One in five people will experience a pelvic floor condition during their lifetime. This article explains what you need to know about pelvic floor physio treatment and answers the most frequently asked questions about the condition.
Pelvic floor concerns can cause incontinence, pain, increased urgency or frequency, and retention. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, book a physiotherapy appointment today.
The pelvic floor is a part of your core.
There are numerous benefits to having a strong core. Not only is a strong core great for balance and posture, but it can also stabilise your lower back, and enhance your overall strength. But contrary to popular belief, the core includes more than just the abdominal muscles. The core refers to a group of muscles that starts at the diaphragm and ends at the pelvic floor. These muscles work together to support your abdominal muscles and function. Your pelvic floor physiotherapy exercises may include movements that target multiple muscles from the core group.
Pelvic floor physio is for everyone.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is helpful for anyone with pelvic floor dysfunction. Here are the four main groups that seek physio treatment for pelvic floor conditions:
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Prenatal and postpartum patients.
- Women’s bodies undergo various changes during childbearing and childbirth. New mothers can experience weakening of the pelvic floor muscles leading to symptoms like incontinence, heaviness, urgency and frequency, and pain.
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Post menopause.
- During menopause, a woman’s estrogen level significantly decreases- a hormone that plays an important role in maintaining pelvic floor function. This can cause incontinence, increases urgency and frequency, heaviness, bulging, and pelvic pain.
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Surgery.
- Patients that have recently had pelvic or abdominal surgery may experience pelvic floor conditions. Physiotherapy treatment can help post-surgery patients to reduce pain and the decrease the severity of symptoms.
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Men with pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Men may experience pelvic floor dysfunction if they have chronic pelvic pain or chronic prostatitis, or if they have recently had surgery.
It’s not just kegels.
Your physiotherapist will create a tailored program to help you recover from pelvic floor dysfunction. This involves a variety of treatments and exercises designed to target your specific goals. As discussed, the pelvic floor is a part of the core. Your physio may prescribe exercises that strengthen your entire core to support the pelvic floor.
Your Pelvic Floor Physio Questions Answered
What should I expect during an initial session?
During your initial session, your physio will complete a thorough assessment to understand your concerns and plan for recovery.
Will I have to do exercises at home?
It is likely that your physiotherapist will prescribe exercises to complete at home to enhance and accelerate the recovery process.
Will I be in pain?
Pelvic floor concerns can cause pain in the pelvis, core, back, or other parts of the body. Physio treatment can help to reduce pain and enhance your mobility.
How many physio sessions will I need?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so each patient requires a different treatment plan. For a personalised answer, ask your physiotherapist.
Book your physiotherapy appointment
People experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction can benefit from physiotherapy treatment and ongoing care. Book your appointment at Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic with one of our friendly and experienced practitioners today.
