Pelvic Health Rehabilitation

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy focuses on the assessment and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic region, including the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic girdle bones and joints, connective tissue, fascia, nerves, and ligaments. It also involves evaluating factors such as breathing patterns, abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis), and spinal alignment.

Functions of the Pelvic Floor Muscles:

• Support the bladder, uterus, and bowel
• Act as a supportive base for abdominal organs
• Contract and relax to control urination and defecation
• Contribute to sexual function

The pelvic floor muscles can become weakened or tight due to childbirth, surgery, heavy lifting, obesity, constipation, menopause, or trauma. Pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life. At Islington Village Health, we offer treatments to address these issues and improve your well-being.

Conditions We Treat:

• Stress incontinence
• Urge incontinence
• Mixed incontinence
• Endometriosis
• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
• Pelvic organ prolapse (bladder, uterus, rectum)
• Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)
• Overactive bladder
• Pre- and post-natal rehabilitation
• Bladder pain syndrome
• Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
• Levator ani syndrome
• Pudendal neuralgia
• Vaginismus
• Vulvodynia (vulvar pain)

Assessment Process:

Our comprehensive assessment includes:

• Musculoskeletal evaluation
• Postural assessment
• Rib cage and breathing muscle evaluation
• Spinal and pelvic girdle assessment
• Pelvic floor strength and tightness assessment
• Rectus diastasis and core muscle evaluation
• External muscle assessment: abdominal, lower back, pelvic muscles, and post-surgery scar tissue
• Myofascial trigger point assessment: targeting abdominal, gluteal, pelvic girdle, and pelvic floor muscles
• GI symptoms assessment (important for conditions like endometriosis, which often presents with gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea)
• DASS assessment for stress and anxiety

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation:

Education is a key component of rehabilitation and can greatly improve quality of life. Our treatment techniques include:

• Strengthening pelvic floor muscles and using electrical stimulation if needed
• Treating myofascial trigger points in both internal and external muscles (e.g., abdominal, pelvic girdle, spinal, and pelvic floor muscles)
• Addressing rectus diastasis (abdominal separation)
• Correcting poor postural habits
• Training rib cage mobility for improved breathing and pelvic floor connection
• Treating post-surgery scar tissue
• Teaching proper breathing techniques to support pelvic health
• Managing restricted spinal mobility and pain
• Bladder control education, including urge delay techniques
• Bladder and food diary review to identify irritants and advise on avoidance
• Specialized treatment for pelvic organ prolapse
• Educating on constipation management

Important Note:

Kegel exercises are not always appropriate for pelvic floor issues. In some cases, they can worsen the condition or may not be done correctly. According to a 2010 Cochrane Collaboration review, physiotherapy with specialized training in pelvic floor rehabilitation (using internal examination to teach exercises) should be considered the first-line treatment for stress, urge, and mixed incontinence in women, before considering surgical options.

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Can Help With:

• Improved control over bladder function
• Reduced risk of prolapse (internal organ ‘sagging’)
• Faster recovery from childbirth and surgery (especially in women)
• Increased confidence and improved quality of life

Our trained Pelvic Health Physiotherapists provide personalized care based on thorough, client-specific assessments. We approach pelvic health with empathy, confidentiality, and a goal to improve your quality of life.

Contact us today to learn more about how Pelvic Health Rehabilitation can benefit you and enhance your well-being.