Pelvic Health
We are thrilled to announce that Huronia Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Clinic now offers pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Meghan, one of our most experienced clinicians, is certified to provide services in this highly specialized area of practice.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is made up of layers of muscles and ligaments that support the internal organs of the lower abdomen
What does the pelvic floor do?
There are 5 main functions of the pelvic floor
- Support: for the internal structures such as the bladder, rectum, and uterus
- Sphincteric: control of the bladder and bowel
- Sexual: muscle contractions are important during intercourse; important for erection and orgasm
- Stabilization: of the low back and pelvic structure
- “Sump-Pump”: muscle contraction assists with lymphatic fluid flow and prevents swelling
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Like any other muscle in the body, when the muscles of the pelvic floor become tight, weak, fatigued, or aggravated, it can have negative impacts on health.
Common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Incontinence
- Prolapse
- Pain
Within these common conditions are some various subtypes;
Incontinence can be classified as:
- Stress
- Urge
- Mixed
Prolapse may be:
- Bladder (cystocele)
- Rectum (rectocele)
- Uterine
- Vaginal vault (following a hysterectomy)
What can a pelvic floor physiotherapist do for pelvic floor dysfunction?
Before treating pelvic floor dysfunction, a specially trained physiotherapist will first ask you plenty of questions to best understand you and your symptoms. Then, they will perform a thorough examination of the pelvic muscles, ligaments, and pelvic alignment. This assessment requires an internal component in order to feel the majority of the pelvic floor muscles, as they are hidden within the pelvis. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and the clinician’s diagnosis, some of the treatment strategies may include:
- Manual therapy
- Education/behavioural strategies
- Electrical stimulation
- Exercises
- Biofeedback
Who is pelvic floor physiotherapy for?
It is a common mistake to believe that only women can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy. Although women are more commonly effected by pelvic floor dysfunction, especially following pregnancy/child-birth, pelvic health is very important for men too. Just like women, men also have pelvic floor musculature that is essential for sexual activity, control of the bladder/bowel, prevention of swelling, support of internal structures, and core stabilization.
Therefore, pelvic health physiotherapy can play a major role in improving health and well-being in men just as much as it can for women.