Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a branch of physiotherapy involving internal and external assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles are between the hips and the sacrum. They form a bowl or floor to support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and colon.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can occur when the muscles of the pelvis, hips, or abdominal area become too weak or too tight. Weakness in the pelvic floor can result in urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic floor tightness can cause urinary urgency and frequency, pain with intercourse, and constipation.
Unfortunately, many individuals feel that they just have to live with these problems, but the amazing news is that these conditions can be treated!
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common problem in both males and females, but many who suffer with this condition go untreated, often due to embarrassment. Radiance Physiotherapy is committed to providing a professionally discrete and comfortable setting for our clients. Our goal is to help each individual develop an understanding of their condition and maximize their ability to independently self-manage their treatment program.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to:
- Incontinence (urinary and fecal)
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Pain in the pelvis, low back, and abdomen
Individuals with the following diagnoses are good candidates for pelvic floor rehabilitation:
- Urinary and/or Fecal Incontinence
- Frequent Constipation
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Preoperative or postoperative Prostatectomy
- Postpartum/surgical Scarring
- Pudendal Neuralgia
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Levator Ani Syndrome
- Coccydynia (Pain in the tailbone)
- Painful Bladder Syndrome
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Spasm
- Myofascial Muscle Pain
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
- Dyspareunia (pain with sexual intercourse)
- Vulvodynia
- Endometriosis
- Hip/groin pain
- Diastasis recti
Pre and Post Partum Back Pain
Pain in the lower back and pelvic region during pregnancy and after childbirth is a frequent complaint. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation at Radiance Physiotherapy provides a proactive approach to optimal restoration of normal musculoskeletal function
What to expect during evaluation/treatments:
Depending on the client's needs, the evaluation can include an external assessment of the muscles of the pelvis, hips, and back and an internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles vaginally and/or rectally . Subsequent treatments will be catered to the individual but could include the following:
- Manual treatment (joint mobilizations, myofascial release techniques)
- Strengthening exercises for the hips, pelvis, back, and abdomen
- Down-training to calm muscles if they are too tight
- Internal or external biofeedback
- Behavioral modifications to assist with developing healthy toileting habits