Good function of the pelvic floor muscles are important throughout all stages of life.
Poor control of these muscles can lead to INCONTINENCE, PAINFUL INTERCOURSE, CONSTIPATION and/or PROLAPSE
Physiotherapists with special training in this field, are able to assist you in achieving your best pelvic floor function
Poor control of these muscles can lead to INCONTINENCE, PAINFUL INTERCOURSE, CONSTIPATION and/or PROLAPSE
Physiotherapists with special training in this field, are able to assist you in achieving your best pelvic floor function
INCONTINENCE
Definition: Involuntary and/or accidental loss of urine from the bladder (URINARY) or faeces or wind from the bowel (FAECAL). i.e. You leak urine or faeces when you shouldn't Urinary incontinence may occur with activities like coughing, sneezing and jumping (STRESS INCONTINENCE) or when you have a sudden, strong urge to urinate (URGE INCONTINENCE) Many factors can contribute to incontinence like obesity, constipation, menopause, chronic conditions like asthma and poor pelvic floor dysfunction
DYSPAREUNIA
Dyspareunia is the term used to describe painful intercourse. There are many causes for this but one of them may be Vaginismus which is tightness and tension in the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapists play an important role in empowering patients to relax the pelvic floor muscle which will assist with alleviating this problem.
CONSTIPATION
This means that one either has difficulty passing stools, not passing stools regularly and/ or not emptying the bowel completely. Pelvic floor physiotherapists form part of a multi-disciplinary team who treat this condition. The role of the therapist is to educate and empower the patient to effectively use their pelvic floor muscles during bowel movements to alleviate constipation.
PROLAPSE
Definition: This medical term describes a condition whereby an organ moves out of its anatomical position. In the case of genital prolapse, the bladder, uterus and/or rectum may protrude into the vagina or press against the vaginal wall.i.e. something feels like its falling out. This results in a dragging sensation or an ache especially at the end of the day. It may result in bladder and bowel dysfunction.
SHOULD I SEE A PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
Do you leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh or jump?
Do you need to go to the toilet more than 6-8 times daily?
Do you suffer from fecal incontinence?
Are you unsure if you are doing your KEGELS correctly?
Are you unsure of what your pelvic floor muscle feels like?
Do you have pelvic pain or pain with intercourse ?
Are you constipated? Do you strain on the toilet?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, you will benefit from a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment
Do you need to go to the toilet more than 6-8 times daily?
Do you suffer from fecal incontinence?
Are you unsure if you are doing your KEGELS correctly?
Are you unsure of what your pelvic floor muscle feels like?
Do you have pelvic pain or pain with intercourse ?
Are you constipated? Do you strain on the toilet?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, you will benefit from a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment