PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY
šPulse Physiotherapy is now offering Pelvic Health appointments!
šOur pelvic floor is a group of muscles that play an integral role in our core, support our pelvic organs, and play a pivotal role in bladder and bowel functions. These muscles also directly affect low back and hip mechanics and might be the cause of chronic back or hips symptoms.
Did you know that leaking urine is NEVER normal for any reason? This is however a common experience for many people, regardless of age. Whether it be a teenage gymnast, a long distance runner, a pregnant or post partum mother, a middle aged crossfitter, or a post menopausal woman.
šDo you sometimes feel like you have a ‘tiny’ bladder and it feels impossible to hold your urine sometimes? Do you ever get up multiple times in the night to use the bathroom? Do you always go to the bathroom ‘just in case’ before you leave your house or work? Do you urinate more than 8 times a day?
These are all very common, however are a sign of bladder and pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor therapy and exercise has some of the best evidence to help all of these issues and many more.
What is pelvic floor physiotherapy?
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Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that addresses the internal and external pelvic floor muscles. These muscles start at your pubic bone and extend backward towards your tailbone. They create a sling of muscles that help support your pelvic organs such as your bladder, colon, and uterus. These muscles play a major role in supporting urinary and bowel function as well as play a pivotal role in your deep core.
How do I know I need to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist?
Our therapist specializes in the treatment of female pelvic floor dysfunction and bladder and bowel issues. Some common issues that require an assessment could be increased frequency of going to the bathroom, having increased urgency, straining to void, or any sort of leakage. Our therapist also can help any pregnant or post partum person who wants to know how to properly engage and support their pelvic floor during pregnancy or after birth.
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Is pelvic floor therapy just for people who are pregnant or post partum?
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Much of the information provided these days about pelvic floor focuses on pregnant and post partum women. However, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help a variety of clients. Bladder and bowel issues are present at any age. Pelvic floor issues are incredibly common in weight lifters, long distance runners/cyclists, trampoline athletes, and many post menopausal women. Many people are uncomfortable to bring this up with their health care provider or think it’s a normal part of aging, but it is not. Any sort of urinary issues and especially leaking no matter what the age is common but never normal.
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Does there always need to be an internal exam?
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The gold standard for pelvic floor assessment involves an internal exam of the pelvic floor muscles. This is needed as we can properly assess pelvic floor muscle tone, strength, and activation. However, this is only performed with expressed consent from our clients. Every pelvic floor assessment also involves a orthopaedic assessment of surrounding joints and many things can be done externally. Another major benefit of external pelvic floor therapy is comprehensive education how to change bladder and bowel habits that can have a major impact on symptoms.
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I do Kegels already, do I need to come in?
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Social media has done an amazing job at highlighting women’s health issues and to bring awareness of pelvic floor dysfunction. However, many clients do NOT need to do kegels and this can make their dysfunction worse. This is because many are not aware of what a proper pelvic floor muscle contraction is, how to properly relax, or sometimes they have too much tension in their pelvic floor. This is why a proper assessment is critical in determining the root cause of your dysfunction and a personalized exercise program.
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What can I expect from a pelvic floor initial assessment?
You will fill out a comprehensive intake form that will help our therapist better understand your condition. Our treatments are always one on one in a private treatment room. You then will have ample time to discuss your concerns and our therapist will take a detailed history. Depending on the findings of your history, an external orthopaedic and internal assessment of your pelvic floor will be completed. This is sometimes all occurs on the first session or is done over a series of treatments if needed.
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If you have any questions about whether pelvic floor physiotherapy is right for you, please contact us.