Pelvic Health Physiotherapy: What Is It?

Aberdeen

Pelvic physiotherapy uses a variety of treatments to specifically address pelvic health issues including those related to an overactive bladder, pelvic pain and problems following childbirth.

For many women physiotherapy for their pelvic health is important, the pelvic region is connected to numerous muscles, ligaments, and tissues. Pelvic floor pain or injury is common, with the appropriate professional support, pelvic health can be restored.

What is a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and what can they help with? 

Pelvic Health Physiotherapists are often the less well-known specialists of the physiotherapy world. This may be because they deal with conditions that are often taboo, perceived as embarrassing or thought to be a natural part of the ageing process. Pelvic health physiotherapist can assess and treat women of all ages with conditions associated with the bladder, bowel, the pelvic floor muscles, pelvis, and the abdominal muscles. Symptoms can be reduced, and quality of life restored.

As in all areas of physiotherapy treatment is patient-centered and will help to achieve specific goals.  Common problems patients want solutions to are as follows:

 

Being able to leave your house without worrying about getting to the toilet in time.

 

Doing exercise without fear of urine leakage.

 

Being able to lift children or continue to lift weights in the gym without fear of making things worse following a pelvic organ prolapse.

 

A lack of confidence in the pelvic floor muscles post childbirth or during the menopause.

 

Where pelvic floor exercises are no longer working.

As well as the above conditions physiotherapy can also help with:

 

  • Urinary frequency and an overactive bladder  
  • Pelvic pain, such as pain with intercourse
  • Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain
  • Abdominal separation (diastasis) 
  • Postnatal return to exercise
  • Perineal tears (3rd/ 4th degree tears)
  • Constipation 

What to expect at your pelvic health appointment?

What happens during a pelvic health physiotherapy appointment?

You will be asked for a thorough background of the issues you’re having. To get a complete understanding of the nature of your concerns, some of the questions can be of a personal nature. Additionally, you will get the chance to ask any questions you may have.

What does pelvic health physiotherapy treatment involve?

Treatments for pelvic floor health are focused on exercise and counselling that is personalised for you after the thorough evaluation of your symptoms.  Additionally, some manual treatment, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques might be used.

Patient’s who  actively participate in their recovery and adhere to the professional physiotherapist’s recommendations will be rewarded with the best results.

Is there anything I need to bring to my initial Pelvic Health physiotherapy appointment?

It’s helpful to have a current list of any medication you take as well as information about any past or present medical issues, examinations, or treatments, especially if those issues are connected to your current symptoms.

Along with thinking about the primary issues you have and how much they impact your daily life, you might also want to write down any questions you have about the issue to ask your physiotherapist.

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