Important Concepts Regarding Pelvic Physiotherapy ACT AU Residents May Find Beneficial

By Stephen Lewis


Physiotherapy of pelvic floor muscles is indicated for people experiencing certain problems in the genitourinary system. Muscles in this area can become weakened by repeated stress as occurs in conditions where an individual has to strain in order to relieve themselves. In pregnancy, the gravid uterus tends to compress the bladder causing strain. These are some of the essential concepts concerning pelvic physiotherapy ACT AU residents may find useful.

Leakage of stool or urine is the most common presentation in the case where muscles of the pelvis are compromised. These are medically termed fecal and urinary incontinence respectively. Such symptoms are aggravated by strenuous manoeuvres such as during coughing or when someone laughs out loud.

Hypertonicity of pelvic floor muscles can result in lower urinary tract symptoms. Hypertonicity simply means that the tissues have become too tense. Classical lower urinary tract symptoms include urgency, increased frequency of visiting the toilet and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the urinary bladder among others. Sexual activity may also prove difficult because of pain.

Pelvic floor muscles provide a strong support system for organs within the pelvis including the urinary bladder, the uterus, rectum and prostate in men. The organs are held in place by the muscles which attach to the bony pelvis and the outer surface of the organs. They also strengthen the various canals in the perineum including the vagina, urethra and the rectum. Contraction facilitates containment while relaxation causes release of urine or stool.

The first step towards restoring pelvic muscle integrity is to try and find out which muscles require therapy. This can be effectively done by the affected individual at home. If they are unable to do so, then they can consult a pelvic physiotherapist to provide guidance. In the home setting, privacy is needed in order to increase the chances of success. In this case the individual is able to fully relax and find out which muscles need treatment.

Depending on whether it is the anal-rectal, lower urinary tract or involving the reproductive system, the person has to deliberately put the muscles to action to determine which ones are impaired. The basic instruction is to imagine that you have diarrhea or the urge to pass wind and then keep yourself from doing so. Also, one can pass and hold urine in turn until the weak muscles are determined. The only downside to this is that the condition may worsen when these exercises are done for a prolonged period of time.

If the above exercises fail to establish what muscles need exercise, then a physiotherapist can come in to assist. The therapist will have to first establish the problem through taking a thorough history and conducting a physical examination. Physical examination is usually focused on the rectum and vagina to determine the tone of muscles. A management plan can then be put in place to restore function of tissues in these areas.

In summary, muscles in the pelvic floor become compromised when they are subjected to stress as occurs in pregnancy and childbirth. In men, lower urinary tract symptoms may arise from blockage of the tract by tumors and foreign bodies. Diligence in physiotherapy goes a long way in treating incontinence and related conditions.




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