Have you just given birth and would like to safely return to exercise? Do you experience episodes where you can not control your bladder or bowel? Do you feel a heaviness in your pelvic area? Read below!
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is made up of a combination of muscle, fascia and thick fibrous tissue. It functions to support your pelvic organs which include the bladder, uterus and bowel.
The pelvic floor muscles are much like a hammock or sling that act to support your pelvic organs by providing a lifting motion. If your pelvic muscles are not strong enough, the fascia and fibrous tissues that also give support are overloaded and stretch over time. This is referred to as “creep”. This can lead to symptoms such as incontinence or prolapse.
Signs of pelvic floor dysfunction can include the following:
- Getting sudden urges to go to the toilet
- Incontinence of efforts (sneezing, coughing, running)
- Leaking urine or faecal staining
- Unable to control passing wind
- Going to the toilet too often during the day OR night time
- Feeling heaviness/dragging feeling in the pelvic area
- Difficulty emptying bladder or bowel completely
Who is most at risk?
- Any woman who has given birth (particularly those with complex vaginal birth eg. use of forceps)
- Any woman with a history of chronic constipation or chronic respiratory conditions
- Any woman with a history of regular heavy lifting or who has been an elite/high level athlete (in particular those with high impact sports background)
The good news is that most of the time, pelvic floor dysfunction can be managed with the right advice and exercise.
Our physiotherapists Amber & Claire have a special interest in womens health and pregnancy/post-partum care - call the practice on 03 6237 0045 and we can book you in for an assessment.
Written by Kirsty Whalan (MPhysio, BExSc, APAM)