You might not think much about your pelvic floor until something goes wrong. The pelvic floor consists of muscles that extend across the bottom of your pelvis, supporting organs such as your bladder, uterus, and rectum. It plays a vital role in controlling bladder and bowel movements and is a key component of your core stability.
However, when these muscles become too weak, too tight, or don’t function properly, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable (and sometimes embarrassing) issues. The good news is that pelvic floor physiotherapy can help!
What’s Going on Down There?
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles or tissues in your pelvic region don’t work as they should. It could be due to excessive tension, insufficient strength, or both. When things are out of balance, you might experience:
- Leaking urine when you sneeze, laugh, or jump
- Persistent pelvic pain or discomfort
- Difficulty with bladder or bowel control
- A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area
It’s easy to ignore these signs, but doing so could worsen the situation. So, if you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, it’s time to listen to your body and pay attention to what it’s telling you.
How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a non-invasive, highly effective treatment that helps restore balance and strength to the muscles of the pelvic floor. Whether you’re dealing with incontinence, pelvic pain, or other discomforts, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you feel like yourself again.
Here’s how physiotherapy can help:
- Strengthens Weak Muscles
If your pelvic floor muscles are weak, your physiotherapist will guide you through specific exercises designed to restore strength and stability. Strong pelvic muscles improve bladder and bowel control and can even reduce pelvic organ prolapse.
- Relieves Tension
Tight pelvic floor muscles can cause discomfort or persistent pelvic pain. Physiotherapists use hands-on techniques to release tension, promote blood flow, and reduce pain.
- Improves Muscle Coordination
It’s not just about strength — it’s about using the muscles correctly. Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps you learn how to relax and contract these muscles at the right times, improving bladder control and reducing the risk of leaks or accidents.
- Teaches Self-Care
Your physiotherapist will also provide you with practical tools to manage and maintain your pelvic health, including exercises you can do at home and tips for avoiding strain on your pelvic muscles.
When Should You Seek Help?
Pelvic floor issues are more common than you might think, but many people suffer in silence due to embarrassment or uncertainty about where to turn. The truth is, there’s no reason to suffer quietly — pelvic floor physiotherapists are trained to address these issues in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to reach out to a pelvic floor physiotherapist:
- Leaking urine or needing to go to the bathroom urgently
- Chronic pelvic pain or discomfort
- Difficulty with bladder or bowel control
- A feeling of heaviness or pressure in your pelvic area
These are all signs that your pelvic floor needs attention, and physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to address them.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Pelvic floor physiotherapy isn’t just for those with serious problems. It’s an excellent tool for preventing issues in the future. Whether you’re recovering from childbirth, dealing with the effects of aging, or looking to maintain pelvic health, physiotherapy can keep your pelvic floor in top condition.
At Realign Chiropractic and Physiotherapy, we offer specialized pelvic floor physiotherapy to help you address any concerns you may have. Our expert physiotherapists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Don’t wait for things to get worse — take the first step toward better pelvic health today. Contact us to schedule your consultation!