The Basics of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: What It Is and Who It Can Help
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a type of physiotherapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. This specialized form of physical therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions related to the pelvic floor, including incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. In this blog post, we’ll explore the basics of pelvic floor physiotherapy, what it is, and who it can help.
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that focuses on the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and help control urinary and bowel movements. The pelvic floor muscles can weaken over time due to a variety of factors, including pregnancy, childbirth, aging, and certain medical conditions. Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to a range of issues, including incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is designed to address these issues by strengthening and conditioning the pelvic floor muscles. The therapy involves a variety of techniques, including exercise, manual therapy, and biofeedback. The therapist may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications or changes to daily activities, to help support pelvic floor health.
Caption: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Vancouver includes many different exercises and techniques.
Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can benefit a wide range of individuals, including men and women of all ages. Some of the conditions that can be treated with pelvic floor physiotherapy include:
Incontinence: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be used to treat both urinary and fecal incontinence. The therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles that control the bladder and rectum, which can help improve control over these functions.
Pelvic Pain: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can also be used to treat pelvic pain, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, surgery, and certain medical conditions. The therapy can help relieve pain and improve mobility in the pelvic area.
Sexual Dysfunction: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be used to treat a variety of sexual dysfunctions, including erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and painful intercourse. The therapy focuses on improving blood flow and strengthening the muscles in the pelvic area, which can help improve sexual function.
Pregnancy and Postpartum: Pelvic floor physiotherapy is often recommended for women during and after pregnancy. The therapy can help prepare the pelvic floor muscles for childbirth and help the muscles recover after delivery. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can also be used to address issues that may arise during pregnancy, such as back pain, incontinence, and pelvic pain.
Aging: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be beneficial for both men and women as they age. As we age, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken, leading to issues such as incontinence and pelvic pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help strengthen and condition these muscles, improving overall pelvic health.
What to Expect During Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
During a pelvic floor physiotherapy session, the therapist will conduct an initial assessment to determine the patient’s needs and goals. The therapist will then develop a treatment plan that may include a variety of techniques, such as exercise, manual therapy, and biofeedback.
Exercise: The therapist may prescribe a series of exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises can be performed at home or in the therapist’s office, depending on the patient’s needs and goals.
Manual Therapy: The therapist may use manual techniques to release tension in the pelvic floor muscles. This can include massage, stretching, and trigger point release.
Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique that uses sensors to monitor muscle activity and provide visual or auditory feedback to the patient. This can help the patient learn how to properly contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles.
The therapist may also provide education and advice on lifestyle modifications to support pelvic floor health. This may include dietary changes, such as increasing fiber intake, or avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol. The therapist may also recommend changes to daily activities, such as avoiding heavy lifting or sitting for long periods of time.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is typically conducted in a private room and may involve the use of special equipment, such as a vaginal or rectal probe. However, the therapy is non-invasive and is not painful. Patients may experience some discomfort or muscle soreness during or after treatment, but this is typically temporary.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is typically prescribed in a series of sessions, with the number and frequency of sessions depending on the patient’s needs and goals. Some patients may see improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing treatment to maintain results.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can provide a range of benefits for patients, including:
Improved bladder and bowel control: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help patients regain control over bladder and bowel movements, reducing the need for pads or other incontinence products.
Reduced pain: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help relieve pelvic pain, reducing the need for pain medication.
Improved sexual function: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve sexual function, reducing the need for medications or other interventions.
Improved quality of life: By addressing pelvic floor issues, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve overall quality of life for patients, allowing them to engage in activities they may have previously avoided.
Conclusion
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. The therapy is designed to address a wide range of conditions related to the pelvic floor, including incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can benefit men and women of all ages and can provide a range of benefits, including improved bladder and bowel control, reduced pain, and improved sexual function. If you are experiencing pelvic floor issues, reach out to the team at Chipperfield Physiotherapy to see if pelvic floor physiotherapy is right for you!
Chipperfield Mobile Physiotherapy has three incredible Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists (Joanna Varley, Michelle Schramm, Chelsea Chua) available for In-Home and In-Hospital visits in Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond! Call our office today to learn more about our services and how we can help you. 604-828-2610
