A pelvic floor physiotherapist has training to help conditions related to the pelvic region. These can include urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. A pelvic physiotherapist can assess and treat these conditions through a combination of manual therapy, biofeedback, pelvic muscle exercises, and education. But what does a pelvic physiotherapist do, and how can they help you achieve optimal pelvic health? In this blog post, we'll explore the scope of practice of pelvic physiotherapy. We'll also shed light on the different aspects of care provided by this branch of physiotherapy.
Pelvic Floor Assessment
The first thing pelvic floor physiotherapists do is to assess their clients' pelvic health by taking a detailed history. This helps them to understand your personal situation, symptoms and what has, or hasn't, worked for you in the past.
Pelvic floor muscle assessment is usually done internally, using a gloved hand, to evaluate muscle tension, trigger points, scar tissue, and the ability of your muscles to relax. There are also parts of the assessment that are performed externally.
The assessment helps the therapist identify any issues with pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, coordination, and relaxation as well as any abdominal wall dysfunction, neurological or musculoskeletal problems that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Pelvic Physio Treatment
Based on the findings from the assessment, the pelvic physio develops an individualized treatment plan. This may include manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue massage, trigger point release, myofascial release, and joint mobilization. The goal of manual therapy is to reduce tension, improve blood flow, and optimize muscle function. The physiotherapist will also provide feedback to help you learn how to contract and relax their pelvic floor muscles effectively. Pelvic muscle exercises, such as Kegels and other variations, may also be prescribed. These exercises strengthen weak muscles, improve coordination, and enhance endurance. Education is a vital aspect of treatment, and clients are often given advice on appropriate toileting habits, posture, diet, and lifestyle modifications to support their pelvic health.
Conditions Treated by a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
A wide range of conditions can be treated by pelvic physiotherapists. These include urinary and bowel incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, prenatal preparation for birth and recovery, postpartum recovery, and sexual dysfunction. Treatment may also be effective for clients with lower back pain, hip pain, and sciatica, as these issues can often be related to pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic physiotherapist works closely with other healthcare providers, such as gynecologists, urologists, colorectal surgeons, and psychologists, to ensure comprehensive care.
Follow up Sessions
Pelvic physiotherapy is a process, and clients usually require several sessions to achieve their goals. The number of sessions varies depending on the your condition, severity of symptoms and response to treatment. Follow-up visits are essential to monitor progress, reassess muscle strength and coordination, adjust treatment plans, and provide ongoing support and education. The pelvic physiotherapist may also recommend maintenance exercises and lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and the Family Physiotherapy Difference
Pelvic physiotherapy is a specialized field. It offers a safe and effective way to manage a wide range of pelvic health issues. The pelvic floor physiotherapists at Family Physiotherapy also have training in the assessment and management of simple and complex conditions. This includes your low back, hips and pelvic joint symptoms.
Our physiotherapists take a holistic and individualized approach. This can help you achieve your optimal pelvic function and improve their quality of life. Our team is well equipped to help you if you're experiencing symptoms related to pelvic health. From helping you to retrain your pelvic muscles to helping you regain your overall strength and flexibility,
Consider seeking the help of one of our qualified pelvic physios who can assess, treat, and support you on your journey to pelvic wellness, from beginning to the end.
