Why Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Is Important for Women’s Health
The article was written by Joanna Varley, Registered Physiotherapist at Chipperfield Mobile Physiotherapy.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. It is an important aspect of women’s health because it can help alleviate a variety of conditions, including incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction.
One of the most common conditions that pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with is urinary incontinence, which is the involuntary leakage of urine. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and obesity. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can in turn help improve bladder control and reduce incontinence.
Another condition that pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with is pelvic pain. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and interstitial cystitis. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help alleviate pain by addressing any muscle tension or imbalances in the pelvic area.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can also be helpful for women who have experienced sexual dysfunction. This can include issues such as pain during intercourse, difficulty achieving orgasm, and vaginal dryness. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve muscle tone and flexibility in the pelvic area, which can in turn improve sexual function.
There are several different techniques that a pelvic floor physiotherapist may use to help alleviate these conditions. These include:
- Kegel exercises: These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles to help strengthen them.
- Myofascial release: This technique involves using gentle pressure to release tension in the muscles and connective tissue of the pelvic area.
- Biofeedback: This technique involves using sensors to monitor muscle activity in the pelvic area, which can help a woman learn to control and strengthen her pelvic floor muscles.
- Manual therapy: This technique involves using gentle hands-on techniques to release tension in the muscles and connective tissue of the pelvic area.
It’s important to note that pelvic floor physiotherapy is not just for women who are experiencing symptoms. It can also be beneficial for women who want to prevent these conditions from developing in the first place. For example, women who are planning to have children may want to consider pelvic floor physiotherapy as a way to prepare their bodies for the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, women who are approaching menopause may want to consider pelvic floor physiotherapy as a way to maintain muscle tone and flexibility in the pelvic area, which can help reduce the risk of incontinence and other conditions.
In conclusion, pelvic floor physiotherapy is an important aspect of women’s health. It can help alleviate a variety of conditions, including incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction, and can also be beneficial for women who want to prevent these conditions from developing in the first place. If you are experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about your pelvic health, it is important to consult with a pelvic floor physiotherapist to determine the best course of treatment for you.
If you’re interested in learning more about physiotherapy, take a look at our post on the Benefits of In-Home Physiotherapy.
Call to Action:
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as incontinence, pelvic pain, or sexual dysfunction, or are simply looking to prevent these conditions from developing, consider seeking out a pelvic floor physiotherapist. With the right treatment plan, you can improve your pelvic health and quality of life. Don’t wait, take the first step towards better health and book an appointment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist today!
Sources:
- “Pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence in women” by J.M. Hay-Smith et al. (2014) – This systematic review and meta-analysis looks at the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women. The study concludes that PFMT is an effective treatment for stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence.
- “Pelvic floor muscle training for sexual dysfunction in women” by A.M. Roovers et al. (2011) – This systematic review looks at the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in women. The study concludes that PFMT is effective in improving sexual function, including sexual pain and arousal, in women with sexual dysfunction.
- “Pelvic floor muscle training for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse” by J.M. Hay-Smith et al. (2014) – This systematic review and meta-analysis looks at the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in women. The study concludes that PFMT is an effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and may reduce the need for surgery.
- “Effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training in women with pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review” by S.M. Rahnama et al. (2013) – This systematic review looks at the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in women. The study concludes that PFMT is effective in reducing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and improving pelvic floor muscle function in women with pelvic organ prolapse.
To learn more about health practitioners in your area or to ask about providers who address specific treatment needs, contact us today.
About the author
Joanna Varley
Jo graduated from Queen’s University in 2006 and has over 12 years of physiotherapy experience. She’s worked with a broad spectrum of clients and conditions; from acute care to rehab. She is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, and the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia and has Pelvic Floor Levels 1, 2, and 3 specialized training. She is a teaching assistant at UBC college of Physiotherapy, and a course instructor for the Internationally Educated Physiotherapists Exam Preparation (IEPEP) Program.