Pelvic floor physiotherapy: What you didn’t know (but definitely should)
You’ve heard of the pelvic floor before, and maybe you’ve seen pelvic floor exercises being promoted, but what exactly is the pelvic floor, why does it matter, and how does it play a crucial role in your health? In this Wellness Note, we have answers to all your pelvic floor questions and more. Let’s dive in!
What is the pelvic floor?
So, what exactly is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues at the base of the pelvis that play a role in the function of the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These muscles are also important for core stability, bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and overall well-being.
Your pelvic floor muscles help your bladder, uterus (or prostate), and rectum. When these muscles weaken, are too tight, or become dysfunctional, it can lead to issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, or even back and hip pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers a targeted approach to strengthening and rehabilitating these muscles, enhancing overall well-being ¹ ².
And in case you were wondering, yes, all genders have a pelvic floor.
What is pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on assessing and treating the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic region. Depending on what your concerns are, they may be assessing and treating your back, legs and hips as these areas work closely with the pelvic floor. Therapists employ various techniques to improve muscle function, alleviate discomfort, and address specific conditions related to pelvic floor dysfunction ³.
What Does Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Involve?
During your sessions, a physiotherapist who has post-graduate training in pelvic floor physio will:
Conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your medical history and symptoms, and perform physical examinations to understand your pelvic floor's condition. Sometimes the pelvic floor is weak, but often times your pelvic floor may actually be having difficulty relaxing, which is why it is important to be assessed before trying exercises on your own.
Based on the assessment, the physiotherapist will develop a personalized treatment plan. This tailored program may include:
Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to release tension and improve mobility
At-home treatments and exercises: Recommendations on what you can do at home to address your concerns and any muscle imbalances that are contributing to your symptoms. Sometimes these include kegels, but more often than not, this is only one part of what needs to be addressed (or in some cases, kegels may be causing further harm!).
Education: Guidance on lifestyle modifications, posture, and habits to support pelvic health ⁴.
Now, you might be wondering whether pelvic floor physiotherapy is worth it for your personal health and well-being. We are here to tell you it is!
These are our top five reasons why you should invest in pelvic floor physiotherapy:
[1] Improve bladder and bowel control 🚽
Strengthening or relaxing your pelvic floor muscles can reduce urinary and fecal incontinence, enhancing your confidence and comfort.
[2] Alleviate pelvic pain 🌼
Targeted therapy can relieve chronic pelvic pain caused by muscle tightness or dysfunction, improving your quality of life.
[3] Enhance sexual function ❤️
Yes, this is definitely one of our reasons! Strengthened pelvic muscles can increase sexual sensation and function, benefiting both men and women.
[4] Support pre and postnatal health 🤰
Pregnancy and childbirth can strain pelvic muscles. Physiotherapy helps prepare for childbirth and aids in postpartum recovery.
[5] Prevent pelvic organ prolapse ⚖️
Regular pelvic floor exercises can reduce the risk of prolapse, where pelvic organs descend due to muscle weakness.
Investing in pelvic floor physiotherapy is a proactive step toward maintaining and improving your pelvic health. If you're in the Edmonton or Sherwood Park areas and are experiencing pelvic-related issues, consider consulting a qualified pelvic floor physiotherapist to explore personalized treatment options.
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You can book a consult with one of our pelvic floor physiotherapists here. If a consultation in our Postpartum Pathways Program might better suit your needs, consider it.
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Supporting sources
⁴ Self.com