Important Concepts Regarding Pelvic Physiotherapy ACT AU Residents May Find Beneficial

By Stephen Lewis


Pelvic physiotherapy is commonly prescribed for individuals with poor strength of muscles in this area. It has been established that straining is what mainly causes muscle strength to be lost. Pregnancy is among the typical situations that make the pelvic floor vulnerable because of the stress exerted on the urinary bladder during the pregnancy itself and when delivery takes place. There are several facts on pelvic physiotherapy ACT AU residents may find interesting.

One of the symptoms that may indicate poor muscle strength is incontinence of urine and stool. In this case, the individual has no control over their sphincter function. They end up soiling their inner clothes without knowing. Sometimes, even just a mere laugh or cough can cause release of stool or urine. In the early stages, affected individuals may just be unable to contain their waste for long but have intact sphincter control.

Other than incontinence, which is usually caused by muscle weakness, patients may have symptoms related to excessive tightness of muscles. A person may have difficulty passing stool or strain during urination. Additionally, they may complain of increased frequency, urgency, intermittency or even incomplete emptying of their bladder. Others may experience pain during sexual intercourse.

Pelvic floor muscles provide a strong support system for organs within the pelvis including the urinary bladder, the uterus, rectum and prostate in men. The organs are held in place by the muscles which attach to the bony pelvis and the outer surface of the organs. They also strengthen the various canals in the perineum including the vagina, urethra and the rectum. Contraction facilitates containment while relaxation causes release of urine or stool.

Physiotherapy of muscles in the pelvic floor can be performed by either the individual themselves or a trained professional physiotherapist. The choice depends on factors such as convenience, severity of symptoms and the age of the patient. Elderly patients may not be able to the exercises on their own and often require assistance. For those who are capable, a relaxed atmosphere is key if effectiveness is to be achieved.

Usually, the person sits or lies down on a couch, depending on what is comfortable for them. Once they are well positioned, they can begin to contract their muscles in the anal region as if trying to contain a fart or gush of watery stool. In the urinary tract, this is achieved when the individual urinates, stops midway then urinates again. This kind of urine interruption should not be done too many times to prevent complications.

When a professional sees you, the aim is to obtain a diagnosis and formulate an effective treatment plan. The professional will have to ask you certain questions in order to better understand your condition. At the very least, they will test your vaginal and rectal tone through a digital examination. Physiotherapy can be prescribed as a long term measure of achieving muscle strength.

Pelvic physiotherapy is also indicated for various other conditions such as organ prolapse, pain during sexual intercourse and irritable bowel syndrome among others. The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity and the exact nature of the problem. Patience is a key requirement to the success of the exercises.




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