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What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFPT) is a treatment for individuals who are suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction. Urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse are a few examples of the conditions that can be improved through PFPT. Review the blog below to learn more about what PFPT and pelvic dysfunction are, how PFPT can help, and which exercises are involved in the physiotherapy.

What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor muscles are located between the sacrum and the hip bones. Every gender has a pelvic floor and can suffer from related health conditions. The pelvic floor supports the bladder, colon, and uterus in women. Pelvic floor physiotherapy involves an internal and external assessment of the muscles, followed by a treatment plan of various exercises. PFPT is often prescribed to people whose pelvic floor is too tight or weak, are experiencing a loss of bladder control, and for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a general term for individuals whose pelvic muscles aren’t functioning as they should, such as an inability to relax the muscles. While there isn’t one definitive cause for the condition, it can be triggered by pelvic surgery, pregnancy, pelvic injuries, or aging.

Signs of pelvic floor dysfunction include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Lower back and pelvic discomfort
  • Constipation
  • Erectile dysfunction in men
  • Pain during sexual activity for women

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help

Different PFPT exercises target different pelvic dysfunction causes. Your primary care physician may recommend PFPT for to help with the following:

  • Pregnancy & Postpartum: Prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy helps prepare the pelvic muscles for labour while decreasing pain throughout the pregnancy and the chances of injuries during delivery. Postpartum PFPT helps women who with bladder incontinence, pain during sex, and weak pelvic muscles after giving birth.
  • Post-Surgery: For post-surgery, pelvic floor physio can help restore and strengthen pelvic muscles, to improve bladder control, reduce scar tissue tightness and even to alleviate pain. Consider this type of physio if you are recovering from prostatectomy, hysterectomy, or pelvic organ repairs.
  • Men: Pelvic floor dysfunction in men can be caused by chronic prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain, or a prostatectomy. Pelvic floor physiotherapy for men helps improve erectile dysfunction, a weak urinary stream, and the inability to fully empty the bladder.
  • Post Menopause: Estrogen is a great contributor to pelvic floor function. When women go through menopause, their estrogen levels drop. This can lead to heaviness and increased urinary frequency. PFPT in combination with other treatments, can improve those symptoms.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

There are a wide range of benefits to PFPT that vary for everyone depending on their condition, gender, and physiotherapy exercises. The following is a list of benefits to pelvic floor physiotherapy:

The following is a list of benefits to pelvic floor physiotherapy:

  • Improves Sexual Function: PFPT improves sexual function for men and women. In women, PFPT can reduce or eliminate pain during sex. In men, PFPT can be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction as well as pain during intercourse.
  • Alleviates Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain can be a result of prolonged catheterization, menopause, pelvic surgeries, and pregnancy. PFPT exercises help heal and strengthen the pelvic floor, which in turn, alleviates the associated pain.
  • Prevents Prolapse: Pelvic prolapse is when one or more of the pelvic organs move out of place. This can be very uncomfortable for both men and women. PFPT can be used to treat, manage, or prevent prolapse.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Exercises and Techniques

Here are some of the pelvic floor physiotherapy exercises involved in PFPT:

  • Kegels: Kegels are commonly thought to be an exercise just for women, however both women and men can perform Kegels. Start by squeezing your pelvic floor, hold for 3 seconds, and then release for 3 seconds. This action may feel similar to starting and stopping while peeing. You can practice Kegels while performing everyday tasks such as watching television or brushing your teeth.
  • Trigger Point Therapy: A physiotherapist will use their hands to massage pelvic trigger points or use a technique with small needles called dry needling. Trigger point injections are a combination of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medications that are injected into the pelvic floor.
  • Electrical Stimulation: A physiotherapist will perform electrical stimulation in a medical facility or teach you how to do it at home using specialized equipment. The electrodes are placed near the targeted region, either on or in the body. They then release electrical currents at a specific rate over a number of sessions.

What to Expect During Pelvic Floor Physio

At your first PFPT session, your pelvic floor physiotherapist will typically do a full assessment, including gathering your medical history and performing an external and internal exam. Afterwards, the physiotherapist will then develop a personalized treatment plan. This may involve PFPT exercises, lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and electrotherapy.

Schedule Your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Today

Knead Wellness is a top health and wellness facility that specializes in pelvic floor physiotherapy. The physiotherapists are experienced, caring, and dedicated to enhancing the health and happiness of every client.

Contact Knead Wellness today for additional information on PFPT.

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