Exercise a little control over your life
Most control problems in the body happen because muscles are too weak or because nerve signals aren’t working well. Physiotherapists are used to assessing and treating these types of problems in various areas of the body. With post-graduate training, Physiotherapists have learnt to adapt the same skills to treat specific problems in the pelvic floor area.
CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN
Can affect women and men. It is pain which has been present for 6 months or more. It may be felt at the entrance to the vagina, in the rectum, penis, testicles, pelvis or abdomen. Pain may be felt constantly during the day or only during certain activities. Pain may be increased with intercourse and can prevent any penetration into the vagina.
BLADDER PROBLEMS
A loss of urine (whether a few drops or enough to run down your legs) is known as urinary incontinence. Both men and women, young and old can have problems. Urine loss may happen with a cough, sneeze, laugh, jump, or following a strong urge to empty the bladder. It is often due to weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. Sometimes there is difficulty in starting the flow of urine, or fully emptying the bladder. It’s not unusual to have more than one of these problems at the same time, and they may also result in an increased frequency of going to the washroom, both during the day and at night.
BOWEL PROBLEMS
A leakage of bowel contents (whether gas or stool) is known as fecal incontinence. There can be problems with constipation and straining, with getting to the washroom in time, or with a feeling of incomplete emptying.
PROLAPSE
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are unable to support the pelvic organs, and other supporting ligaments become weakened and stretched. The uterus (womb) can drop down into the vagina, the bladder and bowel can slip and bulge up against the vaginal walls.
These problems can affect anyone, women and men, at any age . Many people find these subjects difficult to discuss and often suffer in silence for many years before seeking help. In the majority of cases Physiotherapy can help.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
You will always be seen in a private treatment room by the same Physiotherapist, who is used to treating these personal issues. The initial assessment and examination will take one hour and will provide plenty of time for you to ask questions, and have a good understanding of your condition and treatment plan.
The treatment itself will be based on the findings at the initial assessment, and may include education about your condition; lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, stress management; pelvic floor muscle re-education (Kegel exercises); biofeedback; electrical muscle stimulation; manual techniques to reduce pain; stretching, strengthening or relaxation of muscles; bladder and bowel re-training and postural re-education.
Caroline Allen P.T.
Registered Physiotherapist