PFPT - pelvic floor physiotherapy

Pelvic floor muscles are the layer of muscles that support the pelvic organs and span the bottom of the pelvis. The pelvic organs are the bladder and bowel in men and bladder, bowel and uterus in women. These layers stretch like a hammock from the tailbone at the back to the pubic bone in front. A man’s pelvic floor muscles support his bladder and bowel. The urine tube and the back passage all pass through the pelvic floor muscles. Your pelvic floor muscles help you to control your bladder and bowel. Pelvic floor muscles form the base of the group of muscles commonly called the core. These muscles work with the deep abdominal (tummy) and back muscles and the diaphragm (breathing muscle) to support the spine and control the pressure inside the abdomen. They also help sexual function. It is vital to keep your pelvic floor muscles strong.
The pelvic floor muscles play an important role in supporting the pelvic organs, bladder and bowel control and sexual function, in both men and women.

During exercise, the internal pressure in the abdomen changes. For example, when lifting a weight the internal pressure increases then returns to normal when the weight is put down. In the ideal situation the regulation of pressure within the abdomen happens automatically. For example, when lifting a weight the muscles of the core work together as well. The pelvic floor muscles lift the abdominal and back muscles draw in to support the spine, and breathing is easy. In this scenario, the pelvic floor muscles respond appropriately to the increase in abdominal pressure. If any of the muscles of the core, including the pelvic floor, are weakened or damaged, this coordinated automatic action may be altered. In this situation, during exercises that increase the internal abdominal pressure, there is potential to overload the pelvic floor, causing downward.

When this happens repeatedly during each exercise session/activity, over time this may place a downward strain on the pelvic organs and this may result in loss of bladder or bowel control or pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic floor symptoms can be potentially worsened if a problem already exists. Pelvic floor muscles need to be flexible to work as part of the core, which means that they need to be able to relax as well as lift and hold. It is common for people to brace their core muscles constantly during exercise in the belief they are supporting the spine, but constant bracing can lead to the muscles becoming excessively tight and stiff. Pelvic floor muscle stiffness commonly coexists with muscle weakness and can contribute to problems such as urinary urgency and leakage. Other problems often associated with the pelvic floor muscles being too tight include pelvic pain, pain during intercourse and difficulty emptying the bladder.

Common signs and symptoms of a problem with your pelvic floor include:

• Accidentally leaking urine when you exercise, laugh, cough or sneeze 
• Needing to get to the toilet in a hurry or not making it there in time
• The need to frequently go to the toilet
• Finding it difficult to empty your bladder or bowel
• Accidental loss of feces or gas or not able to hold the gas
• Prolapsed rectum- a bulging coming out of the anal canal
• Prolapse of uterus (in females)
• Pelvic pain- Pain in lower abdomen from a long time and not getting diagnosed or Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)
• Pain during sexual intercourse or pain after ejaculation
• Urinary leakage during sexual intercourse or with ejaculation
• Premature ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction

Your risk is increased if you tick one or more of the following:

• you regularly lift heavy weights (e.g. at the gym or as part of your job)
• you strain often to empty your bowels (constipation)
• you have a chronic cough or sneeze
• you are overweight or have a Body Mass Index greater than 25
• you have had trauma to the pelvis area (e.g. a fall, pelvic radiotherapy)
• you have a history of back pain.
• Sedentary life style
• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) is a multidisciplinary program that involves numerous rehabilitation principles such as muscle floor retraining, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor and functionally associated musculature. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is an approach to improving the strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor rehabilitation uses the principles of physical therapy to provide a structured program for reconditioning these muscles. We work with each patient to develop a personalized program for building strength and improving pelvic floor function.

Improving your control over bladder and bowel function

Reducing the risk of prolapse (‘sagging’ of internal organs)

Better recovery from childbirth and surgery (in women)

Better recovery after prostate surgery

Increased social confidence and quality of life.

Let our representatives know you are interested in an appointment with our experts.