No such thing as TMI when it comes to pelvic health!

Pelvic floor physiotherapy (Pelvic PT) is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that focuses on assessing and treating conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles. These are muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that sit at the base of your pelvis, forming a “bowl”. They play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and support for the pelvic organs. 

There are many reasons for getting your pelvic floor assessed, and since we all have one, it is important to make sure that it is functioning well to keep you pain- and worry-free!

So what are the benefits of a pelvic PT and how do we keep our pelvic floors healthy and functional? Here are 6 reasons why you should see a pelvic PT::

1- Urinary frequency, urgency and leaking: Pelvic PT involves exercises and techniques designed to strengthen, release and improve the coordination of pelvic floor muscles. This can be beneficial for individuals experiencing issues like urinary or fecal incontinence. Once the muscles are assessed, proper treatment can address the dysfunction and provide better control over these bodily functions.

2-Constipation and hemorrhoids: There are many things that can contribute to difficulty and pain during a bowel movement. Sometimes tension in the pelvic floor muscles can be to blame. Pelvic PT’s can assess these muscles to determine the cause. They also educate on proper positioning on the toilet, lifestyle factors as well as breathing techniques to ease in evacuation, preventing hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

3-Painful sex: Common condition, often dismissed as “normal”. Painful intercourse can be a symptom of a pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic PT can contribute to improved sexual health by addressing causes of the pain or lack of sensation. By promoting relaxation and control of pelvic muscles, individuals can experience a more satisfying and pain-free sexual experience.

4- Prolapse: Decrease tone in the pelvic floor muscles can lead to organs situated in the pelvis to “drop” or become displaced, resulting in an uncomfortable pelvic sensation and heaviness. This can happen during menopause with hormonal changes as well as postpartum after childbirth. Pelvic PT can help to assess the changes and determine appropriate exercises to improve or fix the condition.

5- Preparation for Pregnancy and Childbirth: Pelvic PT is especially valuable during pregnancy and childbirth. Learning to connect to these muscles as the body goes through changes during pregnancy can help with maintaining better control over bowel and bladder symptoms as well as alleviate any symptoms in the low back and pelvic girdle. Additionally, pelvic PT’s work with patients to prepare for childbirth by teaching them breathing strategies and pelvic floor lengthening to prepare for a smooth delivery and recovery. 

6- Abdominal separation and scar massage: Individuals who have undergone pelvic surgeries, such as hysterectomies, abdominal surgeries or childbirth via cesarean can benefit from pelvic physiotherapy as part of their rehabilitation process. Pelvic PT can help to restore muscle function, reduce scar tissue, and improve overall mobility in the pelvic floor and abdominal region. Improving core strength and diastasis (abdominal separation) is a crucial component to optimal pelvic floor function and can also be addressed with pelvic PT. 

In summary, there is no topic off the table or TMI when it comes to your pelvic health! Pelvic PT offers a holistic and non-invasive approach to addressing various pelvic health concerns. By focusing on muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination in the pelvic region, individuals can experience improved quality of life, reduced pain, and better control over bodily functions. If you're experiencing any pelvic health issues, consulting a pelvic PT could be a crucial step toward a healthier and more comfortable life.e we'll write the 3rd blog post