Pelvic floor dysfunction, characterized by difficulty controlling the muscles in the pelvic floor, can lead to symptoms like incontinence and pelvic pain that may affect daily activities and overall quality of life. Effectively managed through physiotherapy, treatments include targeted exercises and biofeedback, helping to strengthen the pelvic muscles and alleviate discomfort.
As with all conditions, this information is simply a guide, and it is always best to check in with a Physiotherapist or Athletic Therapist to have a personalized assessment and hear recommendations for what you and your body may specifically need.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a prevalent condition where the muscles in the pelvic floor do not relax and coordinate properly when you need to urinate or have a bowel movement. Picture your pelvis as a house for vital organs such as your bladder, uterus, prostate, and rectum, with your pelvic floor muscles serving as the foundation that keeps everything stable and in place.
Under normal circumstances, these muscles should tighten and relax seamlessly as required—similar to how you might flex your biceps while lifting something heavy or clench your fist. This muscle action is essential for using the bathroom comfortably and effectively.
However, if you suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction, there is a persistent tightening of these muscles instead of the necessary relaxation. This ongoing tension can lead to several uncomfortable and often distressing symptoms, including:
While pelvic floor dysfunction focuses primarily on the functionality and coordination issues within the pelvic muscles, pelvic floor disorders encompass a broader range of conditions that affect both the structure and function of these crucial support systems. Here’s an overview of the most common pelvic floor disorders that can manifest from or contribute to dysfunction:
Urinary incontinence involves the involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur when there is pressure exerted on the bladder (stress incontinence) or when there is an overwhelming urge to urinate that cannot be controlled (urge incontinence). It's a widespread issue, especially among women, and can significantly impact quality of life.
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing unexpected leaks of stool. This disorder can be due to nerve damage, weakened pelvic muscles, or problems within the digestive system.
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become so weak that one or more of the pelvic organs drop from their normal position and bulge into the vagina or anus. Women may feel or see a bulge that can interfere with sexual function and cause discomfort and other symptoms like urinary problems.
This broad category encompasses several issues related to urinating, including difficulty starting a urine stream, painful urination, and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Often, voiding dysfunctions are caused by a lack of coordination between the bladder muscles and the urethra.
Fistulas, specifically vesicovaginal and rectovaginal, involve abnormal openings between the bladder and the vagina or the rectum and vagina, respectively. These can lead to continuous leakage of urine or feces into the vagina, causing significant discomfort and hygiene problems.
This category includes various non-cancerous complications like vaginal cysts, vaginal agenesis (absence of the vagina), and urethral diverticulum. These conditions can cause symptoms ranging from discomfort to infection and require specialized medical treatment to manage effectively.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors that weaken or impair the function of the pelvic floor muscles. Here are the main causes in a simplified form:
Diagnosing pelvic floor dysfunction generally involves a few key steps:
These diagnostic steps help healthcare providers determine the best approach to treat and manage pelvic floor dysfunction effectively.
Once pelvic floor dysfunction is diagnosed, the next step is to consider treatment options. Physiotherapy is often a key component of managing and treating this condition effectively.
Here’s how physiotherapy can help alleviate the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction:
Pelvic floor dysfunction can profoundly impact your quality of life, but with targeted physiotherapy, many individuals see substantial improvements in symptoms such as urinary incontinence, discomfort, and general pelvic health.
If you're struggling with pelvic pain, you don't have to suffer in silence. Inertia Physio+ offers exceptional pelvic floor physiotherapy services in Kanata and Stittsville, with private treatment rooms and one-on-one care. Our experienced physiotherapists specialize in evidence-based manual and exercise therapy techniques tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Take the first step towards recovery today by scheduling an appointment with us at (613) 672-2200 or info@inertiaphysio.ca.
Yes, many cases of pelvic floor dysfunction can be effectively managed and often significantly improved with the right treatment. Physiotherapy techniques, such as pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback, and manual therapy, can help strengthen the muscles and improve their function. The success of reversal typically depends on the severity of the condition, the specific underlying causes, and how diligently the physiotherapy program is followed.
Pain in the pelvic floor can vary significantly among individuals. It often presents as a dull, aching sensation, but can also feel like sharp pains or spasms. Some people may experience pain specifically during activities such as sitting, standing for long periods, or during sexual activity. The discomfort might be localized to the pelvic area or could radiate to the lower back, genital area, or thighs.
Pelvic floor tightness can feel like a persistent sensation of tension or pressure in the pelvic region. It might be accompanied by discomfort or pain, which can worsen during certain activities like urinating or having sexual intercourse. Some individuals might also experience a frequent need to urinate or difficulties fully emptying their bladder.
Signs of a weak pelvic floor include difficulty controlling urine or stool, especially when sneezing, coughing, or lifting heavy objects. You might also have a frequent urge to urinate or a sensation of not being able to hold it. In women, a weak pelvic floor might lead to a feeling of heaviness or bulging in the vagina, which could indicate a prolapse of pelvic organs.
At our clinic, diagnosing pelvic floor problems typically involves a thorough medical history and a physical exam. The physical exam might include an assessment of the pelvic floor muscles through manual palpation to check for any weakness or dysfunction. Additional tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or urodynamic tests may be used to further evaluate the condition and pinpoint specific issues.
The time it takes to strengthen a weak pelvic floor can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the weakness, the specific treatment regimen, and the individual’s compliance with their physiotherapy exercises. Generally, patients may see improvements within a few weeks, but it could take several months to fully restore strength and function. Consistent practice of prescribed exercises is crucial for the best outcome.
