commonly prescribed in pelvic health physiotherapy

If you have urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, or problems with sexual function, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help. This is a form of physical therapy that can strengthen, release and improve coordination of the muscles that support the bladder, urethra, anus, rectum, cervix, and vagina.

Pelvic floor muscles are important in everyday activities, but they are also critical to healthy sex and normal orgasm. During sex, these muscles contract to stop urine or stool leakage and help stabilize the pelvic girdle during movement. If they become weak or dysfunctional, it can lead to urinary incontinence and pain in the lower back or pelvic girdle. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy East Sheen helps patients improve their symptoms and return to daily activities and sports that they enjoy.

In most cases, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Depending on your symptoms, your physiotherapist may perform an initial assessment of the area and ask you to perform some basic exercises. For example, they will ask you to do a kegel, which is a contraction of the pelvic floor muscles similar to how you would hold your breath during a cough. They will also ask you to bear down (assume the position of trying to pass gas), and feel externally for tight areas.

What exercises are commonly prescribed in pelvic health physiotherapy?

The physiotherapist can teach you how to perform these exercises at home and show you ways to integrate them into your daily routine. They can also use a technique called trigger point therapy, which involves putting pressure on tight spots in the body, known as trigger points, to relieve them. They can apply this treatment at the clinic, or you can use a self-treatment device to release these tensions.

Other exercises commonly prescribed in pelvic health physiotherapy include a “butterfly” exercise, which is performed lying on your back with your legs together and your knees falling open to mimic the position of a butterfly’s wings. Using your inner thighs, you can then attempt to lift them off the ground, a challenge that is very effective for improving proprioceptive awareness and core strength. Another is the “elevator” exercise, which involves imagining riding in an elevator, contracting your pelvic floor muscles as it rises and then relaxing them, one floor at a time. As your strength and awareness increase, you can start to increase the number of floors.

If your pelvic floor muscles are severely denervated due to significant nerve injury, then these types of strengthening exercises may be impossible and you will need a different type of treatment. Your physiotherapist can help determine whether this is the case, and can provide other treatment options such as vaginal dry needling or biofeedback with EMG (monitoring and feedback of muscle activity). There are also home-based technology options that may be useful for you, including pelvic floor contraction apps and devices. However, it’s important to consult with your therapist for recommendations for safe and effective products.