Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Guide to Physiotherapy Rehabilitation
Some symptoms and medical concerns can be difficult to talk about. Conditions like urinary incontinence, vaginal prolapse, or sexual dysfunction often go untreated for years. But pelvic floor dysfunction–an umbrella term that includes these conditions/symptoms and many more–is nothing to be ashamed of.
Your pelvic floor is a set of muscles that operates a bit like a hammock for your bladder, bowels, and, in women, sexual organs. It supports these pelvic organs and serves as the bottom part of your core muscles, playing a role in your sexual health, continence, and more.
It’s no surprise, then, that impairment in the pelvic floor can have wide-ranging effects. Unfortunately, many people never seek treatment for these symptoms. At Zenith Physiotherapy and Wellness, we pride ourselves on providing a comfortable environment where you can share your pelvic floor concerns without fear of judgment.
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects both men and women, and its symptoms can decrease your overall quality of life, including impacting your mental health. To learn more about what pelvic floor dysfunction looks like–and how physiotherapy can help–keep reading!
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: What It Is, and What to Watch Out For
The pelvic floor muscles are no different than any other muscle in the body–you can tighten and relax them as you perform various bodily functions. But when someone has pelvic floor dysfunction, those muscles might become too tight, leading to impairments. Or they might simply be too weak to do their job properly.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on your gender and the specific issue with your pelvic floor muscles (i.e., tight pelvic floor muscles can cause different symptoms than a weak, “floppy” pelvic floor).
Symptoms that can occur regardless of your gender include the following:
- Pain or pressure in your pelvic region
- Urinary incontinence, including “leaking” when you laugh or cough, frequent urination, increased urgency, etc
- Difficulty emptying bladder or bowels
- Constipation
- Back pain with no other possible cause
If you’re a woman, you might also experience the following symptoms:
- Pelvic prolapse, which occurs when your pelvic organs start to push into the vagina. You might experience pain or a sense of “heaviness” in the area.
- Pain, numbness, or other discomfort during sex
If you’re a man, you might experience these symptoms, too:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful or premature ejaculation
- Men can also experience pelvic prolapse (although it’s more common in women). Men will feel pain or pressure in their rectum.
Regardless of gender, seek out the Zenith Physiotherapy and Wellness physiotherapists if you’re experiencing any discomfort or symptoms related to your pelvic floor. We can help identify the underlying cause of the condition–and help you find solutions to address it!
How Physiotherapy Can Help Manage Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Just as the pelvic floor is a muscle that, like any other, can become weakened or tight, it can also be strengthened and stretched like any other muscle! And because physiotherapists understand the complexities of your body’s musculoskeletal system, they can develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your needs.
Here are a few of the techniques we might utilize in your treatment:
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: We’ll show you targeted strengthening and/or stretching exercises to work out your pelvic floor. Kegels are a classic pelvic floor exercise (and one that can benefit men as much as women), but we can show you others. Core exercises also benefit the pelvic floor.
- Bladder/Bowel Training: If you’re struggling with incontinence, we can help you train your bladder or bowel to reduce episodes. For example, if you frequently need to urinate, we can develop a plan to help you go further and further between bathroom trips.
- Manual Therapy: Certain hands-on techniques can help relieve pelvic pain, such as trigger point therapy (unknotting tender “trigger points” in the body’s soft tissue), myofascial release (working out tight fascia), or joint mobilization (guiding joints through their range of motion).
- Pelvic Floor Education: One of the difficulties of pelvic floor dysfunction is the shame that can surround many of the symptoms–and the lack of information about the condition. We’ll help you understand what exactly is happening in your body and provide a safe space for you to discuss your symptoms and treatment.
- Modalities: We might utilize certain techniques, such as electrostimulation or biofeedback, to manage pain and improve symptoms.
What to Expect During Your Sessions
During your initial session, our therapists will provide a private, discreet space where you can share your symptoms and concerns. We’ll take a complete health history and may perform some simple, non-invasive examinations to help us better understand your condition.
From there, we’ll develop your customized treatment plan. Pelvic floor exercises will form the foundation of your program, as a strong, limber pelvic floor is crucial for good pelvic health! We’ll provide you with specific exercises that suit your needs and ensure you’re performing them correctly. For example, Kegels are great–but many people, especially men, don’t know how to do them properly.
If you’re struggling with intense pain, we can use manual therapy or modality techniques to help you manage your pain so you can perform your exercises. We’ll also show you exercises and activities you can do at home to continue your treatment–for example, Yoga is great for pelvic health.
The critical thing to remember is that pelvic floor physiotherapy takes time. You won’t see results after one session–but stick to your treatment plan, and you will see improvements over time!
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Most people who experience pelvic floor dysfunction will wait years before seeking treatment. One study found that 42% of people will experience symptoms for five years or more! But there’s no reason to suffer like that. Physiotherapy with the team at Zenith Physiotherapy and Wellness will help you find the relief you deserve.
Ready to get started? Call and schedule your first appointment at our Airdrie, AB clinic and start your journey to a health pelvic floor!
