Pelvic floor physiotherapy provides special training and solutions to people suffering from pelvic health disorders. This branch of physiotherapy involves internal examination and an external physio of the pelvic floor muscles. What are the pelvic floor muscles though? Simply put, these muscles are located between the sacrum and hop bones in the human body, and serve as a bowl to support the organs like the uterus.
The benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy is to assess and treat pelvic floor dysfunction, which can lead to urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain.
PFPT is performed by a physiotherapist who has received specific training in this area. Treatment may include education, exercises, manual therapy, electrical stimulation, and/or behavioral modification. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for many individuals (men and women) suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction.
Unfortunately, many people don’t know much about pelvic floor physiotherapy, or even what the pelvic floor is and the many benefits that physio can provide. We’re happy to provide more detail about what this is and how it can improve your overall health.
Do I need pelvic floor physical therapy?
The pelvic floor is a key muscle group that helps with many everyday activities such as standing up, sitting down, and moving around. It also plays an important role in urination and bowel movements.
A tight or weak pelvic floor can contribute to some common health issues like pain during menstruation or defecation, and constipation. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help to alleviate these problems and improve overall health. There are many different ways to do this, including pelvic floor exercises, yoga, pilates, and of course pelvic health physiotherapy.
Did you know that pelvic floor function also plays an important role in sexual function and intercourse? Probably not! The muscles in the pelvic floor work to support the pelvic bone and control even labour.
When these muscles are weak or tight, they can cause a variety of problems. In women, this can include pain with penetration, difficulty achieving orgasm, and pain with sexual stimulation. In men, it can cause painful erections and premature ejaculation.
What does pelvic physiotherapy do and what is the role of the pelvic floor physiotherapist?
Every treatment plan is designed specifically for the needs of the individual client. The first step in this process is an external examination, during which the skin, fascia, and muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and inner thighs are assessed.
What to expect On Your First Visit for Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
What should you expect during a pelvic floor physiotherapy session?
Most sessions will involve some combination of the following: education about the condition and how physiotherapy can help, manual therapy to release tight muscles and improve movement, electrical stimulation to help increase muscle tone, and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. It’s important for our team to educate as much as it is to heal. The more you know about pelvic floor physiotherapy the better your therapy will be.
Our experts will help provide proper pelvic floor rehabilitation through a variety of movements, exercises, and treatment options that should help reduce pain in some of the pelvic core muscles. Our team has provided hundreds of people suffering in the Grande Prairie area with the right techniques and exercises focused on building a strong pelvic floor.
What are Some Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
If you think you’ve been struggling with your pelvic area and have questions, you’re not alone. This type of physical therapy can be used to treat conditions in both women and men and is not uncommon.
Pelvic dysfunction is incredibly common and pelvic floor symptoms can be as simple as having your pelvic muscles too tight, a history of your bladder control problems (like bladder and bowel), and vaginal discomfort. By strengthening and toning the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve overall pelvic health and function. Whether you are experiencing pelvic pain or having trouble controlling your urine, working with a physiotherapist can help you find relief and get back to your normal daily activities.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Millions of people suffer from urinary incontinence, a condition that causes them to leak urine unintentionally. While there are many treatments available, pelvic floor physiotherapy is often the best option for those who want a long-term solution.
Most people don’t know that it’s a common problem and It affects millions of people in Canada alone. The most common symptoms of include leaking urine, feeling like you need to urinate even though you just did, and difficulty controlling urination. Treatments typically include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and to lesser extent medications, and surgery.
Is pelvic floor therapy safe?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a form of physical therapy that helps to improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles. It can be used to treat conditions many of the conditions we’ve mentioned above and is one of the best options to help solve problems with your pelvic floor.
The experts at our clinic have dedicated time to understanding how to maximize your recovery and improve your day-to-day life if you’ve been suffering with your pelvis.
Where can I find a pelvic floor physiotherapist near me?
If you are experiencing any of these issues we’ve mentioned in this article we highly recommend seeking out a physical therapist near you for help. If you’re in the Grande Prairie, Beaverlodge, or Peace Country area we are available to help with strengthening exercises and providing a proper pelvic floor treatment plan. If you’re looking to get a full picture and learn more about your symptoms, make your appointment with the team at Kinesis Physical Therapy today!
Talking to an expert is the first line of defense and our team is always here to help you with pelvic health solutions.
