How can pelvic floor problems develop?

There isn't one answer for how pelvic floor problems begin. In some cases, your pelvic floor muscles can be weakened by childbirth, surgery, heavy lifting, being overweight, menopause or constipation.

For other people, symptoms of the pelvic floor muscle problems may be from overactive muscles.  Over activity in your pelvic floor muscles can cause difficulty with intercourse, emptying your bladder or bowel, and using a tampon. People with overactive pelvic floor muscles don’t benefit from strengthening the pelvic floor because strengthening tight muscles only makes them tighter. People with overactive pelvic floor muscles need to be taught how to properly relax their muscles.

Pelvic floor therapy performed by properly trained and registered physiotherapists can reduce the guessing and get you back in control faster.

Pelvic Floor Therapy: 5 signs that you need to see one

• Urinary issues, such as frequent urge to urinate, incontinence or painful urination
• Constipation or bowel strains
• Pain or pressure or muscle spasms in the low back, pelvic region genitals or rectum
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
• A bulge at the opening of the vagina or feeling that something is falling out from the vagina

What does a pelvic floor therapist do?

Physiotherapists that have undergone special postgraduate training are authorized to assess the pelvic floor. During a detailed examination, your physiotherapist will determine the reason for your pelvic symptoms. It is important to determine this, as your pelvic floor muscles can be either weak or overactive. The pelvic floor therapists at Family Physiotherapy are also trained manual therapists. This training allows them to focus on the big picture, assessing not just your pelvic floor, but also your back, pelvis and hips, in order to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. We have previously discussed the anatomy of the pelvic floor the evidence for pelvic therapy.