Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy focused on assessing, diagnosing, and treating disorders related to the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting pelvic organs, controlling bladder and bowel function, and stabilizing the spine and pelvis. At Get Back Physiotherapy Clinic, Etobicoke ON, we employ customized exercises, manual therapy techniques, biofeedback, and education to address issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and postpartum recovery. Or Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy therapy focuses on strengthening and optimizing the function of the pelvic floor muscles.
Get Back Physiotherapy Clinic in Etobicoke
Our Pelvic Floor Physio clinic in Etobicoke features private treatment rooms equipped with the latest technology and specialized pelvic floor assessment and treatment equipment. We understand the sensitive nature of pelvic floor issues, which is why we prioritize creating a comfortable and confidential environment where patients feel at ease discussing their concerns. Our clinic offers ample parking and accessibility features to ensure easy access for all patients.
About Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction encompasses a range of conditions affecting the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. It manifests in various ways, such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain syndromes. Prevalence rates of pelvic floor dysfunction are striking, particularly among women, with estimates ranging from 25% to 45%. Remarkably, this rate escalates with age, surpassing 50% in women over 80 years old. Men are also affected, albeit at lower rates, with prevalence ranging from 10% to 20%.
Pelvic floor dysfunction significantly impacts quality of life, often causing embarrassment, discomfort, and limitations in daily activities. Factors contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction include childbirth, aging, obesity, chronic constipation, and certain medical conditions.
Types of Pelvic Floor Disorders
Urinary Incontinence: Involves involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
Fecal Incontinence: This refers to the inability to control bowel movements, leading to involuntary leakage of stool.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: It occurs when one or more pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend from their normal position and bulge into the vagina.
Pelvic Pain Syndromes: Conditions like chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) or levator ani syndrome involve persistent pain in the pelvic region, often without an identifiable cause.
Sexual Dysfunction: Pelvic floor disorders can also contribute to sexual dysfunction, such as painful intercourse or difficulty achieving orgasm.
Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: This is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pain, urinary urgency, and frequency.
Voiding Dysfunction: Conditions like urinary retention or difficulty emptying the bladder completely fall under this category.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction: This refers to abnormalities in the function of the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to various symptoms such as pelvic pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.
Reasons of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
One primary cause is childbirth, particularly vaginal delivery, which can lead to weakening or damage of the pelvic floor muscles due to stretching or tearing during labor. Chronic conditions such as obesity can also strain the pelvic floor over time, increasing the risk of dysfunction. Age-related hormonal changes, such as decreased estrogen levels in menopause, can contribute to pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
Certain lifestyle factors like heavy lifting, chronic coughing, or repetitive high-impact activities can put undue pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to dysfunction. Pelvic surgery, such as hysterectomy or prostatectomy, may disrupt the pelvic floor’s normal anatomy and function, contributing to PFD.
Neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury can impair the nerves controlling pelvic floor muscles, leading to dysfunction.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor physiotherapy involves tailored exercises, manual therapy, and education aimed at strengthening pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder and bowel control. At Get Back Physiotherapy Clinic Etobicoke, we address pelvic floor dysfunction holistically, individuals can regain control and restore pelvic functions.
Manual Therapy: Involves hands-on techniques by our trained therapists to manipulate and mobilize the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues. Manual therapy includes massage, stretching, and myofascial release techniques to alleviate tightness, spasms, or trigger points in the pelvic floor muscles.
Biofeedback: It uses sensors to monitor and provide real-time feedback on pelvic floor muscle activity. Patients can learn to control and strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles by visualizing their muscle contractions on a screen or receiving auditory cues. This method helps improve awareness and coordination of pelvic floor muscles.
Electrical Stimulation: Mild electrical currents are used to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles. This method helps strengthen weak muscles, improve muscle coordination, and alleviate symptoms such as urinary incontinence or pelvic pain. Electrical stimulation is also used in combination with other therapies or exercises at our Etobicoke Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy clinic.
Therapeutic Exercises: Pelvic floor physiotherapy often includes a customized exercise program tailored to the individual’s needs. These exercises may include kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, as well as stretching and relaxation techniques to release tension. Therapeutic exercises aim to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance to address pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic Floor Relaxation Techniques: For individuals with pelvic floor muscle tension or hypertonicity, relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. These techniques are particularly beneficial for conditions like pelvic pain or vaginismus.
Education and Behavioral Strategies: Pelvic floor physiotherapists provide education on pelvic anatomy, bladder and bowel habits, posture, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Behavioral strategies such as bladder retraining, timed voiding, and dietary modifications may also be recommended to manage symptoms like urinary urgency or frequency.
Manual Therapy Techniques: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and myofascial release can help address pelvic floor muscle tightness, trigger points, and restrictions in surrounding tissues. Manual therapy aims to improve mobility, circulation, and tissue function in the pelvic region.
Relaxation and Mind-Body Techniques: Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises can complement pelvic floor physiotherapy by reducing overall stress levels and promoting relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. These techniques may be beneficial for conditions like pelvic pain, urinary urgency, or stress incontinence.
Functional Training: Functional exercises focus on incorporating proper pelvic floor muscle activation and coordination into everyday movements and activities. This approach helps patients improve pelvic floor muscle function during activities such as lifting, squatting, or walking, promoting better pelvic floor support and stability.
Modalities: In some cases, modalities such as heat therapy, cold therapy, or ultrasound may be used adjunctively to reduce pain, inflammation, or muscle tension in the pelvic area. These modalities can provide temporary relief and complement other pelvic floor physiotherapy techniques.
