Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: A physio expertise that assesses musculoskeletal problems surrounding the pelvis

What is the pelvic floor and what are its functions?

The pelvic floor is made of muscles at the base of the pelvis. They extend from the pubic bones anteriorly to the tailbone posteriorly. These form a "hammock" that supports the pelvic organs (Bladder, Uterus, and Rectum) and viscera. They participate in lumbar, pelvic, and sacroiliac stability/support. The pelvic floor muscles have sexual and reproductive functions, as well as an evacuation and sealing function, to close or open the openings of the urethra, vagina, and anus. 

 

Here are the conditions I can help you with:

 

  • Urinary conditions:
    • Urgency, stress and mixed urinary incontinence
    • Overactive Bladder
    • Urinary urgencies
    • Increased urinary frequency
    • Nocturia (Urination at night)

 

  • Pregnancy:
    • Abdominal diastasis
    • Prevention and maintenance of pelvic floor health during pregnancy and in post-partum
    • C-section
    • Pelvic girdle pain (sacro-iliac and pubic bone)
    • Planning a return to sports in post-partum

 

  • Ano-rectal conditions:
    • Fecal incontinence
    • Difficulty in bowel movements
    • Rectal pain, fissures, or hemorrhoids

 

  • Pain:
    •  Pelvic floor pain related to sexual relations (dyspareunia)
    • Pain management techniques for women with endometriosis
    • Low back, pelvis, hips, and sacroiliac region

 

  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Organ descent)
    • Bladder, Urethra, Uterus, Rectum

 

  • Prevention and maintenance of pelvic floor health for active women

 

What does the pelvic floor assessment consist of?

The assessment includes a questionnaire, followed by a physical examination.

 

The questionnaire aims to assess the function of the urological, anorectal, and gynecological organs daily. Your physiotherapist will ask you questions on your reason for consultation, your medical history, your gynecological and obstetric history, your urinary, anorectal, and sexual function, and your lifestyle (diet, hydration, physical activities, and sleep). All this information will ensure a better understanding of your condition and its causes.

 

The physical examination includes an assessment of the pelvic floor muscles externally and/or internally. The strength, endurance, power, coordination, tone (stiffness) of the pelvic floor muscles are examples of what is tested during the internal exam. Without being limited to the perineum, a comprehensive approach considers the adjacent joint and muscle structures, such as the sacroiliac joint, the hips, the “CORE” (abdominal, lumbar/thoracic, pelvic floor muscles and, the diaphragm) ... The posture, the respiratory pattern, the management of intra-abdominal pressure, adhesions or scarring of the abdomen, and functional movements are elements assessed during a pelvic floor physiotherapy consultation.

 

What are the techniques/tools used in pelvic floor physiotherapy?

  • Manual therapy of these regions:
    • Pelvis
    • Tailbone
    • Sacro-iliac joint
    • Hips
    • Ribs
    • Lumbar and Thoracic spine
  • Muscle stretching
  • Soft tissue release and myofascial release
  • Strengthening, coordination, and endurance exercises
  • Breathing techniques
  • Postural corrections
  • Scar tissue mobilization
  • A bladder/bowel diary
  • Advice related to:
    • Lifestyle (diet, fluid intake…)
    • Evacuation of stool
    • Posture and transfers
    • Exercises and sports
    • Pregnancy and post-partum
    • Pain management
    • Sexual relations (positions to reduce pain, use of a lubricant/moisturizer…) 

 

Get all the answers and knowledge you need to understand your pelvis, your body and how to keep it functioning well.  Book a consult with Kimberly Lessard, a dedicated Pelvic Health Physiotherapist!

 

Phone: 250-551-9119

[email protected]

Kimberly Lessard, MPT, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

Book online: https://salmophysio.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/4