Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: IT CAN HELP!
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common problem that many people experience. In Canada, 1 in every 4 women, and 1 in every 9 men experience urinary incontinence. In Canada, up to 75% of women experience pelvic organ prolapse, with up to 38% experiencing a higher-grade prolapse (Bureau & Carlson, 2017). However, only 1 in every 12 people experiencing pelvic health issues will seek treatment.
It is a common misconception that it is normal to have urinary incontinence after childbirth, or that pelvic dysfunction is an inevitable part of aging. Many people don’t know that they can do something about their pelvic health issues. Physiotherapy for the pelvic floor has been shown to be effective at decreasing the symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, and improving quality of life.
Some people find the idea of pelvic floor therapy a little intimidating. So what does pelvic floor physiotherapy involve? Firstly, like any injury or condition, an initial assessment is done. A detailed history will be taken, and then an external examination will be done to look at posture as well as the muscles around the hip/pelvic region. Then an internal examination will be performed. The muscles of the pelvic floor are just like the muscles in your arms and legs- they need to be tested for strength, coordination, tightness, and mobility restrictions. With the internal examination, pelvic organ prolapse can be assessed as well. After the assessment, you will be prescribed a tailored set of exercises that will best address your symptoms, and help you reconnect to your pelvic floor!
Just like any other injury or condition, there will be follow up treatment appointments. Throughout these sessions we will progress and review pelvic floor exercises, discuss strategies to help you manage pelvic dysfunction in your day-to-day life, and address any new changes to your pelvic health. You may also be given extra homework to do such as a bladder or fibre diary to help you track your habits and help us determine where changes need to be made.
Experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction and want to do something about it? Call the clinic to book your appointment today!
Bureau, M., & Carlson, K. V. (2017). Pelvic organ prolapse: A primer for urologists. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 11(6Suppl2), S125.
Dumoulin, C., Cacciari, L. P., & Hay‐Smith, E. J. C. (2018). Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10).