – the involuntary leakage of urine or feces, which can be caused by weak pelvic floor muscles
- Constipation – where the muscles around the colon and anus are unable to relax, leading to difficulties with bowel movements
- Pelvic pain – discomfort that can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle tension, inflammation, and nerve issues
- Pelvic organ prolapse – when one or more of the organs that sit in the pelvis, such as the bladder or uterus, drops down into the vaginal canal
- Vulvodynia – chronic pain or discomfort around the vulva (area around the outside of the vagina) with no identifiable cause
- Dyspareunia – recurrent or persistent genital pain associated with intercourse which can significantly affect sexual function
- Chronic prostatitis – where pelvic floor muscle tension results in nerve irritation leading to prostatitis-like symptoms (e.g. urgency, pain/burning with urination, difficulty starting urine flow, painful ejaculation, etc)
For a full list of pelvic conditions that we treat, click here.
Who Treats the Pelvic Floor?
Pelvic floor therapy is typically carried out by a certified Pelvic Health / Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist who has received specialized training in treating pelvic floor dysfunctions. These physiotherapists are skilled in the assessment and treatment of this region (and in some cases the surrounding areas such as the lower back and hips) using a variety of techniques, such as manual therapy to the lumbopelvic joints, internal and external muscle release, and exercise.
What Does Treatment Involve?
Treatment of the pelvic floor typically involves an internal exam (either vaginally or rectally) followed by a combination of techniques designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve muscle coordination, decrease muscle tension, and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the problem. This commonly involves:
- Pelvic floor muscle training / exercise: These exercises are designed to improve the strength and conditioning of these muscles, promote both the ability to contract and properly relax the pelvic floor, as well as coordination and timing of activation (and it’s more than just kegels!)
- Manual therapy: This can include techniques such as internal massage and trigger point release, in addition to mobilizing the the low back, pelvis, hips, and SI joints to help relieve muscle tension and improve pelvic floor function
- Education: symptom tracking, strategies for self care
Summary
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a valuable treatment option for individuals experiencing pelvic floor problems. By working together to create a treatment plan with a physiotherapist who specializes in pelvic floor health, patients can improve their symptoms, regain control over their pelvic floor muscles, and achieve a better quality of life.
This service is offered by our Certified Pelvic Health/Floor Physiotherapists Shawna Neal and Cathy Stedman available to ALL people/genders (2SLGBTQQIA+ community members inclusive 🏳️🌈).
