Table of Contents
- Written By Jordy Mitchell (Exercise Physiologist)
- Last Updated On 15 June 2023
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Introducing a muscle group that holds incredible power – your pelvic floor. It’s a complex network of muscles, ligaments, and tissues nestled deep within your core and pelvis quietly supporting you with crucial functions like bladder and bowel control, sexual pleasure, and core stability every day.
However, for some, the pelvic floor dysfunction can cause pain and lose control over its functions, affecting quality of life. Here is where pelvic floor physiotherapy may prove to be an effective remedy to strengthen those muscles and restore normal functioning. But before we go into how pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with dysfunction, let’s first learn about the pelvic floor and the role it plays in our daily life.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor refers to a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues located at the base of the pelvis. It forms a supportive hammock-like structure that spans the area between the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis and the coccyx (tailbone) at the back. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in several bodily functions, including:
- Support: The pelvic floor provides support for the organs in the pelvic area, including the bladder, uterus (in females), and rectum. It helps maintain proper organ positioning and prevents them from descending or prolapsing.
- Continence: The pelvic floor muscles help control urinary and faecal continence. They work in coordination with the urinary and anal sphincters to regulate the release of urine and stool to prevent involuntary leakage.
- Sexual Function: The pelvic floor muscles play a role in sexual function by providing support and contributing to sexual sensations. They can also help achieve and maintain an erection in males and assist in orgasmic contractions in both males and females.
- Stability and Core Strength: The pelvic floor is an essential component of the core musculature, which includes the abdominal muscles, back muscles, and diaphragm. The core and pelvic floor work in synergy with these muscles to provide stability, maintain proper posture, and support spinal alignment.
- Childbirth: During childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles stretch to accommodate the baby’s passage through the birth canal. The strength and flexibility of the pelvic floor play a crucial role in pregnancy, labour and delivery, as well as postpartum recovery.
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a range of conditions that occur when the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor are not functioning properly. Dysfunction with the pelvic floor can arise due to various factors, including pregnancy and childbirth, ageing, obesity, high loads of impact such as exercising with heavy weights or excessive jumping, chronic constipation, or pelvic surgeries. It can involve weakened or tight pelvic floor muscles, impaired coordination of muscle contractions, or a combination of both.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect both men and women and can cause various symptoms and complications. However, they are seen to be more common in older women.
Types of Pelvic Floor Disorders
Common types of pelvic floor disorders include:
- Urinary Incontinence: This condition involves the involuntary leakage of urine. It can be caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles that are unable to provide adequate support to the bladder and urethra. It can also be caused by a hypertonic pelvic floor as the pelvic floor muscles are fatigued and overworked when it is time for them to be working efficiently. Urinary incontinence is one of the most common disorders that require appropriate pelvic floor physiotherapy to restore original functioning.
- Faecal Incontinence: Faecal incontinence refers to the inability to control bowel movements, leading to unintentional passage of stool. Weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles can contribute to this condition.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend or bulge into the vaginal or rectum area due to weakened pelvic floor support. It can cause discomfort, pressure, and a sensation of “falling out.”
- Pelvic Pain: Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to chronic pelvic pain, including conditions like pelvic floor muscle spasm, pelvic floor myalgia, and vulvodynia. Pain may be experienced in the pelvic region, lower abdomen, genitals, or during sexual intercourse.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Pelvic floor dysfunction can interfere with sexual function, leading to issues such as pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), decreased sexual sensation, or difficulties achieving orgasm.
- Chronic Constipation: Weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to difficulty with bowel movements and chronic constipation. The muscles may not relax properly or coordinate effectively to facilitate regular and complete bowel evacuation. Here is where pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to release tight muscle bands that are restricting proper bowel movements.
Pelvic physiotherapy is usually advised based on the type of disorder and symptoms present. Treatment and exercises can vary from person to person based on their specific condition and other factors like age and fitness level.
At Pro-Form, when you come in with pelvic pain or discomfort, we take utmost care to assess the pelvic floor and recommend treatment options pertaining to the type of disorder you may be dealing with.
Dealing with pelvic pain? Chat to one of our physios to learn more on how we can help you on your recovery journey.
What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction can have various causes, and it can affect both men and women. Here are some common factors that can contribute to pelvic floor weakness:
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: The process of pregnancy and vaginal childbirth can put significant strain on the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to stretch and weaken. Multiple pregnancies or complicated deliveries, such as forceps or vacuum-assisted deliveries, may further contribute to pelvic floor weakness. In such cases, pelvic physiotherapy may be beneficial in tightening the muscles around the birth canal.
- Ageing: As people age, the muscles and tissues of the body, including the pelvic floor, naturally lose some of their strength and elasticity. This can result in weakened pelvic floor muscles and decreased support to the pelvic organs.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormonal levels, such as during menopause, can affect the health and integrity of the pelvic floor muscles. The decline in oestrogen levels can lead to decreased muscle tone and tissue elasticity.
- Chronic Straining: Activities that involve repeated straining, such as chronic constipation, heavy lifting, or chronic coughing, can put excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. Over time, this strain can weaken the muscles and contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight can place additional stress on the pelvic floor muscles. The increased pressure can lead to weakened muscles and compromised support for the pelvic organs.
- High-Impact Exercises: Engaging in high-impact activities like running, jumping, or heavy weightlifting without proper pelvic floor muscle support and control can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction over time.
- Chronic Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic pelvic pain, or connective tissue disorders, may weaken the pelvic floor muscles or cause dysfunction.
