Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition that many people don’t know about. It can cause pain, discomfort, and problems with daily life for both men and women. It’s important to get the right help as soon as possible, whether it’s because of giving birth, having surgery, getting older, or getting hurt. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you get your normal function and quality of life back by evaluating, diagnosing, and treating problems with the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor.
What is it?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that make up a “hammock” that supports the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles help keep the pelvic organs in place, control the bladder and bowels, and help with sexual function.
When these muscles are too weak, too tight, or don’t work together properly, pelvic floor dysfunction happens.
This can cause symptoms like:
Having to go to the bathroom a lot or leaking urine
Problems with going to the bathroom
Pain or pressure in the pelvis
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain in the lower back
What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?
Some of the most common reasons are:
Giving birth, especially after a hard or multiple births
Surgery on the pelvis, like a hysterectomy or prostate surgery
Hormonal changes that happen with ageing and menopause can affect muscle tone.
Injury or trauma to the lower back or pelvic area
Coughing all the time or lifting heavy things, which can hurt your muscles
Benefits of Going to a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
There are many benefits to working with a skilled pelvic floor physiotherapist, such as:
Better control of the bladder and bowels
Lessening or getting rid of pelvic pain
Muscle strength and coordination have returned.
Better sexual performance
More self-assurance in everyday tasks
Read our last post, “How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help with Urinary Incontinence,” to find out more.
Who It’s For :
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is good for:
Pregnant women or women who have just given birth
Men who have pelvic pain or problems after prostate surgery
Older people who can’t control their bladder
Athletes who have lower back pain or unstable cores
Anyone who has pelvic pain that can’t be explained
How to treat pelvic floor dysfunction?
The treatment is personalized and may include:
Manual therapy is a way to relax tense muscles by using gentle techniques on the inside or outside of the body.
Kegel exercises for the pelvic floor can help strengthen or relax muscles.
Biofeedback is the use of sensors to keep an eye on muscle activity.
Changes to your lifestyle and education can help your bladder and bowel health.
Shockwave Therapy helps tissues heal and blood flow better (more on this below).
Pelvic Health Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to help damaged or tight tissues heal. It can help with pelvic floor dysfunction by improving circulation, lowering pain, and speeding up muscle recovery. When used with manual therapy and exercise, it often works faster and lasts longer.
Why Pick Us
We use both evidence-based care and a personalized approach at our Mississauga clinic. Our licensed pelvic floor physiotherapist will listen to your worries, do a full evaluation, and make a personalized plan just for you. We want to help you feel good about your body again by focusing on comfort, privacy, and long-term results.
In conclusion
You don’t have to put up with pelvic floor dysfunction in silence. A skilled pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you feel better, get your body back in shape, and get back to doing the things you love.
FAQs
- What does a pelvic floor physiotherapist do?
They assess and treat issues affecting the pelvic floor muscles, including weakness, tightness, or dysfunction, using exercises, manual therapy, and education. - Is pelvic floor PT worth it?
Yes. It can significantly improve symptoms like incontinence, pelvic pain, and muscle coordination, enhancing your quality of life. - What do they do during pelvic floor physical therapy?
Sessions may involve muscle assessments, guided exercises, relaxation techniques, and education on lifestyle changes for better pelvic health. - Does physiotherapy help the pelvic floor?
Absolutely. Physiotherapy can restore strength, flexibility, and coordination in pelvic floor muscles, reducing pain and improving bladder and bowel control.
Book your appointment today to take the first step towards better pelvic health. We’ll help you feel better about yourself again.