What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?
Pelvic health physiotherapists have specialized training in treatment of the pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, joints and nerves that contribute to bladder, bowel, and sexual function. The pelvic floor muscles are like a hammock or sling that support the bladder, uterus, prostate and rectum. In women they also wrap around your urethra, rectum, and vagina.
Pelvic physiotherapy is becoming more established in the literature as a first-line defence against incontinence and pelvic pain. Research has shown that physiotherapists with specialized training in pelvic floor rehab should be the first line of defence, before surgical consultation for stress, urge and mixed incontinence in women.
What can you expect at a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Assessment?
Like any other muscles, the muscles of the pelvic floor can be weak or tight, resulting in pelvic floor dysfunction. When you attend a pelvic health physiotherapy assessment a detailed history is taken and your breathing patterns, the spine, and hips are observed and assessed. Assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor is done with external as well as internal assessment. The pelvic floor is like a sling and a full assessment of both the front (via the vagina) and back (via the rectum) is completed to provide a comprehensive treatment plan.
Why can’t you just do Kegels?
Kegels are not always recommended for pelvic floor problems – in fact, they can do more harm than good in some instances and often they are not performed correctly. Internal examination to teach these exercises ensures correct performance of them. Having a pelvic health physiotherapy assessment can help determine what exercises or stretches are appropriate for you!
What types of problems can Pelvic Health Physiotherapy treat?
- Incontinence and Organ Prolapse
Pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by weak pelvic muscles which can contribute to incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Incontinence is not a normal part of aging nor after childbirth. It is common, but it’s not normal. Prolapse can cause a heaviness or pressure in your pelvic region. - Urgency, Pain with Intercourse and Pelvic Pain
Tight pelvic floor muscles can also contribute to incontinence, urgency, pain with intercourse and pelvic pain. While pelvic pain and pain with intercourse is common post partum, pain is not normal and physiotherapy can help. - Mastitis and Blocked Ducts
- Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain
- Post-Prostatectomy in men