Did you know that physiotherapists can treat common pelvic dysfunctions?
It is not always common knowledge that physiotherapists work with the pelvis. Many men and women suffer from dysfunctions of their bladder and bowel, such as incontinence, constipation, and prolapse. However, the first point of contact for these conditions is usually doctors. But physiotherapists who specialize in pelvic health can treat those ailments too!
We use a variety of techniques to assess the pelvic region for “tight” (hypertonic) or “loose” (hypotonic) muscles which can be the cause of incontinence and prolapse. We also work to alleviate the discomfort caused by incontinence using massage techniques. One of the biggest goals of physiotherapy, however, is to ensure that you are educated as to how your body works when you suffer from some of these conditions.
The most common conditions we treat are:
- Bladder dysfunction (incontinence and prolapse)
- Bowel dysfunction (constipation and prolapse)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Ante and Post-natal symptoms
- Painful pelvic conditions and chronic pelvic pain
Bladder dysfunctions are more common in women than men. Many women struggle with incontinence as they age, or after pregnancy and natural vaginal delivery. There are many causes for incontinence, the most common being a dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles. Bladder prolapse is when there is a downward movement of the bladder into the vaginal canal, this is common if the pelvic floor muscles are weak or if the patient has ever had a hysterectomy.
Proplapses can also happen of the uterus (womb) and bowel (rectum). These are also mostly due to hysterectomy and weakened pelvic floor muscles. However, each person is unique and there can be outlying causes. Constipation is also a common bowel dysfunction that many people suffer from today. The causes are vast, however, physiotherapy can help by teaching relaxed positioning and massage to aid in passing stool.
Sexual dysfunction caused by painful pelvic conditions are also treated by physiotherapists. Conditions such as vaginusmus (extremely “tight”/hypertonic) pelvic floor is commonly treated and allow patients to have a much more fulfilled life.
Physiotherapists can also form a crucial part of your healthcare team when you are planning to have a baby, during pregnancy and after. We can provide information and care before you are pregnant. We can support your journey through pregnancy with manual therapy, preparing you for birth and education. We also work extensively with new mothers post-birth to strengthen up their pelvic floor and abdominals and help educate and support moms into the new journey they are on.
As physiotherapist our goals are ALWAYS to alleviate any discomfort experienced with these conditions, as well as to improve the body’s natural function due to the symptoms you complain of.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation is a complex basket of multiple different types of treatment. We aim to educate and expand your knowledge on your own anatomy and physiology. This therefore improves your ability to be self-sufficient in your rehab and allows you to better understand your own body. We also do quite a bit of exercise based rehab, however, it is not as “intensive” as the pelvic floor muscles are much more finicky to actively contract and strengthen without big movements.