Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: Address and Prevent Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction by Getting Early Treatment

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is focused on evaluating and treating conditions that lead to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. It works for both men and women. It can usually treat conditions such as urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, painful sexual intercourse, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, and more.

How It Works

The treatment process starts with a patient evaluation. A therapist will go through the patient’s history then conduct a physical examination that includes an internal and internal exam. For women, the examination includes a rectal and vaginal exam and a rectal exam for men. The therapist will walk the patient through each step of the process to make them feel comfortable. Pelvic floor issues require a detailed evaluation to help the therapist design a targeted and effective treatment program for the patient.

Often, every treatment will include an internal component. Basically, treatments involve strengthening or lengthening muscles and decreasing muscle spasms.

Pelvic floor dysfunction usually occurs in different body systems including the nervous system, visceral structures, and musculoskeletal structures. Apart from the pelvic floor, the therapy is also directed at the hips, abdominal region, lumbar spine, and central nervous system. It includes diet management, patient education, relaxation techniques, stress management, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, and others.

Does It Work?

Pelvic floor therapy is often prescribed to post-natal, pre-partum, and older adults. Before the therapy was introduced, patients were usually prescribed Kegels to treat stress and urinary incontinence and prevent pelvic floor dysfunction. But, Kegels may not be appropriate for all people. Studies show that women who had pelvic muscle training during pregnancy can have reduced chances of prolonged second-stage labour, less low back and pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence.

In addition, the therapy has been found to work in managing chronic pain. But, patients must work will look at their pain as a result of several factors. Effective pelvic pain management includes an understanding of the interaction between pelvic pain, the interconnection of different factors, and the central nervous system.

When to Book an Appointment

It is important to book an appointment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist when a person believes there is an issue or when they notice their pelvic floor is not functioning properly. Pelvic dysfunction can get worse when left untreated. Correcting mild incontinence or minor prolapse is easier than correcting a worsening issue. Persistent pelvic pain or even sexual dysfunction can be easily addressed early on.