What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and How Does It Help?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, tissues, and organs in the pelvic region. The pelvic floor is made up of a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum and play a critical role in many functions, including bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and pregnancy and childbirth.

Due to the complex and intricate nature of the pelvic floor, it can be susceptible to a variety of conditions, such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction, that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is designed to help people manage and treat these conditions by improving the function of the pelvic floor muscles and supporting structures.

One of the primary goals of pelvic floor physiotherapy is to help individuals regain control over their bladder and bowel function. This can be accomplished through a variety of techniques, including pelvic floor muscle exercises, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation. These exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve coordination, and increase awareness of the pelvic floor muscles, which can help to prevent incontinence and improve bladder and bowel control.

In addition to improving bladder and bowel control, pelvic floor physiotherapy can also help to relieve pain in the pelvic region. This may include conditions such as pelvic pain, vulvodynia, and endometriosis. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to address these conditions by reducing muscle tension, improving posture, and promoting relaxation of the pelvic muscles.

Sexual dysfunction is another area where pelvic floor physiotherapy can be particularly helpful. The pelvic floor muscles play a critical role in sexual function, and any weakness or dysfunction of these muscles can result in problems such as pain during intercourse, difficulty with arousal, and decreased sexual sensation. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to address these issues by improving the strength and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, as well as addressing any underlying physical or psychological issues that may be contributing to the dysfunction.

Pregnancy and childbirth can also put significant stress on the pelvic floor muscles and supporting structures. This can result in conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and pelvic pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to prepare women for pregnancy and childbirth by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and improving their function, as well as promoting healing and recovery after childbirth.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is typically performed by a trained pelvic floor physiotherapist. The physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment of the pelvic region to identify any underlying conditions and to determine the best course of treatment. Treatment may include pelvic floor muscle exercises, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, manual therapy, and lifestyle changes, such as changes to diet and fluid intake.

5 reasons you might need Pelvic Floor Therapy courtesy of Chipperfield Mobile Physiotherapy

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How do you know if you need pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Here are some signs to look out for:

You experience urinary or fecal incontinence. If you leak urine or feces when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise, this could be a sign of a weak pelvic floor. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you strengthen these muscles and reduce or eliminate incontinence.
You have pain during intercourse. Painful intercourse can be caused by a variety of factors, including pelvic floor dysfunction. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess the muscles in the pelvic floor and provide exercises and techniques to alleviate pain and improve sexual function.
You experience chronic constipation or difficulty with bowel movements. Pelvic floor muscles also play a crucial role in bowel function. If these muscles are too tight or weak, it can lead to constipation or difficulty passing stool. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can provide exercises and techniques to improve bowel function and reduce discomfort.
You have pelvic pain. Pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including pelvic floor dysfunction. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess the muscles in the pelvic floor and provide exercises and techniques to alleviate pain and improve pelvic stability.
You are pregnant or have recently given birth. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause significant changes to the pelvic floor, which can lead to a range of issues, including incontinence, pelvic pain, and prolapse. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can provide exercises and techniques to help prevent or manage these issues.

The first appointment typically includes a thorough assessment of the pelvic floor muscles, including an internal exam if appropriate. Based on the assessment, the physiotherapist will provide a customized treatment plan, which may include exercises, manual therapy, biofeedback, and lifestyle changes. Treatment may also involve education about the pelvic floor and how to maintain optimal pelvic health.

In conclusion, pelvic floor dysfunction is a common and treatable condition that affects many people. If you’re experiencing any of the signs listed above, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a pelvic floor physiotherapist. They can provide personalized treatment to help you improve your pelvic health, reduce discomfort, and improve your quality of life. Remember, prioritizing your health and well-being is always important.

Book Your BACK NECK SHOULDER KNEE ELBOW HIP WRIST FOOT Pain Consult

This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect at my first pelvic floor therapy session?

Your first pelvic floor physical therapy session will likely involve an in-depth evaluation and assessment of your pelvic floor muscles. Your therapist will ask questions about your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing. They may also conduct an internal manual exam to assess the tone and strength of your pelvic floor muscles.

What do you wear for pelvic floor physical therapy?

Most pelvic floor physical therapy sessions involve wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may also be asked to remove some clothing to allow your therapist to assess your pelvic floor muscles. Your therapist will provide drapes to ensure your modesty and privacy.

How many sessions of pelvic floor therapy are there?

The number of sessions of pelvic floor therapy needed to treat a particular condition will depend on the individual and their symptoms. Generally, a course of pelvic floor physical therapy can range from 6-10 sessions. Your therapist may also recommend home exercises or other treatments to help manage your symptoms.

Should I see a pelvic floor physiotherapist while pregnant?

Absolutely! It can be very beneficial to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist while pregnant. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause significant changes to the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to issues such as incontinence, pain, and prolapse. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to prevent or manage these issues, as well as prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth. Visiting a clinic or seeking out In-Home Physiotherapy services like those offered at Chipperfield Physiotherapy can provide convenient access to pelvic floor physiotherapy while pregnant.

About Joanna Varley

Jo specializes in ortho-trauma, reconstructive surgery (total hip and knee replacements), fractures, cardio respiratory (pneumonia, COPD etc), acute and chronic medical conditions, weakness or decreased mobility during hospital stay or post surgery, falls prevention and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Jo graduated from Queen’s University in 2006 and has over 12 years of physiotherapy experience. She’s worked with a broad spectrum of clients and conditions; from acute care to rehab. She is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia and has Pelvic Floor Levels 1, 2, and 3 specialized training. She is a teaching assistant at UBC college of Physiotherapy, and a course instructor for the Internationally Educated Physiotherapists Exam Preparation (IEPEP) Program.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and How Does It Help?