- Surgical Interventions: Pelvic surgeries, including hysterectomy, prostatectomy, or surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse, can potentially damage or weaken the pelvic floor muscles and disrupt their normal function.
It’s important to note that pelvic floor weakness can be influenced by a combination of factors and may vary from person to person. In most cases, pelvic physiotherapy is advised to help restore normal muscle functioning. Chat to one of our team today to learn more about how pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you manage your symptoms.
How does physiotherapy help with pelvic floor dysfunction?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the assessment, treatment, and management of pelvic floor dysfunction. Our physiotherapists at Pro-Form come with years of expertise in pelvic floor rehabilitation and can provide targeted interventions to address pelvic floor weakness and dysfunction.
Here’s how Pro-Form physiotherapy can help you manage pelvic floor disorders:
- Assessment and Education: As the first step our physio will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your pelvic floor muscles, including strength, tone, coordination, and endurance. We ensure to educate you about the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor and explain how dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms. We believe this knowledge helps you better understand your condition and actively participate in your treatment.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: The cornerstone of physiotherapy for pelvic floor dysfunction is pelvic floor muscle training, which involves specific exercises to strengthen and improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles. Your appointed physio will teach you how to correctly contract and relax the muscles, and work with you to create a personalised easy-to-follow exercise program, and provide guidance on proper technique and progression.
- Biofeedback: Based on the intensity of your condition, we may employ biofeedback techniques to enhance your awareness and control of the pelvic floor muscles. This involves using sensors or visual cues to provide us with real-time feedback on muscle activity, while helping you learn to engage and relax the muscles more effectively.
- Manual Therapy: Our physiotherapists trained extensively in pelvic floor rehabilitation. Part of your pelvic physiotherapy may include manual therapy techniques to address muscle tension, trigger points, and restrictions in the pelvic floor and surrounding structures. These techniques can help relieve pain, release muscle tension, and improve overall pelvic floor function.
- Behavioral and Lifestyle Modifications: Our physiotherapists can provide you guidance on adopting healthy lifestyle habits that support pelvic floor health. This may include recommendations on proper body mechanics, posture, breathing techniques, and strategies for managing activities that may strain your pelvic floor.
- Bladder and Bowel Management: If you struggle with urinary or faecal incontinence, we can assist you with bladder and bowel retraining techniques, including timed voiding, urge suppression techniques, and strategies for improving bowel regularity.
- Pain Management: If you’re suffering from pelvic pain related to pelvic floor dysfunction, we ensure to incorporate techniques such as relaxation exercises, myofascial release, and therapeutic modalities to alleviate pain and improve function in your pelvic physiotherapy program.
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: If you have recently had a pelvic surgery such as prolapse repair or prostatectomy, physiotherapy can play a vital role in optimising recovery, restoring pelvic floor function, and preventing complications. Our team will work closely with you to create a post-surgery rehabilitation plan that includes treatment and exercises specifically designed to restore and strengthen areas in the pelvic floor that have been affected by surgery.
For all of our patients, we ensure that pelvic floor physiotherapy programs are highly individualised – meaning that treatment plans are tailored to suit every individual’s specific needs.
Chat to one of our team to learn more about how we can help you accelerate your pelvic floor recovery today!
Frequently Asked Questions Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor dysfunction can often be improved or reversed through physiotherapy. A skilled physiotherapist can design a tailored treatment plan that may include exercises, manual therapy techniques, education, and lifestyle modifications to address specific symptoms and underlying causes. Consistency and adherence to the prescribed program, along with regular communication with the physiotherapist, are crucial for optimal results. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or pelvic floor specialist, for an accurate diagnosis and personalised guidance.
If pelvic floor dysfunction goes untreated, it can lead to various complications. These may include worsening of symptoms such as urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and discomfort during activities like sitting or exercising. Untreated pelvic floor dysfunction can also contribute to the development of other conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse or chronic pelvic pain. Moreover, it may negatively impact an individual’s quality of life, including their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Seeking early intervention from a qualified physiotherapist can help prevent or minimise the potential long-term consequences of untreated pelvic floor dysfunction.
To assess pelvic floor function, a physiotherapist may perform a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and specific tests. They may assess muscle strength, endurance, coordination, and the ability to relax the pelvic floor muscles. Techniques such as internal pelvic floor muscle examination through vaginal or rectal palpation may be used to evaluate muscle tone and identify any areas of dysfunction. Additionally, other assessments like bladder and bowel function, posture, and movement patterns may be considered to provide a holistic evaluation. It’s important to consult with a qualified physiotherapist for a personalised assessment and diagnosis.
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in muscle function and relaxation, and some individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction may have low magnesium levels. However, the impact of magnesium on pelvic floor dysfunction can vary among individuals. While magnesium supplements may help some people with muscle relaxation, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or doctor, before starting any supplementation. They can assess your specific condition, medical history, and provide personalised recommendations based on your individual needs.
Both tight and weak pelvic floor muscles can result in similar feelings/symptoms. Tightness may cause sensations of tension, stiffness, or a constant feeling of “holding” in the pelvic region, accompanied by discomfort or pain that varies in intensity and location. This can lead to pain during intercourse, difficulty with bowel movements or urination, and a general sense of pelvic pressure or heaviness. Similarly, Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to urinary or faecal incontinence, pelvic pressure, and discomfort during activities like coughing, sneezing, or lifting. Consulting a qualified physiotherapist is essential for a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause and create an effective treatment plan.
