Pelvic Floor Muscles

Where are the pelvic floor muscles?

A small group of hammock like group of muscles extending from your pubic bone at the front to your tailbone at the back.

 

What do they do?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that; support the pelvic organs, help to control your bladder and bowel function, such as when you need to “hold on” and visit the bathroom at an appropriate time, assist sexual function, provide postural support for your lower back and pelvis. It is important for men, women, and children to maintain good pelvic floor coordination and function across the lifespan.

Why they are important?

A weakened pelvic floor can be due to various causes, such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, pelvic surgery, regular straining on the toilet, chronic cough, radiotherapy, heavy lifting and even some athletes can have a weakened overactive pelvic floor.

Overactive pelvic floor (more tense muscles) can also lead to a variety of concerns,  such as pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, urinary leakage with exercise or on the way to the toilet. Difficulty emptying the bladder and bowels can also be a sign of pelvic floor concerns.

Watch this space for our regular posts on pelvic health topics. For more information or to book a pelvic health Physiotherapy appointment please contact us on 94486588

Pelvic Health Physio in Perth

WHAT IS A PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPIST?

A Physiotherapist with extra training in all things about the pelvis. Helping the pelvic floor function and pelvic health for children, women and men across the lifespan.

When should I see a pelvic health physiotherapist?

  • Kids experiencing, giggle incontinence, constipation, soiling or bed wetting
  • Childbearing years for pregnancy and postnatal checks or concerns
  • Returning or starting a suitable exercise program
  • Breastfeeding difficulties; mastitis or damaged nipples
  • Post-menopausal years, having or had gynaecological surgery
  • Conservative prolapse management
  • Pre or post prostate surgery
  • Pelvic pain
  • Sexual health or painful intercourse concerns
  • Difficulty emptying your bladder
  • Difficulty emptying your bowel
  • Cheeky overactive bladder, visiting the toilet frequently, feeling urgent or busting
  • Difficulty controlling wee
  • Difficulty controlling wind or stools

What to expect when you see a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist?

  • Listen to your concerns
  • Discuss your bladder and bowel habits
  • Assess you with options such as ultrasound or internal examinations
  • We might request that you complete a bladder/bowel diary

Management and treatment may include:

  • Education on healthy bowel and bladder habits
  • Pelvic floor exercises – strengthening OR down training
  • Implementing good toileting habits
  • Advice on techniques and aids to minimise incontinent episodes
  • Exercise advice and functional training
  • Bladder training/calming for overactive bladders
  • Prolapse management, pessary or further medical recommendations
  • Holistic management tools to help manage pelvic pain
  • Therapeutic ultrasound or laser treatment for mastitis/nipple damage

For more information or to book a pelvic health Physiotherapy appointment please contact us on 94486588