Pelvic floor & Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a growing field but for many patients, the concept is shrouded in mystery. So let’s take a closer look at the pelvic floor and who might need physiotherapy for this region.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is the collection of muscles, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves that sit in the lower pelvis and support the organs in closest proximity, such as the bladder. Pelvic floor muscles are important in assisting urinary function and bowel function. For women, the pelvic floor also underpins the uterus and vagina.
What is pelvic floor disorder?
The muscles of the pelvic floor can become weak or damaged for a number of reasons. When these muscles weaken the ‘hammock’ of muscles that support your organs, it drops down, causing one of three main types of disorder:
- Urinary incontinence, or lack of bladder control.
- Fecal incontinence, or lack of bowel control.
- Pelvic organ prolapse.
It is also possible for the muscles of the pelvic floor to over-tighten. This condition, known as hypertonicity, is also a form of pelvic floor dysfunction and can cause urinary and fecal urgency and chronic pelvic pain.
What can physiotherapy do to help?
Physiotherapy can be an important tool in preventing and treating pelvic floor disorders. Not all disorders require the same treatment, so it’s key to know what issue you are specifically experiencing before beginning a new treatment plan. Strengthening exercises, for example, may actually worsen hypertonicity.
For weak pelvic floors, physiotherapy can help lengthen, strengthen and tone the associated muscles. This is not just about doing kegel exercises, but also involves the core, the diaphragm, the muscles in your back and abdominals. Conversely, stretching and loosening can be achieved through physiotherapy to assist with disorders caused by over-tight muscles. A specialized physiotherapist – such as our own Mirvat Bachir, who has a Certification in Pelvic Floor Disorders – will be able to identify the cause of your issue, help you to identify the individual muscles you need to work on, and tailor your treatment according to your needs.
Who are the people at risk?
Childbirth is the main cause of pelvic floor disorder, but by no means the only. Other risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Pelvic surgery
- Radiation treatment
- Heavy lifting
- Chronic constipation
- Digestive diseases
- Age
- High impact exercise
Incontinence is not a natural part of aging and some common symptoms of pelvic floor disorders can be wrongly associated with it. If you experience urinary problems, either urgency or incontinence, constipation, pain or pressure in the vagina or rectum, or pelvic muscle spasms, you may have a pelvic floor disorder.
Schedule an appointment with our team of physiotherapists.
Physio Proactive, 2018.