Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: Improving Quality of Life for Edmonton Patients
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a safe, effective form of treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction that many people suffer from without even knowing that treatment is an option. You don’t have to keep your symptoms hush because you are not alone in this.
If you have bladder leaks, pelvic pain, or discomfort while sitting or exercising, your pelvic floor muscles are likely dysfunctional. They may be weak or overly tight. The great news is that pelvic floor therapy can restore your pelvic floor muscles to equilibrium and strength, which will only improve your quality of life.
This article will discuss the common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction and how pelvic floor therapy in Edmonton can quickly get you back on your feet.
Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The pelvic floor is a collection of muscles and connective tissue that support the pelvic area. It holds the bladder, prostate (men), uterus (women), and rectum, allowing easy urination, defecation, and sexual intercourse.
Thus, pelvic floor dysfunction means that the pelvic floor is not operating effectively, and people find themselves with issues such as involuntary urine leakage, pelvic pain or cramping. Pelvic floor dysfunction happens due to weakened muscles and connective tissue.
The following situations can result in pelvic floor dysfunction:
1. Pregnancy & Childbirth
The pelvic floor muscles stretch during pregnancy as the fetus grows in utero. These muscles are also traumatized during vaginal delivery, resulting in urinary incontinence, prolapse, etc.
2. Aging & Menopause
With age, muscles weaken. In women, menopause leads to a decline in estrogen levels, which weakens pelvic floor tissues and results in bladder leakage and vaginal dryness.
3. Surgery & Medical Issues
Prostatectomy (prostate removal) for men and hysterectomy (uterus removal) for women are surgeries that directly impact the pelvic floor muscles. Likewise, endometriosis, IBS, and other medical issues can impact them, leading to discomforting symptoms.
4. Chronic Straining
Chronic straining occurs from trying to have a bowel movement or from heavy lifting. This excess pressure on the pelvic floor contributes to its dysfunction. In addition, poor posture, chronic coughing (from smoking or asthma), and obesity add pressure to the pelvic floor.
5. Trauma or Injury
Accidents, injuries, fractures of the pelvis, and surgery can disrupt pelvic floor musculature and cause dysfunction. Even sitting on your butt too long all day (desk job) can make your muscles tight and lead to injury.
Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
You may have pelvic floor dysfunction if you experience the following:
- Urinary dysfunction. Difficulty starting the stream, urinary incontinence, or leakage are all urinary dysfunction.
- Pelvic pain and pressure. You may have a sensation of heaviness or aching in the pelvic/lower abdominal area.
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
- Bowel problems. Constipation and the inability to fully empty bowels are signs of pelvic floor dysfunction
- Prolapse symptoms. This occurs if you feel a bulge or like something is falling out of your pelvic area
If you experience any of these symptoms, pelvic floor therapy in Edmonton can address these at the source for a better quality of life.
How Does Pelvic Floor Therapy Work?
Pelvic floor therapy might consist of exercises, myofascial release, and more to improve the function of the pelvic muscles. Your therapist will determine the best course of treatment for you.
Some pelvic floor treatment techniques include:
1. Manual Therapy
A hands-on approach is used to stretch or release tensioned pelvic muscles. Depending on comfort and necessity, your therapist may employ internal or external massage.
2. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Sometimes, rebuilding strength is necessary for the pelvic floor muscles. You can do kegel strengthening exercises to improve pelvic floor function. However, for those with excessively tight pelvic floor muscles, stress-relieving exercises may be better.
Before commencing any exercise, ask your therapist. They will advise you on which exercises would work best for you, create an exercise plan, and show you how to do them safely.
3. Biofeedback
Biofeedback involves sensors attached to your body to determine how well you contract and relax your pelvic muscles. This treatment often works best with pelvic exercises. Your therapist will display the motions on a screen and guide you to perform them better.
Understanding better contraction and relaxation techniques can help make bowel and bladder function better.
4. Electrical Stimulation
Some patients with very weak pelvic floor muscles that cannot contract at all may benefit from electrical stimulation. This treatment stimulates the pelvic floor muscles, encouraging contraction and relieving pain.
This treatment is safe and administered with a hand-held device to target the right muscles.
5. Lifestyle and Posture Recommendations
Furthermore, a pelvic floor physiotherapist can recommend proper lifestyle changes in posture, breathwork, or even changes in diet (more fiber if you're constipated), which alleviates pressures on pelvic muscles and helps make life easier.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy Edmonton
Pelvic floor therapy can help you live better in the following ways:
1. Restores Bladder & Bowel Control
Pelvic floor therapy helps reduce urinary incontinence and fixes any bowel issues, allowing you to live your life without worry.
2. Relieves Pelvic Pain and Discomfort
Many people suffer from chronic pelvic pain. Pelvic physiotherapy releases the tension in the region with a restricted range of motion. Easing this tension reduces pain, allowing you to go about your daily routine without discomfort.
3. Necessary for Postpartum Recovery
Women who give birth usually have pelvic challenges after the baby is born. With improved recovery, new mothers can regain confidence in their bodies and improve their mental health. Pelvic floor therapy can help women function healthily by improving pelvic floor function and reducing the symptoms of dysfunction.
4. Enhances Sexual Function
Pelvic floor physiotherapy promotes blood flow and relieves tension in the muscles, meaning more pleasurable intimacy and less pain.
5. Boosts Confidence and Quality of Life
Knowing that you have full control of your pelvic, bladder, and bowel functionality helps ease the mind and improve your daily quality of life. With this treatment, you can feel confident, comfortable, and good in your skin.
Conclusion
Pelvic floor problems are frustrating and even embarrassing, but they don't have to take over your life. Edmonton pelvic floor therapy can help restore your life through strengthening, pain relief, and the return of normal function.
From urinary incontinence to pelvic pain, if you suffer from any of these, reach out to an Edmonton pelvic floor physiotherapist today so you can have a better, symptom-free, more confident you!