Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?
Pelvic health is a specialty of physiotherapy that addresses the muscles of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is very important and often is not assessed or treated in traditional physical therapy.
The pelvic floor has many functions including:
- Providing support to the pelvic organs (bowel, bladder, uterus, prostrate)
- Counteracting downward forces generated from lifting and straining
- Providing sphincteric control for normal bowel and bladder emptying
- Expanding to allow for childbirth
- Providing core control as it works in unison with the abdominal and back muscles
- Allowing for sexual function
When the pelvic floor is not functioning properly this can lead to incontinence (in both the bowel and bladder), prolapse of the organs, pelvic pain, low back pain, pain with intercourse, sexual dysfunction and more.
When to see a pelvic health therapist?
It is important to see a pelvic health therapist if you are experiencing incontinence (such as leaking with activity, laughing, or coughing), or if you are experiencing retention and have trouble voiding. It is also important to see a therapist if you have pelvic pain or experience pain with intercourse. Another important time to see a pelvic therapist is before, during, and after pregnancy. A pelvic health therapist can help prepare you for childbirth and can help with the common issues that arise after a vaginal birth and a C-section delivery.
What to expect at a pelvic health appointment?
A pelvic health therapist will do a thorough assessment of your abdomen, back, and pelvic girdle. Pelvic health therapists will complete an internal examination to properly assess your pelvic floor muscles. Treatment is very similar and will often involve internal therapy. Therapy will also include exercises and a home exercise program similarly to physiotherapy for other conditions.