Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a specific division of physiotherapy intended for both men and women with pelvic floor pain and/or dysfunction. Common conditions that are treated with pelvic floor physiotherapy include urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Many people believe that it is normal to have urinary leakage after childbirth, and as you age. However, these are NOT normal, and are examples of pelvic floor dysfunction. Furthermore, “Kegels” are not always indicated for pelvic floor problems, and they are often not performed correctly.
Our pelvic floor is made up of layers of muscle and connective tissue that extend from the tail bone to the pubic bone and across our sitz bones. These muscles not only help us with controlling voiding, but also support our organs that sit above them. When there is pelvic floor dysfunction, these muscles can be:
HYPOTONIC (weak) – contributing to stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
HYPERTONIC (tight) – contributing to urge urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, chronic pelvic pain, and many other conditions involving the pelvic girdle, hips, and low back.
Chenya Bourne, PT, has completed both external and internal Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation courses that have broadened her knowledge to help determine the cause of pelvic floor dysfunction, and enhanced her skill set to be able to educate and treat patients with these conditions. Not all pelvic health conditions require internal examination and treatment techniques, but it is proven through research to be the best in first-line defense against pelvic floor dysfunction.
If you have questions about pelvic floor rehabilitation, or wondering if it is right for you, don’t hesitate to call or email us for more information!