Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that assesses and treats both women and men with problems in and around the pelvis. Part of this includes the pelvic floor, which is made up of joints, ligaments, nerves, and muscles. The muscles, tissues and nerves stretch like hammock from the pubic bone to tailbone and between your sitting bones.
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THESE MUSCLES?
Well, they are unique because they do a lot- from supporting your internal organs, to controlling when to pee and poo, and playing a role in your sexual function.
5 Key Roles Include:
Bladder and Bowel control- these muscles assist with starting and stopping the flow of urine and passage of gas and stool
Support– the pelvic floor muscles act as hammock and help hold up organs, such as the bladder, rectum and uterus
Sexual Function– these muscles contribute to sexual satisfaction and orgasms
Stability- they are 1 of the 4 deep ‘core muscles’ that work together with the diaphragm, back, and abdominal muscles to provide spinal and pelvic stability
Circulation– The pelvic floor acts like a pump for blood and lymph, moving fluid in and out of the abdomen and pelvis, which boosts circulation and decreases swelling and bloating
Like any other muscle in your body, they too can become weak or tight leading to pain and dysfunction. Some examples include:
Weakness which can contribute to urinary incontinence, prolapse, or a weak core.
Tightness which can cause issues such as urge incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain, or pain with intercourse.
Some pelvic floor conditions that are treated by pelvic health physiotherapy are:
ARE KEGELS THE SOLUTION?
Most of us have heard of Kegels, however they are not the answer for everyone. Depending on your condition they can do more harm than good by worsening symptoms, and often they are performed incorrectly.
Pelvic health physiotherapists can determine if they are appropriate for you and if so, how to do them correctly and when.
WHAT IS TREATMENT LIKE?
Treatment varies from person to person depending on their needs and the condition. Some examples are:
DID YOU KNOW…
Research has shown that the treatments carried out by a physiotherapist for pelvic floor problems are highly successful for both pelvic pain and incontinence.
The Cochrane Collaboration 2010 concluded, “physiotherapists with specialized training in pelvic floor rehabilitation should be the first line of defence, before surgical consultation, for stress, urge and mixed incontinence”
DID YOU ALSO KNOW…
In Europe, internal examination of the pelvic floor has been the gold standard by which treatment of the pelvic floor has been carried out for more than 30 years.
Women in France and other government funded European countries are given 10 free physiotherapy sessions after childbirth to help ‘re-educate’ their pelvic floor.
Here in Canada, pelvic issues still remain taboo and access to care is lacking. Fortunately, education and awareness is spreading so that you or someone you know doesn’t have to suffer in silence.
Beyond Health,
Lisa Napoli (MPT, PT, RYT)
Registered Orthopaedic and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Registered Yoga Teacher
2 Willingdon Blvd 2nd Floor, Etobicoke, ON M8X 2H2