Pelvic floor physiotherapy concentrates on evaluating and addressing conditions associated with the muscles of the pelvic floor, ligaments, and connective tissues. The pelvic floor consists of muscles that offer support to pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum, playing a vast role in functions like bowel control and bladder, sexual function, and stability of the pelvis and spine. Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton aims to optimize pelvic floor function, alleviate symptoms, enhance the quality of life and enable individuals to actively engage in managing their pelvic health.
Relief from Chronic Pelvic Pain: Can Physiotherapy Techniques Help?
Yes, chronic pelvic pain can often be relieved or managed through various physiotherapy techniques. Physiotherapy can play a crucial role in addressing the underlying causes of pelvic pain, improving muscle function, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall pelvic health. Some common physiotherapy techniques used to alleviate chronic pelvic pain include:
Manual Therapy:
Physiotherapists use various manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release, soft tissue massage, and trigger point therapy to release tension, reduce muscle tightness, and improve mobility in the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues. Here are some specific manual therapy techniques frequently employed:
Soft Tissue Massage:
Therapeutic massage techniques are used to address muscle tightness, trigger points, and areas of pelvic floor muscle tension and surrounding tissues. Soft tissue massage helps promote relaxation, improve blood circulation, and reduce pain in the pelvic region.
Visceral Manipulation:
Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton incorporates visceral manipulation techniques to address restrictions in the organs of the pelvic cavity, like the bladder, uterus, or intestines. Visceral manipulation aims to improve organ mobility and function, which can contribute to pelvic pain relief.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Strengthening Exercises:
Strengthening weak or underactive pelvic floor muscles can help improve support for the pelvic organs and reduce symptoms of pelvic pain. These exercises may include kegel exercises, pelvic bridges, and resistance training using pelvic floor muscle trainers.
Kegel exercises:
These exercises entail contracting and releasing the pelvic floor muscles to enhance their strength and endurance. Kegels can be executed in various positions, including sitting, standing, and lying down, and can be customized to suit the individual’s particular requirements and capabilities.
Pelvic bridges:
Pelvic bridges target the gluteal and pelvic floor muscles, helping to strengthen the pelvic floor and stabilize the pelvis. To perform a pelvic bridge, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet resting flat on the floor. Next, elevate your hips from the ground while tightening your glutes and engaging your pelvic floor muscles.
Relaxation Techniques:
Physiotherapists may teach relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), and mindfulness meditation techniques to minimize pelvic muscle tension and overall stress levels, which can contribute to chronic pelvic pain.
Diaphragmatic Breathing:
Diaphragmatic breathing entails taking deep breaths that expand the abdomen rather than shallowly into the chest. This technique helps activate the diaphragm and induces relaxation by soothing the nervous system and reducing muscle tension, including pelvic floor muscles.
Postural Correction:
Addressing postural imbalances and dysfunctional movement patterns that may contribute to pelvic pain. Physiotherapists can provide guidance on improving posture and body alignment to reduce strain on the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures.
Seated Posture Correction:
Physiotherapists provide guidance on improving seated posture by encouraging individuals to sit tall with the spine elongated, shoulders relaxed, and pelvis in a neutral position. This may involve using supportive cushions or ergonomic chairs to maintain proper alignment.
Standing Postural Correction:
Individuals are taught to stand with equal weight distribution between both feet, shoulders relaxed, and spine aligned in a neutral position. Physiotherapists may use cues such as “stacking” the vertebrae and engaging the core muscles to promote optimal standing posture.
Modalities:
Heat therapy, cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound may be used as adjunctive treatments to help alleviate pain and facilitate tissue healing in the pelvic region.
Electrical stimulation:
Electrical stimulation techniques, like (TENS) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or intravaginal or intrarectal electrical stimulation, can help modulate pain signals, relax muscles, and improve pelvic floor function in individuals with chronic pelvic pain.
Behavioural Therapy:
Cognitive-behavioral techniques, including relaxation training, stress management, and pain coping strategies, can help individuals better manage the emotional and psychological dimensions of chronic pelvic pain.
Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT):
CBT is a structured therapy approach that assists individuals in identifying and confronting negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours related to their pelvic pain. By replacing negative thinking patterns with more adaptive ones, CBT can help individuals develop healthier coping strategies and improve their overall psychological well-being.
Breaking the Silence:
Pelvic floor issues are incredibly common and affect people of all genders. It’s important to recognize that seeking help from a pelvic floor therapist is nothing to feel ashamed about. Male pelvic floor physiotherapy targets urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction, while female pelvic floor physiotherapy addresses pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, prenatal, postnatal, sexual discomfort, and sexual health. By destigmatizing the conversation surrounding pelvic health and encouraging everyone to seek the care they need, we can ensure that nobody endures silently and that everyone can access the resources essential for their optimal well-being.
Revitalizing Lives:
For individuals with chronic pelvic pain, pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton addresses not only physical discomfort but also psychological and social dimensions of pelvic health, fostering comprehensive well-being. By providing personalized assessments, tailored exercises, and patient education, Granville Physiotherapy in Edmonton empowers individuals to regain command and improve their quality of life. This holistic approach recognizes the diverse nature of pelvic health issues, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive care that addresses their unique needs. As research continues to uncover its benefits and refine techniques, pelvic health physiotherapy remains a vital cornerstone in promoting pelvic health and restoring confidence and comfort for those affected.
