Introduction

Physiotherapy of the pelvic floor is an important but underestimated procedure. This article will introduce the reader to the topic of pelvic floor physiotherapy and highlight the most prominent advantages of this method.

Education

The pelvic floor represents a muscular-fascial structure, which extends from the pubis to the sacrum. The pelvic floor muscles control and regulate a number of essential functions, such as urination and bowel movement. Dysfunction of the pelvic floor leads to diverse problems, such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and decreased sex drive.

Physiotherapy of the pelvic floor is a specialized field of physiotherapy. A physiotherapist's task is to examine and analyze the state of the pelvic floor and treat its dysfunction.

Physiotherapists treat many diseases related to the pelvic floor. In particular, they help to restore the function of the pelvic floor muscles with a set of special exercises.

In addition, pelvic floor physiotherapists have extensive knowledge of rehabilitation. Consequently, they are able to prescribe the appropriate treatment regimen and recommend drugs to patients. Physiotherapists also provide patients with advice on adjusting their daily routine to improve the therapeutic effect.

Physiotherapists usually carry out a complete physical examination and inspection. First of all, the doctor asks standard questions to learn about the patient’s health history and current physical condition. Subsequently, the doctor conducts a physical examination, during which he/she identifies the degree of tension and strength of the pelvic floor muscles.

A general physical examination and additional tests may also be necessary. In addition, the doctor examines the patient and collects detailed information about the patient’s personal history and symptoms. A vaginal or rectal examination is also performed; although it may be uncomfortable, this procedure helps to determine the current state of the pelvic floor muscles. The results of the examination will enable the physician to prescribe the necessary course of treatment.

Methods

Exercise therapy is the main method of treating pelvic floor dysfunction. Physiotherapists can prescribe a set of special exercises, aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, and recommend a course of treatment. In particular, the doctor may prescribe Kegel exercises, which are designed to relieve pressure on the pelvic floor.

The essence of Kegel exercises lies in contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises are recommended for patients suffering from problems related to the pelvic floor. In addition, these exercises can be supplemented with special workouts during the visit to the pelvic floor physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy procedures include a wide range of therapeutic methods, such as manual therapy, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation. In addition, the doctor may recommend a series of treatments to relieve pain and muscle spasms.

Physiotherapy also includes providing the patient with advice and recommendations. For example, physiotherapists may give instructions on diet and lifestyle changes to help the patient gain control over the pelvic floor muscles.

In addition, such patients should be advised to wear comfortable clothes and avoid heavy physical activity. Maintaining a good fluid intake, a diet that does not cause constipation, and a rich in vitamins diet will reduce the likelihood of pelvic floor dysfunction.

The method of biofeedback includes monitoring and recording the state of the pelvic floor muscles. When using biofeedback, the patient learns to voluntarily contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles. Electrical stimulation is another method of physiotherapy, which is used to stimulate weak pelvic floor muscles.

Finally, behavior therapy is a method of physiotherapy, which is aimed at restoring the patient’s ability to control urination and bowel movements. Biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and behavior therapy are effective treatments for several disorders of the pelvic floor, including urinary retention and fecal incontinence.

Advantages

The strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles enables the prevention and treatment of many diseases, ranging from incontinence to interstitial cystitis. Physiotherapy makes it possible to restore disrupted neural control of the pelvic floor muscles and reduce the discomfort caused by its dysfunction.

A pelvic floor physiotherapist can help treat a variety of conditions, including urge incontinence, fecal incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, vaginal prolapse after pregnancy, painful intercourse, and reduced sex drive.

The strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles reduces discomfort during sexual intercourse caused by the tension of the pelvic floor muscles during sex. In addition, increasing the tone of these muscles reduces the pressure of the pubic bone on the clitoris during sex.

Another essential advantage of pelvic floor physiotherapy is prevention of pelvic organ prolapse. This disorder occurs due to the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues and the inability of the pelvic floor to support the uterus, bladder, and bowels during pregnancy.

As a result of this disease, a woman’s organs descend and protrude from the vagina. Many women are prone to this problem after pregnancy while pelvic floor physical therapy can be an effective treatment. The procedure also helps to restore the body to normal after pregnancy and childbirth.

Finally, one of the most significant advantages of pelvic floor physiotherapy is an improvement in the patient’s quality of life. Physiotherapy reduces or thoroughly eliminates discomfort and pain in the pelvic area and makes it easier for the patient to perform daily activities, ranging from walking to sleeping.

Who Needs It?

Physiotherapy of the pelvic floor is recommended to women during pregnancy and after childbirth.

In addition, pelvic floor physiotherapy is indicated for men and women who suffer from incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, and pelvic prolapse.

In addition, men often turn to pelvic floor physiotherapy after prostate surgery. This procedure is also indicated for athletes who have received a traumatic injury to the pelvic floor muscles. The listed groups of patients can benefit greatly from a pelvic floor physiotherapist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article describes the issue of physiotherapy of the pelvic floor. This procedure is useful in many diseases related to the dysfunction of the pelvic floor. Physiotherapy enables the patient to restore neural control of the pelvic floor and relieve the associated discomfort. Nevertheless, despite the many benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy, a large part of the world’s population remains unaware of the procedure. Raising people’s awareness of the problem of pelvic floor dysfunction and its treatment is an important factor in reducing the number of incontinence and other disorders of the pelvic floor.