Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy In Toronto
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a well-researched, well-established and specialized area of practice for physiotherapists who have advanced training in pelvic health. There are several pelvic health conditions that have a too debilitating effect on one’s life to be ignored. Urinary incontinence, stress or urge, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain are very common conditions that female and male patients may suffer from without realizing that there are effective and practical treatments for them. One of the common misconceptions which may cause patients to avoid seeking professional help is that these conditions are natural processes of aging, come with older age and are not reversible. Many people from different age groups may deal with incontinence with physical exertion and/or coughing and sneezing. There are several physical conditions, regardless of age, that may lead to pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic health conditions have effective solutions that a well-trained physiotherapist can offer and will reverse and fix them. Another misconception is that pelvic floor physiotherapy is all about Kegel. Kegel exercise is an overly used exercise that usually is done incorrectly. Kegel is not indicated for every single patient, and even if indicated, it requires a professional assessment to ensure it is done properly.
Pelvic Floor Treatment?
Research has proven that pelvic floor physiotherapy should be the first line of treatment for different urinary incontinence conditions before any surgical intervention is recommended. Pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the content of our abdominal region like the foundation of our body by connecting pubic bone and tailbones together and to the hips. They support urethra, vagina, rectum, bladder and uterus. Dysfunction of this region can be due to hyperactivity (tightness) or hypoactivity (weakness) of muscles or a combination of both. Physiotherapy assessment requires external and internal examination of pelvic floor muscle activity, and treatment techniques are combination of manual, hands-on, therapy to improve tone and function of muscles, education about self-care, exercises and different types of modalities.
Conditions Treated by Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to a variety of conditions affecting both men and women. These conditions can be broadly categorized based on muscle activity levels: dysfunction of hyperactive muscles and hypoactive muscles.
- Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region, often associated with muscle tension.
- Urinary Urgency: A strong and sudden need to urinate, sometimes resulting in involuntary leakage.
- Fecal Urgency: An urgent need to have a bowel movement that can lead to incontinence.
- Dyspareunia: Painful intercourse, which can be linked to pelvic floor tension.
- Vaginismus: Involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles, making penetration painful or impossible.
- Vulvodynia: Chronic pain or discomfort around the vulva with no identifiable cause.
- Pudendal Neuralgia: Pain in the pelvic area due to irritation of the pudendal nerve.
- Interstitial Cystitis: Chronic inflammation of the bladder causing discomfort and frequent urination.
- Chronic Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland that can cause pelvic pain and urinary symptoms.
These conditions are characterized by weakness or underactivity of the pelvic floor muscles, leading to instability and dysfunction.
- Stress Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity, such as coughing or exercising.
- Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A condition where pelvic organs descend due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, often leading to a bulge in the vagina or rectum.
Individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction may experience a range of symptoms, which can include:
Urinary Symptoms:
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Hesitancy or pain during urination
- Difficulty fully emptying the bladder
Bowel Symptoms:
- Constipation or straining during bowel movements
- Pain during bowel movements
Pain Symptoms:
- Unexplained pain in the lower back, pelvic region, hips, genital area, or rectum
- Pain during or after intercourse, orgasm, or sexual stimulation
Muscle Coordination Issues:
- Uncoordinated muscle contractions causing spasms in the pelvic floor muscles
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is considered the gold standard, non-surgical intervention for treating conditions related to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. This therapy focuses on:
- Strengthening Weak Muscles: Targeted exercises to enhance muscle strength and coordination, improving stability.
- Releasing Tight Muscles: Techniques to relax and lengthen overly tight pelvic floor muscles.
- Improving Mobility: Enhancing overall mobility and stability in the lumbar spine and hips, leading to pain relief and improved function.
Through a comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plan, pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote optimal pelvic health.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the gold standard, non-surgical intervention to treat any condition where pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is a contributing factor.