What is Pelvic Physiotherapy?
Pelvic physiotherapy, also known as pelvic floor physiotherapy, is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on treating conditions related to the pelvic region, such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pre-and post-partum issues, sexual dysfunction, etc. A pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and can become weakened or injured due to pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, or other factors. Pelvic physiotherapy involves a thorough assessment of the pelvic floor muscles and the surrounding muscles and joints to identify any areas of dysfunction. Treatment includes exercises, manual therapy, biofeedback, and education on proper pelvic floor muscle activation and relaxation techniques.
What Conditions do we Treat with Pelvic Physiotherapy?
At GoActive Pelvic Physiotherapy Clinic Burlington, we administer treatment for all the conditions related to the pelvic region.
Pelvic Pain
It is a common condition affecting men as well as women. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle spasms, nerve damage, and inflammation. Pelvic physiotherapy can help alleviate pain and improve function by using techniques such as pelvic floor muscle strengthening, manual therapy, and biofeedback.
Incontinence
This is another common condition that can be treated at a pelvic physiotherapy clinic. This condition is characterized by the involuntary loss of urine or feces and can be caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles or nerve damage. Pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises and bladder retraining techniques can help manage this condition.
Sexual Dysfunction
This condition can be treated at a pelvic physiotherapy clinic. This can include issues such as pain during intercourse, decreased sexual sensation, and difficulty achieving orgasm. Pelvic floor muscle strengthening and manual therapy can help improve sexual function by addressing any underlying musculoskeletal issues.
Pre and Post-Partum Issues
These are also commonly treated at pelvic physiotherapy clinics. During pregnancy, changes in hormones and increased pressure on the pelvic floor can lead to issues such as incontinence and pelvic pain. Pelvic physiotherapy can help manage these symptoms and prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth. After childbirth, pelvic physiotherapy can help restore pelvic floor strength and function, which can be compromised due to delivery.
Pelvic Physiotherapy Services offered at GoActive Clinic in Burlington Ontario
Pelvic physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and management of conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Our pelvic physiotherapy clinic offers a range of services to help individuals in Burlington, Oakville, & Milton – Ontario, manage their pelvic health concerns. Here are the services offered at our pelvic physiotherapy clinic:
- Assessment: The first step in pelvic physiotherapy is a thorough assessment of the pelvic floor muscles to identify any issues. The assessment may involve a detailed history-taking, physical examination, and the use of specialized tools, such as biofeedback, to assess muscle function.
- Education: Pelvic physiotherapists educate individuals on their pelvic anatomy and how the pelvic floor muscles work. They also provide guidance on how to maintain good pelvic health and prevent future problems.
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises: These are exercises that target the muscles of the pelvic floor. The goal of these exercises is to improve the strength, endurance, and coordination of these muscles, which can help to improve bladder and bowel control, reduce pelvic pain, and improve sexual function. Examples of pelvic floor exercises include Kegels, squats, bridges, and pelvic tilts.
- Manual therapy: This involves hands-on techniques that are used to release tension, improve mobility, and reduce pain in the pelvic region. Manual therapy techniques used in pelvic physiotherapy may include massage, trigger point release, myofascial release, and joint mobilization.
- Relaxation techniques: Techniques can help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation in the pelvic region. Examples of relaxation techniques used in pelvic physiotherapy include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation.
- Biofeedback: This is a technique that uses electronic devices to measure and provide feedback on pelvic floor muscle activity. Biofeedback can help patients learn to better control their pelvic floor muscles and improve muscle function.
- Electrical Simulation: This technique involves the use of electrical current to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles. Electrical stimulation can help to improve muscle strength and reduce pain and discomfort in the pelvic region.
- Bladder Retraining: It is a technique that involves gradually increasing the time between urinations to improve bladder control. Bowel management: Pelvic physiotherapists may provide advice on dietary changes and bowel management techniques to improve bowel function.
- Pregnancy and Postpartum care: Pelvic physiotherapists can provide care for pregnant women and those who have recently given birth to help prevent or manage pelvic floor problems related to childbirth.
- Chronic Pain Management: Pelvic physiotherapists can help individuals manage chronic pelvic pain through a combination of manual therapy, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and other techniques.
Pelvic Physiotherapy FAQs
What to expect from Pelvic Physiotherapy?
Improved bladder control: Pelvic physiotherapy can help to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which can improve bladder control and reduce the frequency and urgency of urination.
Is Pelvic Physiotherapy Painful?
There are no side-effect or risks associated with Pelvic Physiotherapy. One potential side-effect of pelvic physiotherapy is moderate discomfort or pain during or after treatment. This may occur when the physiotherapist is working on tight or tender muscles in the pelvic area. However, this discomfort is temporary and should improve as the muscles become more relaxed and the treatment progresses.
How many Pelvic Physio Sessions would I need?
The number of sessions you’ll need will depend on several factors, including the severity of your condition, the extent of your symptoms, and how quickly you respond to treatment. In some cases, people may see improvement after just a few sessions, while others may need to continue treatment for several months to achieve their desired results. Pelvic physiotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and the number of sessions you’ll need may vary depending on your individual needs and goals. Your pelvic physiotherapist will work closely with you to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.