A Comprehensive Guide to Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a highly specialized physiotherapy technique that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. Often associated with women’s health, pelvic floor physiotherapy is a treatment for both men and women who suffer from pelvic pain or dysfunction in the pelvic region. In this blog, we will dive into what pelvic floor physiotherapy is, what conditions it treats and how the therapy process works.
What are the pelvic floor muscles and why are they important?
Before we dive into any aspect of pelvic floor therapy, let’s touch upon what the pelvic floor muscles are and their importance. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that run from the tailbone to the pubic bone, providing support to the pelvis, bladder, and reproductive organs. They play a crucial role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and core stability.
What conditions can pelvic floor physiotherapy treat?
Pelvic floor disorders are common, with an estimated one in four women and many men being affected by pelvic pain, incontinence, or prolapse at some point in their life. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can treat a range of conditions like incontinence, urinary and fecal urgency, chronic pelvic pain, vestibulodynia, pudendal neuralgia, and postoperative gynecological or colorectal surgery. In addition to these, pelvic floor therapy can help those who suffer from constipation, sexual dysfunction and those undergoing cancer treatment.
How does the pelvic floor physiotherapy process work?
The first step in any pelvic floor physiotherapy treatment is an assessment by a specialized pelvic floor physiotherapist that will involve taking a detailed medical history and assessing your symptoms. These sessions tend to be private and sometimes need urodynamic testing for a comprehensive diagnosis. Next, the physiotherapist will develop an individualized treatment plan, including pelvic exercises, education, and lifestyle modifications. The pelvic floor exercises will be personalized to the individual’s concerns and will be designed to improve the muscle tone and control of the pelvic floor muscles.
How long does pelvic floor physiotherapy take?
As every individual’s symptoms and treatment plan differ, so does the length of treatment. The length of pelvic floor physiotherapy will depend on the severity of the symptoms and how well the individual responds to the treatment. The average treatment course can last for four to six weeks with weekly check-ins with the physiotherapist.
What are the benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a non-invasive and effective treatment for many disorders in the pelvic area, and its benefits range from alleviating pain to improving sexual function and preventing incontinence. A personalized treatment course designed to target the individual’s specific symptoms and causes of pelvic discomfort can help regain control and confidence.
Conclusion
Pelvic floor disorders can be challenging and pose significant health risks, and pelvic floor physiotherapy can be a game-changer for many who suffer from pelvic pain or dysfunction. With a specialized pelvic floor physiotherapist, an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan can effectively treat pelvic floor disorders, resulting in significant improvement in an individual’s quality of life. If you’re experiencing pelvic discomfort, contact a specialized physiotherapist and take the initial step towards a healthier and comfortable life.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Sakshi Rupani, BPT, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
