Is pelvic health physiotherapy worthwhile?

Women’s pelvic health physiotherapy, also known as pelvic floor physiotherapy, is a specialized area of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of various conditions related to the pelvic region. Here are some common issues that women’s pelvic health physiotherapy can help with:
1. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Pelvic floor muscles provide support to the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Dysfunction in these muscles can lead to symptoms such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain. Pelvic health physiotherapy can assess and treat these conditions through targeted exercises, biofeedback, and other techniques.
2. Pregnancy and Postpartum Issues: Pregnancy and childbirth can cause a range of pelvic health concerns, including diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles), pelvic girdle pain, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic health physiotherapy can help women during pregnancy and after childbirth to manage these issues, regain strength and stability, and promote optimal recovery.
3. Urinary Incontinence: This refers to involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. Pelvic health physiotherapy can provide pelvic floor muscle training and bladder retraining techniques to improve bladder control and reduce urinary incontinence.
4. Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain can have various causes, such as endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or musculoskeletal issues. Pelvic health physiotherapy can help assess the underlying causes of pelvic pain and develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include pelvic floor relaxation exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques.
5. Sexual Dysfunction: Conditions like dyspareunia (painful intercourse), vaginismus (involuntary muscle spasms of the pelvic floor), or decreased sexual sensation can impact a woman’s sexual health and overall well-being. Pelvic health physiotherapy can address these issues by focusing on pelvic floor muscle relaxation, desensitization techniques, and providing guidance on sexual positioning and lubrication.
6. Pre and Post gynecological surgeries: Pelvic health physiotherapy can assist women before and after gynecological surgeries, such as hysterectomy, to optimize recovery, manage scar tissue, prevent complications, and improve overall pelvic health.
7. Pre and Post-Menopausal Issues: Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to changes in the pelvic floor muscles and increased vulnerability to pelvic health issues. Pelvic health physiotherapy can provide guidance on managing symptoms such as vaginal dryness, urinary urgency, and pelvic organ prolapse during this stage of life.
It’s important to note that every woman’s situation is unique, and a pelvic health physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to tailor the treatment plan based on individual needs.