What is Pelvic Physiotherapy?

• Pelvic Floor Assessment: A thorough assessment of the pelvic floor muscles to identify any issues such as weakness, tightness, or dysfunction.
• Biofeedback: Techniques to help individuals become more aware of and control their pelvic floor muscles.
• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to release tension, improve muscle function, and address musculoskeletal issues in the pelvic region.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles, depending on the individual’s specific needs.
• Education: Providing information about pelvic anatomy, normal pelvic function, and strategies for maintaining pelvic health.
• Behavioral Strategies: Advising on lifestyle and behavioral changes that can positively impact pelvic health, such as improving bowel and bladder habits.
• Postural and Movement Education: Addressing factors like posture and movement patterns that may contribute to pelvic issues.

 Pelvic Pain:

• Evidence of Effectiveness: Pelvic physiotherapy has been shown to be effective in managing pelvic pain conditions, including chronic pelvic pain and conditions such as endometriosis.
  • Example: A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2019 found that pelvic floor physical therapy was associated with significant improvements in pain and quality of life in individuals with chronic pelvic pain.

Urinary Incontinence:

• Strong Evidence: Pelvic physiotherapy, particularly pelvic floor muscle training, has strong evidence for the treatment of urinary incontinence, including stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
  •  Example: Numerous studies and systematic reviews, such as those published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training in reducing symptoms of urinary incontinence.

 Pelvic Organ Prolapse:

• Evidence of Effectiveness: Pelvic physiotherapy can be beneficial in the conservative management of pelvic organ prolapse, aiming to improve pelvic floor muscle function and alleviate symptoms.
  • Example: A study published in the International Urogynecology Journal in 2019 found that pelvic floor muscle training was associated with improvements in pelvic organ prolapse symptoms and quality of life.

Pregnancy and Postpartum:

• Preventive and Rehabilitative Effects: Pelvic physiotherapy is commonly recommended during pregnancy and postpartum to prevent and address issues such as pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and diastasis recti.
  • Example: Research, including studies published in the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy, supports the use of pelvic physiotherapy in improving outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

 Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse):

• Positive Outcomes: Pelvic physiotherapy is often recommended for individuals experiencing dyspareunia, and studies suggest positive outcomes in improving sexual function and reducing pain.
  •  Example: Research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine has reported improvements in sexual function and decreased pain during intercourse following pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS):

• Evidence of Effectiveness: Pelvic physiotherapy has shown promise in managing symptoms of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men.
  •  Example: Studies, such as those published in the Journal of Urology, have reported improvements in pain, voiding symptoms, and quality of life in men with CP/CPPS following pelvic physiotherapy.

Pelvic physiotherapy is often conducted by physiotherapists with specialized training in pelvic health. It is a conservative and non-invasive approach to addressing pelvic issues, and it can be an essential component of a multidisciplinary approach to pelvic health care, working alongside healthcare providers such as gynecologists, urologists, and other specialists.