What is pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor are a group of muscles that are designed to support the bladder, uterus and bowel. The pelvic floor is located between the tailbone and the pubic bone of the pelvis. They are responsible for preventing incontinence, prolapse and sexual dysfunction. These group of muscles can be weakened by pregnancy, obesity, cancer treatments and chronic constipation. In this blog, we are going to focus on urinary incontinence, a common cause of weak pelvic floor muscles. Are you always searching for the toilet? Do you leak during exercise sneezing or coughing? This may be signs of urinary incontinence. This can be diagnosed by a general practitioner or a pelvic floor physiotherapists. This will often involve a detailed medical history, physical examination that involve the patient to attempt to tighten their pelvic floor muscles. Treatment often involves pelvic floor training, decreasing body weight and incorporating a well-balanced fibrous diet. Pelvic floor training can take several weeks for see improvement, similar to any muscle in the body, it can take some time for it to strengthen up.
Sample of how to contract your pelvic floor muscle
Sit on a chair in a comfortable position. Lift the pelvic floor up from the surface you are sitting on by contracting the urethra, vagina and rectum. Perform a slow and firm squeeze so you can feel a slight pull from the stomach. A common verbal cue that can help someone to contract the pelvic floor is to think about stopping the flow of urine. After 6-8 seconds firm squeeze then release the contraction. It is important to relax and breathe throughout the pelvic floor contraction phase. Feel the difference between contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.
How can physiotherapy help with pelvic floor training?
Physiotherapy can provide specific pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the muscles. These exercises will also strengthen the brain and body connection which will allow you use control your pelvic floor muscles when you need it. For example, the extra weight and hormone changes of pregnancy can cause poor pelvic floor muscles, this can lead to urinary incontinence. People who have urinary incontinence may feel anxious going outdoors because they have difficulty controlling their bladder. Pelvic floor training can help strengthen the muscles to help regain control of the bladder and remove insecurities of unprovoked urinary leakage. Our female physiotherapists will be able to perform a detailed pelvic floor assessment to determine if you have pelvic floor issues. Contact us today to book an appointment with a Myphysio physiotherapists. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on physiotherapy tips.
In the month of March 2024, Myphysio is offering 50% off pelvic floor assessment to celebrate international women’s day. Mention BLOG50 at checkout to receive your discount and get your rehabilitation journey started with an experienced physiotherapists.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care professional. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your health care provider.