Pelvic Health
What is pelvic health physiotherapy?
Pelvic health physiotherapy, also known as pelvic floor physiotherapy or women's health physiotherapy, is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic region. This area includes the pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role in various bodily functions such as bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and support for the organs within the pelvis.
Pelvic health physiotherapists are trained to address a wide range of conditions and concerns, including:
1. Pelvic pain: They help diagnose and treat chronic pelvic pain, which can result from conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, or musculoskeletal issues in the pelvis.
2. Incontinence: They assist individuals experiencing urinary incontinence (leakage) and fecal incontinence by providing pelvic floor muscle training and other therapies to improve bladder and bowel control.
3. Pregnancy and postpartum care: Pelvic health physiotherapists help pregnant individuals prepare for childbirth by teaching exercises and techniques to support the pelvic floor. They also offer postpartum rehabilitation to aid recovery and address issues such as diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and perineal trauma.
4. Pelvic organ prolapse: They provide exercises and strategies to manage or alleviate the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where the pelvic organs (e.g., bladder, uterus, rectum) descend into the vaginal canal.
5. Sexual dysfunction: Pelvic health physiotherapists can assist with sexual dysfunction, including conditions like vaginismus and dyspareunia, which can be related to pelvic floor muscle tension and pain.
6. Pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation: They work with individuals preparing for or recovering from pelvic surgery, such as hysterectomies, prostatectomies, or surgeries to correct pelvic floor issues.
Treatment typically involves a combination of education, exercise, manual therapy, and biofeedback techniques to help patients better understand and control their pelvic floor muscles. This specialized form of physiotherapy can improve the quality of life for those dealing with pelvic health issues and is especially important for women during and after pregnancy, but it is not limited to any specific gender or age group. It is essential for anyone experiencing pelvic health concerns to consult with a qualified pelvic health physiotherapist for personalized assessment and treatment.