Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy involving internal and external assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor muscle group. Those muscles support the pelvic organs including the bladder, colon and uterus.
The goal of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is to improve pelvic floor function through exercises, lifestyle modifications, hands on treatment that can eliminate or decrease symptoms. Improper functioning of these muscle groups will lead to incontinence, increased urgency, increased retention and pelvic pain
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with:
• Urinary incontinence, frequency and urgency
• Painful urination
• Bladder and bowel movements
• Fecal incontinence
• Painful sex or pain in the genital area
• Constipation
• Menopause symptoms
• Pain in the pelvis, hip, abdomen, thigh, or low back
• Rectal pain
• Endometriosis
• Postpartum and pregnancy wellness
• Interstitial cystitis (IC)
• Pregnancy-related pain
• Testicular pain
Physiotherapy treatment plan may include:
• Stretching or strengthening exercises of the legs, trunk or pelvic muscles
• Pelvic floor exercises can stretch tight muscles, strengthen weak ones, and improve flexibility
• Trigger point therapy
• Deep tissue massage (Myofascial release)
• Manual therapy hands-on massage or stretching to help with posture, blood circulation, and mobility
• Relaxation exercises for shortened pelvic muscles.
• Coordination exercises
• Education in self-management and prevention
• Biofeedback for either relaxation or strengthening of pelvic muscles.
• Modalities such as ice, heat or electrical stimulation.
