5 facts about pelvic floor physiotherapy [pelvic health]

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles deep within the pelvis that helps support your bladder, bowel and pelvic organs. When the pelvic floor is not functioning well, these organs lack full support, which can leading to poor bladder and bowel control and sexual dysfunction. 

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy helps improve pelvic floor function by relaxing and strengthening the muscles that support the pelvic organs. This is achieved through muscle release techniques, exercise, lifestyle modifications and education. If your pelvic floor muscles are not functioning properly, it can lead to symptoms such as incontinence, increased urgency or frequency, bladder/bowel retention, painful intercourse and pelvic pain. No one wants to be jumping on a trampoline with their kids or grandkids and have a leak, this isn't normal and you don't have to live with it. No matter how long you have been experiencing dysfunction, it is never too late to start improving your pelvic health. 

5 Facts about your pelvic floor health

1. It's not all about the kegels - Often poeple believe that dysfunction of the pelvic floor is due to weakness, and kegels are the answer, this is not always the case. If the pelvic floor becomes too tight, symptoms of pelvic pain, incomplete bladder/bowel emptying, weak stream and pain during or after intercourse may present. In these cases, phyiotherapy treatment is focused on muscle relaxation and gentle stretches to help release the pelvic floor muscles.

2. The pelvic floor is part of your core - Your core is made up of a large group of muscles and extends from the diaphragm to the pelvic floor, including low back muscles. These muscles work together to support your movement and if one is not functioning well, the others can become affected. Pelvic floor physiotherapist will assess all aspects of your core, including your pelvic floor, to determine and correct the cause of dysfunction.

3. Anyone can benefit from Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy - Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect anyone, no matter how old. However, there are certain populations that are at an increased risk for dysfucntion and will likely benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy. 

• Prenatal and Postpartum - There are a lot of physical and hormonal changes that occur during and following pregnancy, increasing your risk for low back, pelvic, hip, pubic pain.

• Post Menopause - Estrogen levels decrease significantly during this period. Since estrogen plays an important role in maintaining optimal pelvic floor function, symptoms of dysfunction can occur during this time.

• Post Surgery - Pelvic floor concerns can arise after abdominal or pelvic surgery due to the surgery itself or prolonged catheterization. Post surgery physiotherapy treatment will work towards decreasing pain, and improve scar mobilization.

4. What to expect during pelvic floor physio sessions

Initial Assessment - A detailed history and physical examination will take place similar to any physiotherapy assessment. However, a large portion of the physical exam will include an assessment of the pelvic floor. To adequately assess the pelvic floor, an internal examination will likely occur. Based on the assessment findings, an individualized treatment plan will be implemented which will include advice and education, exercises, and manual therapy (with or without internal muscle work)

Follow up appointments - The goal of treatment will be to improve/eliminate your symptoms while providing support through exercise, lifestyle modification and education to prevent the return of symptoms. There may be other assessments that the physiotherapist will complete during follow up sessions to get a full understanding of your concerns and track your progress.

5. Will it be painful? - It is possible for there to be discomfort with some of the treatment approaches, however, the goal of treatment is not to create a painful response. Some mild discomfort may occur during rehab exercises but pain should not be felt during or after the home exercises.

Taking care of your pelvic floor is essential for your overall well-being. If you ever experience pain, leakage, or any other concerns “down there,” don’t hesitate to book a pelvic health physiotherapy assessment.