What To Expect During Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Experiencing problems with your pelvic floor can affect your quality of life. These problems may arise due to pregnancy, childbirth, ageing, heavy lifting, or chronic constipation. Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to urine or stool leakage and pelvic organ prolapse, where your pelvic organs slip out of place and into the vagina.

Speaking about pelvic floor problems may be embarrassing and discomfort. However, you need proper treatment to prevent long-term colon damage. Fortunately, pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton can help. Your physiotherapist can examine your condition to create a treatment plan for you. 

What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy? 

Pelvic floor physiotherapy addresses problems with the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles support the pelvic floor organs, including the bladder, rectum, and uterus (in women). These muscles help improve sexual health and control bladder and bowel functions. 

What Techniques Are Used During Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton involves several techniques to address your condition. Your physiotherapist will recommend the best technique depending on your condition’s severity and treatment goals. These techniques include;

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment that the physiotherapist can use to mobilize and manipulate the pelvic floor muscles. Your physiotherapist will gently massage the tissue inside your vagina to stretch the area and release trigger points – trigger points are small, tight muscle fibres that cause pain.

Although massage therapy may feel uncomfortable, your physiotherapist will be very gentle and communicate with you throughout the process.

Strengthening exercises

Your physiotherapist will recommend specific exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. You will also learn how to identify various muscles and safely carry out the exercises that target these muscles at home. Your physiotherapist may also teach you relaxation techniques, including yoga poses and breathing exercises, that can help improve your posture and relieve pain.  

Furthermore, depending on your condition, your physiotherapist may recommend kegel exercises. You will also learn how to do the exercises safely and correctly. Kegel exercises involve contracting and relaxing pelvic floor muscles to improve strength and function.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback requires a device that measures and gives you feedback on the strength of your pelvic floor muscles. This treatment method is often used alongside pelvic floor exercises. When you contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles, the device displays information about muscle activity. With this treatment method, you can use the correct muscles, strengthening them and decreasing pain.

Electrical stimulation

Electrical stimulation strengthens the pelvic floor muscles using light electrical currents. Your physiotherapist will insert a vaginal probe into your body to deliver the electrical impulses. Consequently, the current stimulates and contracts the muscles, improving strength and function.

Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques like yoga, pilates, meditation, and breathing can calm your body to reduce pain and emotional stress. 

What Are Common Pelvic Floor Problems?

The pelvic floor can experience problems due to weak pelvic floor muscles or dysfunction. Common pelvic floor problems include;

• Pelvic pain
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Urinary incontinence
• Bowel problems
• Fecal incontinence

When Do You Need Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

You need pelvic floor physiotherapy if there is a dysfunction in the muscles. You should visit your physiotherapist if you notice the following symptoms;

• Painful sex
• Lower back pain
• Severe constipation
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Straining during bowel movement
• Feeling of heaviness or fullness in your vagina
• Seeing or feeling a bulge coming out of your vagina
• Leaking urine when you laugh, cough, or exercise

What Happens During Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy? 

When you visit your physiotherapist for pelvic floor therapy, the following will happen;

First Visit

During the first visit, your physiotherapist will examine your pelvic floor. They will also ask about your symptoms, medical history, goals, and expectations. Communicating any discomfort you feel during your examination with your therapist is best. Your therapist will use your diagnosis to create a customized treatment plan.

First Session

During your first session, you will commence the treatment plan that your physiotherapist created. This plan may include several techniques, including therapeutic exercises and modalities. The treatment is progressive, and your therapist will make necessary changes to address your condition.

After First Session

Your physiotherapy treatment will not end in one session. To help you heal properly, follow-up treatments will follow your first session. Your physiotherapist will also monitor your response to treatment and recommend at-home exercises to follow between sessions. The frequency and duration of your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition and response to treatment.

How To Prevent Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Although you may not be able to totally prevent pelvic floor dysfunction, following these tips may reduce their severity or prevent them from happening prematurely. You can prevent pelvic floor dysfunction by;

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Decreasing constipation by eating high-fibre foods
• Exercising your pelvic floor muscles
• Lifting heavy items using the right muscles
• Avoiding straining when urinating or during a bowel movement

Conclusion

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can address problems in your pelvic floor to improve your quality of life. Getting this treatment promptly can provide pain relief and prevent your condition from worsening. You can get pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton, AB. Your physiotherapist is patient and ready to always listen to your concerns.

Schedule an appointment with us today!