Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: Frequently Asked Questions

Are you curious about Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy? Do you have questions or concerns about this specialized therapy? At Yoga Mamas, our trained Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists are here to support and guide you. Read this blog where we address your most commonly asked questions. 

What does Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy involve?
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. The pelvic floor muscles also play an important role in sexual function, core stability, and posture.

At Yoga Mamas, a highly skilled Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist will assess the strength, tone, and function of your pelvic floor muscles. This may involve an internal examination, where the physiotherapist will gently insert a gloved finger into the vagina to feel for muscle tension, strength, and coordination. Your physiotherapist will continually check in with you to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during your session.

Based on the assessment, the physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan that may include:

1. Pelvic floor muscle exercises: These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles to improve their strength and coordination.
2. Manual therapy: This may involve techniques such as massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy to release tension in the muscles and improve blood flow.
3. Education: The physiotherapist may provide education on posture, breathing, and techniques to manage symptoms such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and constipation.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a drug-free approach to improving pelvic health and can be helpful for a range of conditions, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

What happens during a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment?

During a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment, the physiotherapist will ask you about your medical history, current symptoms, and any previous treatments you may have had for pelvic floor dysfunction. The physiotherapist will also inquire about your daily habits, such as your diet, fluid intake, and exercise routine, as these can affect your pelvic health.

At Yoga Mamas we want every experience to be as comfortable as possible. Before your examination, your physiotherapist will go through any concerns or questions you may have. The examination may include both external and internal assessments. For the internal assessment, the physiotherapist will use a gloved finger to feel the pelvic floor muscles and assess their strength, tone, and coordination. This is done while you are lying down, and the physiotherapist will explain the process beforehand to ensure you feel comfortable and at ease.

During the internal assessment, the physiotherapist will also check for any tenderness, pain, or trigger points in the pelvic floor muscles. They may also assess the mobility of the pelvic organs, such as the bladder and uterus, to see if they are prolapsed or descending.

Based on the assessment, the physiotherapist will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include pelvic floor muscle exercises, manual therapy, education on posture, breathing, and lifestyle modifications. The physiotherapist will also discuss the frequency of follow-up visits based on your goals and schedule.

How do you know if you need pelvic floor physiotherapy?

You may benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or conditions:

1. Diastasis Recti: If you have a noticeable gap or separation between the abdominal muscles, usually appearing as a bulge or ridge in the midline of the abdomen, you likely have diastasis recti. It is common during or after pregnancy. It can result in a protruding belly, lower back pain, poor posture, weakened core muscles, and difficulty with activities that require abdominal strength. Pelvic floor phystiotherapy improves the function and integrity of the abdominal muscles, helping to reduce the separation associated with diastasis recti.
2. Preparing for labour: Prepare for a smoother childbirth experience with our Registered Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists. We offer techniques and exercises like perineal massage, optimal delivery positions, and hands-on maneuvers for labour comfort. We educate on breathing, alignment, and posture, and provide postpartum healing exercises. Partners or support persons are welcome to attend. Suitable for vaginal and C-section deliveries, these sessions optimize pelvic health, prevent damage, and facilitate faster recovery.
   
3. Postpartum recovery: After giving birth, the pelvic floor muscles endure trauma, leading to potential issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pain during intercourse. Postpartum, our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists help strengthen these muscles, restore the core, and address scar tissue and hypersensitivity for pain-free intercourse. Cesarean birthing parents will also benefit from treatment from our physiotherapists which includes cesarean scar assessment. Our experienced Physiotherapists provide personalized care to help you achieve your goals and improve overall well-being.
4. Urinary incontinence: If you experience leakage of urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise, you may have stress urinary incontinence. If you have a sudden and strong urge to urinate and are unable to make it to the bathroom in time, you may have urge urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve bladder control and reduce urinary leakage.​
5. Pelvic pain: If you experience pain in the pelvic area, lower back, or hips, you may have pelvic pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help release tension in the pelvic floor muscles and improve blood flow to the area, which can reduce pain.
6. Painful intercourse: If you experience pain during intercourse, you may have a condition called dyspareunia. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve the relaxation and flexibility of the pelvic floor muscles, which can reduce pain during intercourse.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or conditions, it is recommended that you book an initial appointment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist for further evaluation and treatment.

Is pelvic floor physiotherapy painful?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is generally not painful, but some discomfort or pressure may be experienced during an internal assessment. However, your physiotherapist will work with you to ensure you feel comfortable and at ease during the assessment.

During the treatment sessions, the physiotherapist may use manual techniques to release tension in the muscles. These techniques may involve some pressure or discomfort, but should not be painful. Your physiotherapist will be be continually checking in with you to ensure that the treatment is comfortable, and will modify accordingly based on your feedback.

After a pelvic floor physiotherapy session, you may feel some discomfort. Strengthening your pelvic muscle is similar to working out any other muscle in your body and you may feel similar soreness.

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How do you prepare for a pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment?

1. Research: Before your appointment, take some time to research what to expect during a pelvic floor physiotherapy session. This will help you feel more comfortable and informed about the process.
2. Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement. You may be asked to perform certain exercises or movements during the session, so clothing that is easy to move in is important.​
3. Relaxation: It is normal to feel anxious or nervous before your first pelvic floor physiotherapy session, but try to stay as relaxed as possible. You can practice deep breathing or other relaxation techniques to help calm your nerves.
4. Communication: It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your physiotherapist about your symptoms, concerns, and comfort level. This will help them provide the most effective treatment possible.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your pelvic floor physiotherapy session is as comfortable and effective as possible.
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What do pelvic floor physiotherapists do for your pelvic floor?

Pelvic floor physiotherapists use a variety of techniques to help improve the function of your pelvic floor muscles. Here are some of the things you can expect during your treatment at Yoga Mamas:

1. Assessment: The physiotherapist will assess your pelvic floor muscles through a combination of external and internal examinations to determine muscle tone, strength, and flexibility.
2. Education: The physiotherapist will educate you on the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor muscles, and how to properly engage and relax them.
3. Exercises: The physiotherapist will prescribe exercises designed to strengthen or relax your pelvic floor muscles, depending on your individual needs.
4. Manual therapy: The physiotherapist may use massage, internal release therapy, or stretching to help improve muscle function and reduce tension.
5. Lifestyle changes: The physiotherapist may recommend changes to your diet, hydration, and posture that can help improve the function of your pelvic floor muscles.

By using these techniques, our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists can help alleviate symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. They can also help prevent future issues by improving muscle function and providing education on proper pelvic floor health.