pelvic health physical therapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a highly specialized form of physical therapy for the muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that support your urinary and reproductive tracts as well as your bladder, rectum, urethra and vagina. When these muscles and other pelvic structures work correctly, you have control over your bladder, bowels, and sexual function, and your body can move normally, with balance and posture, and without pain. Pelvic pain, poor bladder and bowel control, pelvic instability, urodynamic abnormalities, and postural dysfunction are common problems that can result when these muscles are weak or tight.
Pelvic health physical therapy helps patients learn to strengthen and relax their core muscle and improve their coordination, so that they can better contract (tighten) or relax (relax) them during bowel movements, during sexual activity and while walking and sitting. Your physical therapist may also use EMG biofeedback (a machine that provides a visual signal to show you when your pelvic muscles are activating and relaxing).
When looking for a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy East Sheen who can treat pelvic pain and pelvic dysfunction, it is important to choose an APA Titled Continence and Women’s Health Physiotherapist. This title indicates that the physiotherapist has completed advanced training in this area and is able to diagnose, treat and manage pelvic pain, as well as women’s gynaecological problems such as endometriosis.
what is pelvic health physical therapy
During your initial consultation, your pelvic health physical therapist will review your medical history and ask you questions to understand your symptoms. Depending on your specific condition, she may perform an internal examination by palpating (feeling with the fingers) the muscles, connective tissue and nerves of your pelvic floor to assess their tone, elasticity, pain or tenderness. She will also examine your ability to contract and relax the muscles during your normal bladder and bowel function, with your breathing patterns and with your child’s movements.
Your physical therapist will teach you about your anatomy, your symptoms and how they relate to your daily activities and lifestyle, so that you can make the best choices for your treatment options. She will provide you with a detailed assessment report to share with your doctor.
Many women are embarrassed or uncomfortable about discussing their symptoms, but it is important for all of us to talk openly and listen to our bodies. If you are experiencing problems with your bladder or bowel, speak to your doctor. They will be able to refer you for an evaluation and treatment by a pelvic floor physical therapist who is trained to help. Most insurance plans cover this treatment. The goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is to relieve your symptoms so that you can get back to your normal life.