WHO NEEDS PELVIC
HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Both Men & Women may have times in their lives where they need to address a pelvic floor issue. Did you know that MEN are a significantly underserved population when it comes to Pelvic floor issues.
SHOULD YOU SEE A PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
Urinary and or fecal incontinence, strong urinary urge, pelvic or penile pain & dysfunction, vulva pain pregnancy and endometriosis, are all issues that can be treated with pelvic health physiotherapy.
Chronic hip pain or low back pain can also be traced back to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Certain sitting positions, exercise techniques and stressful events can contribute to overworked, strained and tight muscles or irritated nerves, all of which can lead to pain.
FALLS, TRAUMA, PREGNANCY AND SPORTS CAN LEAD TO INJURED PELVIC FLOOR AND CORE MUSCLES
Physiotherapy can help with these issues by improving muscle strength, coordination and flexibility.
WHAT IS THE PELVIC FLOOR?
Simply put, the pelvic floor is a set of muscles that rest at the bottom of our pelvis. These muscles help control functions such as urinating, bowel movements, sexual activities, lymphatic drainage, as well as providing support for our internal organs.
The pelvic floor muscles assist with stabilization of the sacroiliac joints, pubic symphysis, lumbo-pelvic and hip joints. Any disruption of these muscles can have significant impact on low back, hip, bowel and bladder functions, as well as pelvic pain.
MALES 10 REASONS TO SEEK OUT A PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST
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Urinary and/or Fecal Incontinence with exercising, coughing, sneezing, pushing, pulling or getting up from the toilet.
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Strong or uncontrollable urges to go to the toilet
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Difficulty initiating urine stream
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More than one visit to the toilet during the night or having to void more than 8 times per day
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Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels
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Penile, pelvic, testicular or prostate pain.
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Coccyx pain (tail bone pain) - Coccydynia
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Chronic low back pain
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Erectile Dysfunction or Premature Ejaculation
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Pain with intercourse
FEMALES 10 REASONS TO SEEK OUT A PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST
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Urinary and/or Fecal Incontinence with exercising, coughing, sneezing, pushing, pulling or getting up from the toilet.
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Strong or uncontrollable urges to go to the toilet
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Prenatal Preparation & Postnatal check (Pregnancy)
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Diagnosed with Clitorodynia, Vestibulodynia or dyspareunia
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Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels
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Diagnosed with Endometriosis
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Coccyx pain (tail bone pain) - Coccydynia
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Chronic low back pain
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Chronic hip pain.
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Pain with intercourse
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR INITIAL VISIT?
Your initial visit will last 60 minutes. Prior to your assessment you will receive a series of questionnaires that will help the physiotherapist understand your situation, and what caused you to seek treatment.
In order to evaluate and treat for pelvic floor dysfunction, the physiotherapist will assess the full body including posture, alignment, breathing, as well as function and strength of core/abdomen.
Depending on the situation, after discussion and consent from patient, there may be a need for an internal pelvic (rectal or vaginal dependant on anatomy) examination.
Lastly, you will be given plenty of information regarding the findings of your assessments, and a treatment plan with strategies to help you start to improve your quality of life. Exercises are the bread and butter of the physiotherapy experience so you can very much expect your physiotherapist to give you some homework!