Benefits of seeing a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist may benefit those experiencing issues with pelvic health that impact how they live and their day to day activities.
Pelvic Pain: If someone experiences persistent pelvic pain that changes or limits how they move, impacts sexual function or prevents participation in life’s daily activities, a pelvic health physiotherapist can assess and address potential muscle, joint and nerve issues that may be contributing to the pain.
Urinary Incontinence: Leakage of urine with a laugh, cough, sneeze or during physical activity is known as stress incontinence. Urge incontinence is leakage when a strong sensation or urge to pee is experienced. Pelvic health physiotherapy can address underlying pelvic floor muscle weakness or poor coordination with targeted exercises to help improve strength and improve bladder control.
Fecal Incontinence: Pelvic health physiotherapy can provide education and exercises for the management of fecal incontinence through strengthening and coordination exercises. A pelvic health physiotherapist can provide insight and instruction on strengthening the pelvic floor. They can also help you address behaviors and toilet postures that may be contributing to difficulties maintaining control or evacuating stool.
Pre- and Postnatal Care: During pregnancy and birth the female body undergoes significant changes and adaptations as the baby grows and the uterus expands. A pelvic health physiotherapist has the training and skills to provide exercises and education to help you manage changes in the pelvis, spine and pelvic floor in order to support optimal pelvic floor function and a healthy level of physical activity. Postpartum care provided by a pelvic health physiotherapist includes guidance on return to activity, education on restoring pelvic floor function and exercises to minimize and resolve any associated pelvic floor dysfunction such as incontinence, pelvic pain or discomfort with return to intimacy.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Changes in the position of the pelvic organs due to pelvic floor changes associated with pelvic floor muscle weakness or hormonal changes can lead to symptoms of heaviness and pressure or bulging into the vagina or rectum. Pelvic health physiotherapy provides education on management and resolution of symptoms through strengthening, exercises adaptations, posture and toilet habits and guidance on lifestyle modifications.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Pelvic health physiotherapy plays a crucial role in postsurgical rehabilitation following pelvic, abdominal, gynecological or urological surgeries and procedures. A pelvic health physiotherapist is trained to provide specific strategies and exercises to promote recovery of pelvic floor function, education on activity modification and progressive strengthening of the hips and deep core.
Sexual Dysfunction: Pelvic health physiotherapy can address issues related to sexual dysfunction, including pain during intercourse, difficulty achieving arousal, or other concerns. Pelvic health physiotherapy can improve pelvic floor muscle function and relaxation to enhance sexual well-being.
Chronic Pelvic Pain: There are many factors that can contribute to chronic pelvic pain. If someone experiences persistent pelvic pain, pelvic health physiotherapy can help to address muscle, nerve, and joint function that may be a potential source of this pain.
Tailored Exercise Programs: Pelvic health physiotherapists are trained to design personalized exercise programs to address your specific concerns and promote your overall pelvic health. This includes exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles.
Education and Prevention: Pelvic health physiotherapists offer valuable education on pelvic anatomy, proper body mechanics, and lifestyle factors that can impact pelvic health. This knowledge empowers individuals to prevent issues and maintain optimal pelvic well-being.
Experiencing any of the above symptoms?? Pelvic health physiotherapists are here to help!