PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIO
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is becoming more established in the literature as a first-line of defense against Incontinence and Pelvic Pain.
Do You:
- urinate more than 8 times a day?
- Have difficulty urinating?
- Feel that your bladder is not emptied after
you have urinated? - Experience any urine loss (on the way to the
bathroom or when coughing/sneezing/
laughing)? - Feel pelvic pressure?
- Have less than one bowel movement every
3 days? - Have to strain or facilitate to have a bowel
movement? - Have pain during or after a bowel
movement? - Experience painful intercourse?
- Experience pelvic pain (vaginal, rectal,
penile, testicular, perineal or pelvic)? - Have pelvic pain while sitting?
- Have low back back that hasn’t improved
despite physio and recommended exercises? - Not sure how to exercise during pregnancy
or post-partum?
What Is Pelvic Floor Physio?
Our pelvic floor muscles assist with bowel, bladder and sexual function. They also contribute
significantly to our core strength which allows our low back to function without difficulty. Pelvic
floor dysfunction can be caused by hypertonicity (tight pelvic floor muscles) or hypotonicity
(weak pelvic floor muscles). Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help assess and treat these muscles
involving an internal examination and individualized treatment plan.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
BUT I JUST HAD A BABY, IT’S NORMAL TO PEE WHEN I COUGH OR SNEEZE…
Post-partum bodies go through A LOT during pregnancy, labour, and delivery. Associated leakage is COMMON but NOT NORMAL. Diastasis recti (or abdominal separation) is also common from pregnancy but can be corrected for function.
BUT I CAN JUST DO THOSE ‘KEGELS’ TO FIX ALL MY PROBLEMS…
False. Kegels are not always indicated and can actually do more harm than good. Even when kegels are indicated, many people perform them incorrectly.
BUT I THOUGHT ONLY WOMEN HAVE PELVIC FLOOR ISSUES…
Both men and women have pelvic floors therefore both can benefit from physiotherapy. Some common issues and conditions for men include: interstitial cystitis, chronic prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain, piriformis syndrome, constipation, erectile dysfunction, etc.
How Are The Muscles Of The Pelvic Floor Assessed?
An internal exam is the gold standard to assess the tone and strength of the pelvic floor. About 30% of the pelvic floor muscles can be palpated externally while the other 70% can only be felt internally. An internal exam allows the specialized physiotherapist to determine the issue and the most appropriate treatment plan.
Snaige is a graduate of the Masters of Physical Therapy Program at Queen’s University. Before her Masters she received her Honours Bachelor of Science as well as a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education degree also at Queens University. Snaige has completed the Soft Tissue Release Techniques Course, Introductory Acupuncture and Dry Needling, the Manual Therapy Level I and II, and the Level I and II Pelvic Health.
