Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Women and Men both have pelvic floor muscles! Their main role in the body is to control our toileting, sexual function and stabilise our pelvis and lower trunk.

While it can be a private topic to talk about, you are not alone.

• 80% of women will experience urinary leaking while pregnant and 30% of women will continue to leak after birth.
• 95% or more of men who have a prostatectomy surgery will leak afterwards.
• 50% or more women who are post-menopausal will have a pelvic prolapse.
• 70% of people who have a reoccurring low back injury will have a weak pelvic floor

But this can all be improved.

• 80% people with prolapse and incontinence can resolve their symptoms with the help of a Pelvic Physio
• 75% of men will improve their sexual function after pelvic floor retraining

Who would benefit from Pelvic Floor Physio?

If you or anyone you know has been experiencing the following, you could benefit from assessment and treatment of your pelvic floor:

• Incontinence - not just for the rest home, incontinence can affect anyone but especially:
  • New mothers
  • Women who are pregnant
  • Women entering menopause
  • Anyone who has had injury to their pelvic floor, pelvic or lower back.
  • Anyone who has had surgery within the pelvic floor region, eg, prostate or testicular surgeries for the men and gynaecological surgery for the women.
  • Anyone who does a lot of heavy weight lifting, jumping or strains when going to the toilet
• Prolapse - pelvic organ prolapse.
• Sexual dysfunction - trouble with orgasm, pain during sex, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation.
• Abdominal separation / diastasis recti - After pregnancy the abdominal wall's central ligament can separate, this is normal however if it has trouble returning back together the right advise and correct individualised exercise program can restore your core function.
• Pelvic region pain
• Recurrent unsolved low back pain

Pelvic Physio during Pregnancy:

• Throughout pregnancy the pelvic floor experiences increased pressure from your growing baby internally. The hormones released into your body create laxity in the soft tissues around the pelvis which in turn increase the load on the pelvic floor. However, in labour strength in your pelvic floor is required to push.
• Therefore, addressing your pelvic floor before labour is very beneficial to the integrity of your muscles through the birthing process and aids their recovery afterwards.
• Pelvic Physio is ideally recommended any time after the first trimester right up until you are full term.

What is involved in a session?

• Your Pelvic Floor Physio will go through a details verbal assessment of your medical and physical history in relation to your pelvic floor.
• Often an internal examination is advised for best practice to assess the strength, integrity and function of your pelvic floor muscles. This examination will only be performed if the client gives full consent. With this examination, we gain a much more individual specific idea of how your pelvic floor works which then allows us to give you the best rehabilitation plan possible.
• Your Physio will give you detailed education around whatever issue you may be facing.
• You may be asked to perform a bladder or bowel diary if appropriate.
• A pelvic floor retraining program will be given by your Physiotherapist which they will take you through in your session. This will be progressed through the sessions as able.

How long is a session - Initial & follow ups?

• Initial - 50-60minutes
• Follow-up - 30minutes (If complex case this may need to be 60minutes also, however your Physio will discuss this with you)

How many appointments will I need?

• Majority of the time between 3-6 sessions is sufficient

Will it hurt?

• The internal examination is not painful. Vaginally, there is one finger inserted and you will feel less pressure than when a smear is performed. If there is any pain and you want to stop your Physio will do so immediately.

To book a Pelvic floor assessment please call 07 576 1860 or email reception@buretaphysio.co.nz.