Pelvic floor dysfunction: Women’s Health Physiotherapy can help
When it comes to women’s health, there’s a growing recognition of the vital role that Women’s Health Physiotherapy plays in managing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction.
One in three women will experience pelvic floor disorder in her lifetime. While there are a range of possible causes, the symptoms can be life altering and include loss of bladder or bowel control, pain and prolapse.
While this condition is common, many women find it uncomfortable or confronting to talk about. Women’s Health Physiotherapists are trained to support women to manage symptoms and help address the cause of pelvic floor issues.
Embody Movement Women’s Health Physiotherapists offer evidence-based treatment for managing pelvic floor dysfunction with care, compassion and expertise, empowering women to reclaim their wellbeing.
Understanding pelvic floor dysfunction
The pelvic floor encompasses three bones/joints, lined by a group of muscles and ligaments that support the bladder, uterus and bowel. These structures play a crucial role in controlling bladder and bowel functions, sexual health and core stability.
When the pelvic organs or pelvic floor muscles become weakened, overactive or uncoordinated, it can lead to a range of issues collectively known as pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. This can manifest as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse and bowel dysfunction.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect women at various stages of life—whether it’s during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause. Unfortunately, it’s a condition that is often underreported due to embarrassment or the misconception that it is acceptable postpartum and/or ageing. However, with the right support and treatment, women can overcome these challenges and improve their quality of life.
Pelvic floor muscle tension
Pelvic floor muscle tension occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor become overactive/ hypertonic.
Overactive pelvic floor muscles can cause a range of issues such as:
Chronic pelvic pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region, often exacerbated by sitting, sexual activity or certain movements.
Painful intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sex, a condition known as dyspareunia.
Urinary and bowel issues: Incomplete emptying, difficulty initiating urination, frequent urination, or bowel problems, including straining, constipation and/or pain due to muscle tension interfering with normal function.
Lower back and hip pain: The pelvic floor muscles integrate into tissues of the lower back and hips, so tension here can refer pain to these areas.
Pelvic floor tension can develop due to a variety of reasons, including stress, chronic constipation, certain physical activities, trauma or even as a response to chronic pain.
Pelvic floor muscle weakness
Pelvic floor muscle weakness is when there is not enough tension in the pelvic floor muscles. Factors that can lead to pelvic floor muscle weakness and compromised bladder/bowel/uterus support include:
Pregnancy and childbirth: The weight of the baby during pregnancy and the process of vaginal delivery can stretch or tear, and weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
Ageing: As women age, the pelvic floor muscles can lose strength and elasticity, particularly after menopause with the depletion of oestrogen levels.
Heavy lifting: Repetitive loading or engaging in strenuous physical activity can strain the pelvic floor muscles.
Chronic coughing: Conditions that cause chronic coughing, such as asthma or smoking, can put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and result in damage over time.
Obesity: Excess body weight increases pressure on the pelvic floor, contributing to muscle weakness and dysfunction.
Surgery: Certain surgeries, particularly in the pelvic area, can weaken or damage the pelvic floor muscles and neural innervation.
Genetics: Some women are predisposed to weaker connective tissue, which can affect the impact the tension of their pelvic floor muscles.
Common symptoms of issues with pelvic floor muscles
There are a range of symptoms associated with pelvic floor muscle issues. Some women will experience a combination of these issues while others may find they have only one or two issues.
Symptoms that women may experience with deconditioned pelvic floor muscles include:
Urinary incontinence: Leaking urine induced by laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise; or leakage en route to the toilet; or with functional movement such as sit-to-stand.
Pelvic organ prolapse: A feeling of pressure or bulging in the pelvic area, which occurs when the pelvic organs descend in the pelvis due to lack of soft tissue support.
Bowel control issues: Difficulty controlling bowel movements, including flatulence.
Reduced sexual satisfaction: Weakened pelvic floor muscles can affect sexual sensation and satisfaction.
These symptoms can be distressing and may affect your quality of life, but the good news is that with the right approach, you can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improve (or even eliminate) these issues.
The role of Women’s Health Physiotherapy in managing pelvic floor issues
Treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction is not one-size-fits-all. A thorough assessment is fundamental and includes a comprehensive discussion to capture your story and symptoms, and a detailed examination of the pelvic floor complex. This helps us identify the specific dysfunctions and tailor a treatment plan that is unique to you.
The key to a positive outcome is a personalised treatment plan
Depending on your needs, a holistic approach is taken and may include a combination of techniques:
Pelvic floor exercises: to strengthen and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles, improving their function and control.
Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques may be used to release tight muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.
Biofeedback: This technology helps you gain awareness and control over your pelvic floor muscles, providing real-time feedback during exercises.
Education and lifestyle advice: Understanding the role of diet, hydration, and bladder, bowel and behavioural habits in pelvic health is crucial. We provide guidance on lifestyle changes that support your treatment and long-term wellbeing.
Integrative approach: We may also incorporate Clinical Pilates, Exercise Physiology, and other movement therapies to ensure comprehensive management.
Empowering women through education and support
Knowledge is power. We’re here to educate you about your body, your health, and the steps you can take to improve your pelvic floor function. Our aim is to empower you to take control of your health with confidence.
It is also important to think outside the pelvis and consider the influence nutrition and hormones can play on pelvic floor dysfunction; and also addressing any emotional and psychological impact on pelvic floor conditions.
Embody Movement Women’s Health Physiotherapy
At Embody Movement, we believe in the power of integrated wellness. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional care, underpinned by our values of safety, respect, and self-transformation. We’re not just here to treat symptoms; we’re here to help you achieve your optimal health and wellbeing.
Whether you’re dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction or simply want to maintain your pelvic health, our Women’s Health Physiotherapists are here to guide you with expertise and care.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards better pelvic health, schedule an appointment with one of our Women’s Health Physiotherapists and start your journey today or phone 07 5337 9853.
References and further information
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Anatomedia Pty Ltd. (2000). An@tomedia Online - A new approach to medical education, developments in anatomy. [Richmond, Vic.] : Anatomedia
Bo, K, et al. Evidence-Based Physical Therapy for the Pelvic Floor - E-Book: Bridging Science and Clinical Practice, Elsevier Health Sciences, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Bø, K., & Nygaard, I. E. (2020). Is Physical Activity Good or Bad for the Female Pelvic Floor? A Narrative Review. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 50(3), 471–484.
Haylen BT, de Ridder D, Freeman RM, Swift SE, Berghmans B, Lee J, Monga A, Petri E, Rizk DE, Sand PK, Schaer GN. An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction. Int Urogynecol J. 2010 Jan;21(1):5-26. doi: 10.1007/s00192-009-0976-9. Epub 2009 Nov 25. PMID: 19937315.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019). Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management [NICE Guideline No. 123].
Vredeveld, A. Eberlein, S.P.J. Ramaekers, M.W. Coppieters, A.L. Pool-Goudzwaard (2020) Barriers and facilitators to ask for lower urinary tract symptoms in people with low back pain and pelvic girdle pain. A qualitative study, Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, Vol 48 102155, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102155