Pelvic Floor Treatment in BC
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of Physiotherapy aimed at treating various disorders or dysfunctions related to the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles, located at the bottom of the pelvis, support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and play a crucial role in urinary and bowel function, sexual function, and stability of the pelvis and spine.
Pelvic floor therapy offers a range of benefits for individuals experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction or related issues; Some of these benefits include:
Pelvic floor therapy helps strengthen the muscles that support the pelvic organs, leading to better pelvic floor muscle tone and function.
For individuals experiencing pelvic pain conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction, vulvodynia, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.
Pelvic floor therapy can be highly effective in treating urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) and fecal incontinence (involuntary bowel movements) by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and improving control over bladder and bowel function.
Pelvic floor therapy may help manage symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse, such as pressure or bulging sensations in the pelvic area, by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and providing support to the prolapsed organs.
Pelvic floor therapy can benefit individuals experiencing sexual dysfunction related to pelvic floor issues, such as pain during intercourse or difficulty achieving orgasm, by addressing underlying muscle dysfunction and improving pelvic floor muscle control.
Pelvic floor therapy can help prepare pregnant individuals for childbirth by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, promoting optimal alignment of the pelvis, and teaching relaxation techniques that may aid in labor and delivery.
Pelvic floor therapy can help prepare pregnant individuals for childbirth by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, promoting optimal alignment of the pelvis, and teaching relaxation techniques that may aid in labor and delivery.
After childbirth, pelvic floor therapy can aid in the recovery process by addressing issues such as pelvic floor weakness, trauma from childbirth, urinary or fecal incontinence, and pelvic pain.
By addressing pelvic floor dysfunction and associated symptoms, pelvic floor therapy can significantly improve an individual’s overall quality of life, allowing them to engage in daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Overall, pelvic floor therapy offers personalized treatment strategies tailored to each individual’s needs, with the goal of optimizing pelvic floor function and improving overall well-being.
Pelvic floor therapy is typically prescribed to individuals experiencing issues such as:
Pelvic Pain: This could include conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction, vulvodynia, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), or chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Urinary Incontinence: This involves involuntary leakage of urine, which can be caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles, childbirth, or other factors.
Fecal Incontinence: Similar to urinary incontinence, but involving involuntary bowel movements.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: This occurs when one or more pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) drop from their normal position and push against the walls of the vagina.
Pre- and Postnatal Care: Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for pregnant women to prepare for childbirth and for postpartum recovery to address issues such as pelvic floor weakness or trauma.
During pelvic floor therapy sessions, a trained Physiotherapist will assess the individual’s condition and develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment techniques may include pelvic floor exercises (such as Kegel exercises), biofeedback, manual therapy, electrical stimulation, relaxation techniques, and education on bladder and bowel habits. The goal is to strengthen, relax, or retrain the pelvic floor muscles to improve function and reduce symptoms.
Someone should consider seeing a pelvic floor therapist if they experience any of the following symptoms or conditions:
1. Pelvic Pain: Persistent or recurrent pain in the pelvic area, lower abdomen, genitals, or rectum.
2. Urinary Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine, especially when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
3. Fecal Incontinence: Involuntary bowel movements or difficulty controlling bowel movements.
4. Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Feeling of pressure or bulging in the pelvic area, often accompanied by discomfort or a feeling of something “falling out.”
5. Painful Intercourse: Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) or difficulty achieving orgasm.
6. Pre- and Postnatal Issues: Preparation for childbirth, postpartum recovery, or addressing issues such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse during or after pregnancy.
7. Chronic Constipation: Difficulty passing stools or a sensation of incomplete evacuation, often associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
8. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent UTIs may be indicative of underlying pelvic floor issues that need to be addressed.
9. Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness or Tension: Difficulty contracting or relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to various symptoms such as urinary urgency, hesitancy, or incomplete emptying of the bladder.
10. Preoperative or Postoperative Care: Pelvic floor therapy may be beneficial before and after pelvic surgery, such as hysterectomy or surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, to optimize pelvic floor function and aid in recovery.
Early intervention with pelvic floor therapy can help prevent symptoms from worsening and improve outcomes for pelvic floor-related issues.
Pelvic floor therapists employ various techniques to help individuals improve pelvic floor function and alleviate symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. Here’s how they can help:
1. Assessment: Pelvic floor therapists begin by conducting a comprehensive evaluation to assess the individual’s symptoms, medical history, pelvic floor muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination. This assessment may include a physical examination, internal pelvic floor muscle assessment (via vaginal or rectal palpation), and/or biofeedback testing to provide valuable information about pelvic floor function.
2. Education: Pelvic floor therapists educate individuals about the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor muscles, as well as common pelvic floor disorders and contributing factors. They may provide guidance on proper bladder and bowel habits, posture, body mechanics, and lifestyle modifications to support pelvic floor health.
3. Pelvic Floor Exercises: A cornerstone of pelvic floor therapy is the prescription of specific pelvic floor exercises tailored to the individual’s needs. These may include Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, as well as relaxation techniques to release muscle tension. Pelvic floor therapists teach proper exercise technique and progression to ensure optimal muscle activation and coordination.
4. Manual Therapy: Pelvic floor therapists may use hands-on techniques, such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, or soft tissue mobilization, to address muscle tightness, scar tissue, or restrictions in the pelvic floor and surrounding tissues. Manual therapy can help relieve pain, improve muscle flexibility, and optimize pelvic floor muscle function.
5. Electrical Stimulation: In some cases, pelvic floor therapists may use electrical stimulation, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or intravaginal or intrarectal electrical stimulation, to help strengthen or retrain the pelvic floor muscles. Electrical stimulation can enhance muscle recruitment and facilitate neuromuscular re-education.
6. Behavioral Strategies: Pelvic floor therapists may teach behavioral strategies, such as bladder and bowel training, urge suppression techniques, and pelvic floor muscle training for urinary and fecal incontinence management. These strategies help individuals regain control over bladder and bowel function and improve symptoms of urgency and frequency.
7. Collaboration: Pelvic floor therapists often collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as physicians, gynecologists, urologists, colorectal surgeons, and mental health professionals, to provide comprehensive care for individuals with pelvic floor disorders. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the individual’s condition are addressed effectively.
Overall, pelvic floor therapists play a crucial role in empowering individuals to take an active role in their pelvic floor health and achieve improved function and quality of life. Through personalized treatment plans and ongoing support, pelvic floor therapy can make a significant difference in managing pelvic floor dysfunction and associated symptoms.
