WTF is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Maybe you’ve been experiencing some symptoms down there lately. Perhaps you’ve been struggling to get back to your fave workouts after having your first (or second or third) child, or you notice that when you cough or sneeze -oops! - a little bit of urine leaks out. Maybe you just had a prostatectomy or perhaps you’re having a really difficult time coping with the pain you feel during sex. You consult your doctor, and they recommend pelvic floor physio, but what the heck is it? And how can this professional help you?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a branch of physiotherapy that deals with everything to do with your pelvic floor muscles. These are a set of muscles in the bottom of your pelvis that form a muscular bowl, so to speak. These muscles control what comes out and what goes into your perineum, and have an essential role in sexual, urinary, anorectal, reproductive, and circulatory function. When things aren’t optimal, these muscles can be too weak, too tight, or too loose. A pelvic floor physio can assess these muscles and help you identify the right exercises to help (not everyone should do Kegels!).
Some of the common issues seen and treated in pelvic floor physiotherapy include (but are definitely not limited to):
Incontinence
Difficulty controlling your bladder
Postpartum recovery and return to physical and sexual activity
Pain with sex
Pain with ejaculation
Recover post-prostatectomy
Pelvic organ prolapse
Heaviness or bulging in the perineum/vagina
Constipation
The list goes on!
Treatment can include manual techniques with your physiotherapist, learning exercises specific for your situation, and learning how to adapt a few lifestyle habits to help you feel and move better. The goal is to help you be as autonomous as possible with your body and get you back to leading a happy, healthy and pain-free life. Wondering if a pelvic floor physio could help you? Ask! You can either ask a trusted healthcare professional or make an appointment at hellowellbe.com.
This post was written by wellbe’s pelvic floor physiotherapist Louise Fonteyne. If you’re interested in coming in to see a member of our pelvic floor physiotherapy team you can book your visit here.