Pelvic floor and perineal rehabilitation is a specialized branch of physiotherapy focused on the pelvic region and its associated muscles. These muscles, commonly referred to as the pelvic floor muscles, play an essential role in supporting our organs (bladder, uterus, and rectum) as well as maintaining continence. They also have a sexual function, in addition to stabilizing the lumbar and pelvic regions.
Thus, dysfunction of the pelvic floor, in both men and women, can lead to various issues.
First Appointment:
During the initial meeting, we begin with an assessment. I start by asking you various questions related to your condition to fully understand it.
Next, we conduct a physical assessment. This typically consists of two parts. In the first part, I examine the back, pelvis and abdominal regions through various physical tests.
The second part involves evaluating the internal muscles of the pelvic floor and therefore requires a vaginal and/or anal examination. Subsequent treatments may also involve internal techniques, depending on your condition and the determined treatment plan. Your consent to all stages of assessment and treatment will always be confirmed, and you can withdraw it at any time.
Following that, we will establish your treatment plan, and an exercise program will be taught to you. Depending on your condition, manual therapy may also be included.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of conditions that can be treated with pelvic floor physiotherapy:
- Urinary incontinence (stress or urgency leaks)
- Pain during penetration (vestibulodynia, vaginismus)
- Evacuation disorder (chronic constipation)
- Fecal and/or gas incontinence (involuntary loss of stool and gas)
- Frequent urination (very frequent need to urinate during the day and/or night)
- Organ prolapse (uterine prolapse, cystocele, rectocele)
- Pelvic pain, painful pelvic syndrome (often confused with other diagnoses such as interstitial cystitis, frequent urinary tract infections, or prostatitis)
- Pudendal nerve compression syndrome
- Pubalgia (pain in the pubic area)
- Urinary leakage after prostatectomy
And so on.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy and post-partum
A follow-up in pelvic floor physiotherapy is a valuable resource during pregnancy and after childbirth. Indeed, even in the absence of symptoms, there are various reasons to seek a pelvic rehabilitation consultation, including:
- Preparation for childbirth: to learn propper pushing techniques during labor and reduce the risk of tearing.
- Treatment of Common Pregnancy Pains: Pain relief for common pregnancy discomforts such as pubic symphysis (pubis) pain, back pain, pelvic pain, sacroiliac pain, etc.
- Postpartum Rehabilitation: rehabilitation following both vaginal and cesarean deliveries. This aims at faster recovery of pelvic and abdominal muscles, facilitating a proper return to physical activity, and preventing future issues such as incontinence and organ prolapse.
- Treatment of abdominal diastasis (diastasis recti): addressing the separation of the abdominal muscles.
- Treatment of Post-Cesarean or Other Surgical Scars: managing pain and addressing any adhesions resulting from a C- section or other surgeries.
- Postpartum Pain Management: addressing any pain experienced after childbirth.