The pelvic floor is a crucial yet often overlooked component of our overall health. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues located across the bottom of the pelvis. You can think of it as a sling of muscles extending from the front of your pubic bone to your tailbone and across to your two sit bones. These muscles play a vital role in many bodily functions, including bowel and bladder control, sexual function, supporting your pelvic organs against gravity and pressure, pumping blood and lymph to the heart, and creating stability for your spine and pelvis during daily movements. When the pelvic floor muscles become weak from underactivity or overactivity, it can cause a variety of issues. Below is a list of conditions caused by pelvic floor dysfunction. If you experience any of the following, know that a pelvic floor therapist can help guide you and treat these conditions:
1. Urinary Incontinence (UI)
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. Some people may experience stress urinary incontinence (SUI), which is leakage during activities like coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising. Others may have an intense urge to urinate that prevents them from reaching the toilet in time, known as urge urinary incontinence (UUI). It is also possible for some individuals to experience both SUI and UUI.
2. Painful Intercourse
Many women experience pain during sex, also called dyspareunia. This can stem from multiple factors, including physical, emotional, or psychological aspects. Specific causes include an overactive pelvic floor, past trauma, hormonal changes such as menopause, medical conditions like endometriosis, and stress or anxiety, which can create a cycle of pain and fear around sexual activity.
3. Prolapse
Prolapse refers to the condition where pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend from their normal position due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues. This can lead to a bulging sensation, discomfort, and issues with bladder or bowel control. Causes vary and may include childbirth and conditions that place additional pressure on the pelvic floor for prolonged periods, such as allergies, chronic coughing, or chronic constipation.
4. Labor and Delivery Preparation and Postpartum Recovery
Pelvic physiotherapists can support you throughout your entire pregnancy experience, from your first trimester to your postpartum journey. Emphasis is placed on labor and delivery preparation, where your therapist will guide you on pushing mechanics, safe birthing positions, exercises, and overall help you prepare for your important day, instilling confidence in you. Your therapist can also begin seeing you as soon as six weeks postpartum to help guide your return to activity, optimize your pelvic floor, and connect you with the right resources in your community to help you reach your personal goals.
Your therapist will help identify your goals, gain insight into your history, conduct a thorough evaluation, and develop an individualized treatment plan to help you achieve your objectives. Know that you do not have to suffer in silence or alone!
Article provided by Registered Physiotherapist Julia Rudecki. Julia utilizes a patient-centered and biopsychosocial approach and collaborates with her patients to provide specific and individualized care. Treatments consist of education, manual therapy, soft tissue work, exercise, dry needling, acupuncture and lifestyle modification. Julia has a passion for pelvic health. She is dedicated to creating a safe space for her patients, where they feel listened to, supported, and empowered to embark on their pelvic health journey. She provides a holistic assessment and treatment to help her patients thrive. Julia's training and interests includes pelvic pain, incontinence, painful intercourse, constipation, coccydynia, prolapse, diastasis recti, and guiding clients through their pregnancy and postpartum journey. Click here to book an appointment with Julia at Athlete's Care - Adelaide & York
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