WHAT IS THE PELVIC FLOOR?
The pelvic floor muscles stretch like a trampoline sling of inter-woven muscles across the floor of the pelvis running from the front of the pelvis (pubic symphysis-pubic bone joint) to the back of the pelvis (coccyx- tailbone) and sideways to the sitting bones. These muscles play an extremely important role in supporting and controlling the bladder, uterus(womb), and bowel as well as sexual function.
WHAT CAUSES PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE WEAKNESS?
Many factors over the years can impact upon the pelvic floor muscles. These include the life stages of pregnancy, childbirth, perimenopause, menopause, stress, anxiety, persistent heavy lifting, medications, chronic coughing, chronic constipation, diabetes, weight gain, sports loads, post-surgical gynaecological issues, and decline in hormones such as oestrogen.
Oestrogen plays a significant role in vaginal health and urethral sphincter (front passage) closing and helps develop and maintain muscle.
Research has demonstrated that one in three women who have had a baby can experience bladder leakage. Incontinence is common but not normal.
Weakened pelvic floor muscles as a result from pregnancy or childbirth can lead to incontinence (urinary and/or faecal), flatus(wind) control issues, and potentially pelvic organ prolapse. Women can also have “overactive” pelvic floor muscles which can result in pelvic pain.
WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE MY PELVIC FLOOR?
The GOOD NEWS is that a Women’s Health Physiotherapist can help!
Evidenced based research has shown that conservative women’s physiotherapy is the first line recommendation for incontinence. A Women’s Health Physiotherapist can teach women how to strengthen their weak pelvic floor through specific exercises and a thorough individualised Women’s Health physiotherapy assessment and advice can improve incontinence.
A patient-centred approach is the most appropriate choice of treatment together with a thorough physiotherapy assessment and management.
Women’s Health Physiotherapy advice can consist of avoiding constipation and/or straining with a bowel motion, persistent heavy lifting, and coughing. It is important to maintain a healthy weight range through diet, adequate fluid intake, and to look after your pelvic floor through specific exercises. Other important factors include stress management techniques such as exercise, mindfulness, meditation, and receiving professional support.
Getting the right physiotherapy advice at the right time often makes “the world of difference”!