Are you considering pelvic floor physiotherapy? If so, this guide will explore the ins and outs of pelvic floor therapy, including what pelvic floor physiotherapy UK treatments involve, the reasons why you may need pelvic physio and the benefits of working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
This type of physiotherapy is specifically designed to assess, treat, strengthen and re-train muscle, tissue and nerve issues surrounding the pelvic organs, including:
- The bladder
- The uterus and vagina (in women)
- The prostate (in men)
- The rectum
Pelvic therapy aids with a wide range of pelvic dysfunction issues. Pelvic dysfunction is a fairly common condition that causes the pelvic floor muscles to tighten more often than usual and prevents them from relaxing and functioning properly. This can cause incontinence, constipation, rectal pain, pelvic pain, lower back pain, painful ejaculation in men and women may also experience pain during intercourse.
Pelvic floor therapy is designed to improve pelvic dysfunction and its symptoms by focusing on the core and the muscles between the hips and the sacrum, which help improve urinary, bowel, and sexual functions.
What Does Pelvic Physio Involve?
A pelvic physiotherapist will investigate which muscles in your pelvic area are tight. Pelvic floor physiotherapy UK treatments initially involve an external exam along with some questions regarding your pelvic area and whether you are having any issues.
An external examination will then be completed to assess posture, flexibility and strength regarding your pelvic floor. This may be followed by an internal examination, rectally for both men and women or a vagina examination may be required for women. An internal exam may not be necessary, especially if you are experiencing pain in your pelvic area.
The initial assessments will be used to determine which pelvic exercises and treatments are best suited to improve pelvic function.
Do I Need Pelvic Physiotherapy?
There are several reasons why you may require pelvic support physiotherapy, including:.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pelvic problems are common in pregnant women and many experience pelvic dysfunction after they give birth. This is because pelvic muscles are strained during labour, especially if it is particularly long or difficult. After conceiving women may experience issues such as incontinence, painful urination, strained bowel movements, constipation, lower back pain and ongoing pelvic pain.
To prevent these issues, many women work with a pelvic physiotherapist who will advise on the best pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the pelvic area and prevent prolapse and lower back pain during pregnancy. They can also help women prepare for labour by teaching them the best breathing and relaxation strategies to prevent straining during childbirth.
Pelvic Surgery
Pelvic issues may occur after pelvic surgery, such as a prostatectomy which can cause significant pelvic issues in men. This is mainly due to prolonged catheterization, or the procedure itself may have weakened the pelvic floor.
Both men and women may experience pelvic floor issues after surgery, which is why many receive pelvic physio after their surgery. Pelvic floor physiotherapy UK specialists are highly trained in pelvic rehabilitation procedures, which help to strengthen and improve coordination of the pelvic organs. This will also aid with recovery and alleviate any post-surgery symptoms and pain.
Pelvic Injuries
If you have experienced a significant injury to your pelvic area, such as a pelvic fracture can cause problems with your pelvic floor, including a lack of function and pain. Pelvic injuries may also affect balance, causing further discomfort and disruption to everyday life.
Pelvic physiotherapy is normally offered to anyone recovering from a pelvic injury, as this will help with the pain and strengthen the core to speed up the recovery process. In addition, having pelvic support physiotherapy will also prevent any further issues with your pelvic floor, such as urinary, bowel or sexual issues. It is considered to be a great rectal prolapse treatment in Tualatin OR that does not involve any invasive procedure.
Want to find out more about pelvic floor physio? You can get in touch and book an appointment with one of our pelvic floor physiotherapy UK therapists here at Sky Therapy. They will help you understand more about pelvic physio and how it can help you strengthen your pelvic floor and improve your overall wellbeing.
Sources
Benefits of Pelvic Health Physiotherapy – KB Physio (katiebellphysio.com)
Pelvic floor exercises: The best exercises for men and women (medicalnewstoday.com)
5 Things to Know about Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy – Treloar Physiotherapy Clinic
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
Pelvic Floor Fit Physio (pelvicfloorfitphysiotherapy.co.uk)
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Dysfunction and Pain (webmd.com)
Our Services: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy | Motion Focus & Sports Clinics (motionfocusclinics.com)
Why do I need physio for my pelvic floor? – Life Fit Wellness : Life Fit Wellness
How Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Help During Pregnancy? The 4 P’s. | West End Mamas
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment (healthline.com)
Pelvic Floor Therapy | Improving Your Pelvic Health – RYC (restoreyourcore.com)
