Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy focuses on the treatment
involving both the internal and external pelvic muscles and joints. These
tissues are extremely important in providing support and stability to our
pelvic girdle. When the system is not
functioning optimally, it can lead to issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain,
sexual dysfunction, prolapse and more.
The pelvic muscles
help with bladder control, smooth bowel movements, organ
support, sexual function and pain-free movements of the hips,
lower back and pelvis. If the pelvic muscles are either too tight
or weak, pelvic floor dysfunction occurs. Pelvic floor dysfunction can
have a huge impact on quality of life, intimate relationships and should be
recognized as an imperative aspect of overall health and well-being.
NOTE: Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapist treats females
only.
CONDITIONS TREATED WITH PELVIC
FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY
PELVIC PAIN:
·
Vaginismus
·
Pain with
intercourse
·
Vulvodynia
(vaginal pain)
·
Coccydynia
(tailbone pain)
·
Proctaglia
Fugax (rectal pain)
·
Chronic
Urological Pain Syndromes
·
Painful
urination or bowel movements
·
Post-surgical
pain (C-section, hernia repair, hysterectomy)
INCONTINENCE:
·
Urinary
or fecal incontinence
·
Urinary
urgency and leakage with sneezing/coughing/laughing/athletics
PREGNANCY AND POST-PARTUM:
·
Diastasis
Recti
·
Weakness
in core musculature
·
Preparation
for and recovery following birth (vaginal or C-section)
PROLAPSE:
·
Cystocele,
Uterocele, and Rectocele
UNSUCCESSFUL VOIDING:
·
Constipation
·
Increased
frequency of urination
·
Feeling
of incomplete bowel movement or the need for several bowel movements
WHAT
TO EXPECT AT YOUR APPOINTMENT
Your pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments will be
dependent upon the findings at your initial assessment. Your assessment will involve the following:
MEDICAL
HISTORY:
You and your therapist will discuss your medical
history, history of symptoms, aggravating factors, and how your current
symptoms impact your daily life. This helps your therapist gain a thorough
understanding of your condition and will guide the rest of the assessment.
Your therapist will explain the role and functions
of the pelvic floor using a model. They will also explain how (if indicated for
your condition) an internal examination would be performed, as well as the
purpose of such an examination.
EXAMINATION:
After the above steps have been completed, with informed
consent provided, your therapist will begin an assessment. This will begin by looking at your whole
body: posture, breathing and movement patterns. Next, your therapist will
assess the range of motion and strength of areas that work in conjunction with
the pelvic floor (core, low back, hips, sacroiliac joints, abdomen, etc).
Your therapist will continuously check in on your
comfort and willingness to proceed throughout the assessment. At any point
during the external or internal examination, you can withdraw your consent and
stop the examination.
During the internal examination, your therapist
will leave the room, giving you time to change and get set up on the
examination table as instructed. The
purpose of the internal assessment is to assess the tissues of the pelvic floor
including their tone, strength, coordination and endurance. An internal exam is
NOT required, but this information allows your therapist to better tailor your treatment
plan specifically to you. All
appointments take place in our private
treatment rooms.
EVIDENCE
SUPPORTING PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY
Physiotherapists who are trained in pelvic floor
therapy should be the first line of treatment for stress and mixed urinary
incontinence in women, before surgical interventions (Cochrane Collaboration
2014).
Pelvic floor muscle training is effective and
cost-effective in reducing prolapse symptoms and should be recommended as first
line treatment for prolapse (Hagen 2011).
Canadian
Physiotherapy Association & The Society of Gynecologists of Canada
recommend:
Pelvic floor muscle training with a physiotherapist
is recommended to prevent urinary incontinence during pregnancy and after
delivery.
Core stability training with a physiotherapist is
recommended to prevent/treat back and pelvic pain during and following
pregnancy.
.png)
