Why Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?
BE AWARE, BE INFORMED, BE PROACTIVE.
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is remarkably common. It is estimated that as many as 75% of women and 15% of men will suffer from PFD during their lifetime. Contrary to popular belief, PFD is not a normal part of aging, life event (i.e pregnancy) or activity (i.e sex) and can be prevented.
The pelvic floor is a collection of muscles that form a hammock at the base of the pelvis. It supports the bladder, rectum, vagina and uterus and assists in their functioning. Like all other muscles in the body, the pelvic floor can weaken, hold tension and can be painful – these symptoms are what we call pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor muscles are also voluntarily controlled and can be trained or “re-educated” to counter these symptoms through proper contraction and relaxation techniques/exercises in coordination with surrounding pelvic structures.
In France, Belgium and the United Kingdom, pelvic health physiotherapy is common and is covered by their government’s health care systems. In North America there has been a surge in awareness in recent years and access to treatment is gradually improving but there is still room to grow.
The Kegel Conspiracy
- Kegels are not always the appropriate treatment. Pelvic floor dysfunction can develop from pelvic floor muscles being too tight, scarring in or around the pelvic floor or other factors which may require another treatment approach.
- Research shows that less than half of people attempting to contract the pelvic floor isolate the proper muscles during kegel exercises. People are often advised to do kegels by clenching their pelvic muscles as though trying to stop the flow of urine. We now know this exercise is ineffective, and can lead to urinary tract infection. Without guidance people tend to compensate with surrounding muscles and have a difficult time applying the exercise functionally to daily life.
- The pelvic floor does not work alone and needs the rest of the core to be effective. The “Core” includes the pelvic floor, respiratory diaphragm, multifidus (deep back muscle), AND the transverse abdominis muscles. Unless factors such as posture, breathing pattern and movement patterns are addressed the pelvic floor will continue to be overloaded and unable to support your activities or exercise
Pelvic floor dysfunction IS a mens issue.
Urine and bowel leakage CAN be treated.
Your pelvic pain CAN be controlled.
Change happens here.
Treatment for urine leakage is MORE than Kegels.
Postpartum care STARTS in Pregnancy.
Pain free Sex IS possible at ANY age.
Change happens here.
SUPPORT for the physical journey.
Creating an environment of HEALING.
FUNCTION without fear.
Change happens here.