This is a question I get asked a lot regarding the practice of pelvic health (which is also known as pelvic floor) physiotherapy.
Many of us have heard of the pelvic floor and know that there are muscles in the region; but, what is it exactly and why is it so important? The pelvic floor describes the muscles, ligaments, nerves and connective tissue that create a hammock across our entire pelvis. We can take it’s vital functions for granted:
- It supports the pelvic organs,
- holds back bladder & bowel movements to help maintain continence,
- controls sexual function,
- helps support the low back, hips, and pelvic girdle,
- it acts as a sump-pump to help get blood & lymph back to the heart
This area of physiotherapy focuses on the assessment and treatment of those essential components we talked about above. It’s important to note that we also integrate the body as a whole and want to figure out the root cause of the issue – not symptom chasing! Care for the pelvic floor is much more than just doing kegels ⚠️(FYI they’re not always indicated either!)
Pelvic floor dysfunction is the underlying
cause for many common, but NOT normal,
issues – ie. urinary leakage (incontinence),
painful periods, pain with intercourse,
orthopaedic pain, GI & bowel dysfunction,
and much more.
And yet, most of us do nothing to ensure
these muscles are in good health or seek
help for these common issues.
It is a misconception to think that there is nothing you can do about these common symptoms.
Pelvic floor Physiotherapy (PT) can help resolve each of these symptoms, along with many others. Pelvic floor PT uses techniques to release muscle and tissue tenderness & tension, restores normal function & works to address the underlying cause to prevent reoccurrence.
If you have further questions if pelvic floor physiotherapy is right for you, please feel free to contact us using the link below to discuss. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have!
If you’d like a FREE resource with more info – click below & make sure to request your pelvic floor info package!
-Anne Marie DeFaria, PT, MScPT, BSc
Registered Physiotherapist, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist