Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a physical therapy specialty that assesses and treats the muscles and tissues of the pelvic region. If you’re experiencing problems with muscles of the pelvic floor, such as incontinence, prolapse, or chronic pelvic pain, a pelvic floor physiotherapist in Whitby can help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Located in North Whitby, our pelvic floor physiotherapy Whitby clinic helps individuals manage and recover from conditions that affect the pelvis and associated muscles. Our highly trained physiotherapists have extensive experience in treating a wide range of pelvic floor dysfunctions. We provide personalized and compassionate care to each one of our patients.
PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT
During treatment, your pelvic floor physiotherapist in Whitby will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms. Then they’ll develop a customized treatment plan. This may include a combination of exercises to strengthen and tone the muscles of the pelvic floor. Other techniques include manual therapy techniques to release tension and improve function, and education about how to properly care for the pelvic area.
Strengthening exercises are an important part of pelvic floor physiotherapy treatment, as weakness is a common symptom. Typical pelvic floor exercises include Kegel exercises. This involves contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor. Functional exercises such as lifting with core control are also important. They help incorporate the pelvic floor muscles into everyday activities. These exercises can be performed in a clinical setting, or your pelvic floor physiotherapist may provide you with a home exercise program to follow.
Manual therapy is another important component of pelvic floor physiotherapy treatment. These techniques can include massage and stretching of the muscles of the pelvic floor and surrounding areas. They function to release tension in these muscles and improve their overall function. Manual therapy can be performed in a clinical setting, or your physiotherapist may provide you with self-massage techniques to use at home.
EDUCATION ABOUT YOUR PELVIC FLOOR
In addition to exercises and manual therapy, your pelvic floor physiotherapist in Whitby will educate you about the condition. This includes diet and nutrition, bladder and bowel habits, and sexual function to help you manage your pelvic floor. Common things taught include: how to empty the bladder and bowel properly, as well as strategies for managing incontinence and improving sexual function.
The great thing about pelvic floor physiotherapy is that it is a non-invasive treatment option. Hesitation to undergo surgery or take medications to address problems in the pelvic region is common. Pelvic floor physiotherapy provides a safe and natural alternative.
SOME PELVIC FLOOR CONDITIONS
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is particularly effective for the treatment of a number of pelvic floor conditions. This includes the following:
INCONTINENCE
Incontinence is one of them, also known as an accidental leaking of urine. “Stress incontinence” occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are weak and “Urge incontinence” is caused by overactive muscles. In addition to exercises and manual therapy, your physiotherapist may also provide education about how to properly manage incontinence. Strategies like using the bathroom on a schedule or avoiding certain foods and drinks that can exacerbate symptoms are examples. Regardless of the cause, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you regain control of your bowel/bladder function and improve your quality of life.
PROLAPSE
Prolapse is another common issue that can also be effectively treated with pelvic floor physiotherapy. This occurs when the pelvic organs drop down from their normal position. By strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor, a physiotherapist can help support the organs and reduce the risk of further prolapse. Proper care for the pelvic region to prevent prolapse is also educated to the patient. This can include things such as avoiding heavy lifting and practising good posture while using a toilet seat.
PELVIC PAIN
Pelvic Pain is a condition that can affect both men and women. This pain is typically located in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or the perineum (i.e. the area between the anus and genitals). It can be anywhere from dull and crampy, to sharp and twingy in nature. Dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles, a group of muscles that support organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum in the pelvic region, can also cause pelvic pain. On top of that, they also play an important role in bowel/bladder control as well as sexual function.
BOSS PHYSIO OFFERS PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY WHITBY!
If you’re dealing with chronic or acute pelvic pain, pelvic floor physiotherapy can be the relief you’re looking for. Your physiotherapist will work with you to identify the source of your pain and develop strategies to manage it, such as exercises to stretch and relax the muscles of the pelvic region. For more info, give our clinic a call or visit the Canadian Foundation for Women’s Health.