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Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

A physiotherapists role is to work with muscles, joints and other soft tissues in the body to help recover from injury, disease or loss of function. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is treatment for conditions involving muscles deep within the pelvis.  Just like any other muscle in the body, the pelvic floor muscles can be injured, generate pain, develop excessive tension, lose its flexibility or become weak. All of these changes can influence the function of the muscle unit as it works with the rest of your body.

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Good pelvic floor health is necessary to help support the pelvic organs and transfer loads properly through the back and hips. A change in these muscles can be a reason for a loss of bladder control, prolapses or pain. Both men and women can experience dysfunction of these muscles. The following is a list of diagnoses that can be treated by physiotherapists specifically trained for this form of rehabilitation.

  • Incontinence – stress, urge or mixed

  • Overactive bladder

  • Pelvic girdle pain

  • Post-prostatectomy incontinence

  • Uterine, bladder and rectal prolapses

  • Dyspareunia

  • Constipation

  • Tail bone (Coccyx) Pain

What is Involved?

The purpose of the first visit is to gather information and develop a treatment plan based on the specific details of your history and the physical exam. The first part of the assessment is an interview which gives me a chance to discuss your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. The second part of the assessment is a physical examination of posture, mobility and strength as well as an external and internal examination of the pelvis. Expect to be here the first day for an hour. A treatment plan will be developed specific to the clinical findings and your needs.

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Treatment frequency and duration is based on the assessment findings, the response to treatment and your commitment to home programs. The type of treatment is also individually based. Here is a list of some of the treatment options. Most treatments will last 45 minutes to an hour in length.

  • Education

  • Bladder retraining

  • Muscle and behavior retraining

  • Biofeedback

  • Muscle stimulation

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

  • Massage

  • Posture correction

  • Acupuncture

  • Relaxation techniques

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If this type of physiotherapy seems to be appropriate for you but are unsure, please do not hesitate to call. We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.  Lisa Streib has post graduate training in this area of physiotherapy.  Her ability to effectively assess the influences of multiple systems of the body on their patients' symptoms sets her apart. For more information on Lisa, click here.

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