A Pelvic floor physiotherapist is a highly specific and intricately trained therapist specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation.
Who can a pelvic floor Physiotherapist help?
If you suffer from issues such as stress incontinence (leakage with run, cough, sneeze etc), urge continence (strong urge to urinate that you just respond to), mixed incontinence both (stress and urge), post natal concerns, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain issues such as vaginismus, vulvodynia, painful bladder syndrome, despareunia, pudential neuralgia, vestibulodynia, pelvic floor tension, endometriosis or male pelvic pain and or incontinence, a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you.
Research has concluded that physiotherapist with specialized training in pelvic floor rehabilitation should be the first line of action before surgical consultation for stress, urge and mixed incontinence in women.
What should you expect on your initial visit?
At Fortius, your pelvic health physiotherapist will attempt to make you as comfortable as possible in discussing any issues you have. They will start with a very involved extensive history taking and questioning regarding your issues, they will then follow up with an external exam assessing all areas surrounding the pelvic floor such as abdominals, hips, low back, Gluteal area. There will then be an internal exam which will help the therapist assess the pelvic floor area and integrity of the muscles and surrounding tissue. Once this is complete the physiotherapist has a well-rounded understanding of the issues in the pelvic region and this will allow her to create a very individualized and specific treatment plan and home exercise program for you.
What will treatment involve?
Once diagnosed, your pelvic floor physiotherapist will discuss with you, treatment options that may include any of the following:
Manual therapy to the pelvic muscle and other nearby joints and muscles of the abdomen, trunk, back and hips
Connective tissue manipulation
Scar mobilization
Myofascial release
Retraining of the brain and nervous system through exercise
Ongoing education
Relaxation and breathing training
The use of treatment modalities such as acupuncture and TENS machine
Self-care training
Home exercise program
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Can I see a pelvic floor physiotherapist while I'm pregnant?
The answer is, YES! Perhaps you are going to the washroom more frequently than normal for pregnancy, or experiencing pain in your low back or pubic area. These can all be managed with physio. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can also help to prepare your pelvic floor muscles for the delivery of your baby and help with breathing techniques for delivery.
What causes pelvic floor issues?
Pelvic health issues can have many causes, some of them are side effects of medications, pelvic surgeries, trauma due to pregnancy and delivery, prolapse of organs, a history of sexual trauma, poor postures, stress, lifestyle/diet, changes due to aging and menopause.
Why is an internal exam necessary to treat pelvic floor issues?
In order for a thorough assessment to be completed, testing beyond the vagina and rectum is necessary. Pelvic floor muscle play a huge role in incontinence, pelvic pain and organ prolapse. Tightness and/or weakness in pelvic floor muscles can not be properly assessed or treated with an external assessment only.
What should I wear for my initial visit?
Wear loose fitting clothing is recommended for your first visit and follow - up treatments. On your first visit you will be given a gown for the internal assessment that is used to cover you from the waist down as you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down.