Are you having difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels? Are you experiencing pain during intercourse? If so, you may benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy. 

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of treatment that focuses on the muscles and connective tissue in the pelvis. It can help to prevent bladder leakage , reduce pain, and improve sexual function.

This article provides a beginner’s guide to pelvic floor physiotherapy, including information on what it is, how it works, and what to expect in a consultation.

What is pelvic floor physio?

For many women, the pelvic floor is an overlooked and often forgotten part of the body. Your pelvic floor is an important group of muscles located at the base of your pelvis. 

Most people are unaware of the importance of their pelvic floor muscles until they experience discomfort. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a great way to care for those muscles and prevent problems. 

Pelvic floor physio is a type of physical therapy that helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder and bowel, and they also help to control urination and defecation. 

Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to incontinence, prolapse, and pain during sex. Pelvic floor physio can help to treat these conditions by strengthening the muscles and improving coordination. 

What should I expect in my consultation?

A pelvic floor physiotherapy consultation usually lasts for about an hour. During this time, your physiotherapist will take a comprehensive medical history and ask you questions about your symptoms. 

They will carry out a physical examination, which may include an internal examination of the pelvic floor muscles. This will help to assess the tension and tone of the muscles and identify any areas of tenderness or weakness. Don’t worry, this will be done with your consent and with the utmost respect for your privacy. 

At the end of your consultation, your physiotherapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs, which may include exercises, lifestyle changes, and other therapies. 

It’s important to understand that the number of sessions you will need for pelvic floor therapy depends on the severity of your symptoms. In general, most patients will need between six and twelve sessions to experience relief from their symptoms. With commitment and dedication, you can expect to see significant improvements in your condition.

What should I wear to my pelvic floor physio session?

While comfortable clothing is always necessary, it’s especially important when you’re seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist for a session. After all, you’ll likely be doing some exercises that involve movement and stretching, so you’ll want to be able to move freely. 

Loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t constrict your movement is ideal. This might include yoga pants, shorts, or a skirt. You will likely be asked to remove your clothes from the waist down at some point during the session, so always wear clothing that you are comfortable taking off and putting back on. 

Our team here at Healing Haven Physiotherapy is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all patients, and we respect your privacy. If you have any questions or concerns about what to wear, please don’t hesitate to ask.

At Healing Haven Physiotherapy in Edmonton, we understand the importance of providing our clients with high-quality care. 

That’s why we offer pelvic floor therapy to address a variety of issues related to the pelvis. With the right treatments, you can improve your quality of life and enjoy greater comfort and confidence. 

If you think you may benefit from this specialized type of therapy, give us a call at (587) 735-6272 or contact us here.