Pelvic Floor

Gbah pelvicPHYSIOTHERAPY AND YOUR PELVIC FLOOR

Healthy, active and strong pelvic floor muscles are very important to women throughout life. Weak and poorly controlled muscles can lead to prolapse and loss of bladder or bowel control.

Signs Of Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles

  • Leaking urine when sneezing, coughing, running (or other sudden actions)
  • Not getting to the toilet in time
  • Tampons won’t stay in place
  • Vaginal or anal flatus (wind) when bending and lifting
  • Bulging felt at the vaginal opening (prolapse)
  • Difficulty emptying the bowel completely
  • Low pelvic dragging, vaginal heaviness, feeling everything might fall out

You Need Special Attention If You

  • Are pregnant or a new mother
  • Are menopausal
  • Lift heavy objects often
  • Suffer from constipation
  • Are overweight
  • Cough frequently
  • Have low backache
  • Go to the toilet often to pass small amounts of urine

(APA, 2002).

HOW GOONELLABAH PHYSIOTHERAPY CAN HELP

Our physiotherapists are trained in basic continence management and can assess your pelvic floor muscles and, if necessary, help you strengthen and regain their control. They can help if you have incontinence, constipation or prolapse, or simply want to learn how to use your pelvic floor muscles correctly and safely. Many women are unable to use their pelvic floor muscles correctly unless they receive individual pelvic floor muscle testing and training – simply trying to tighten the muscles is not enough. It is also important to learn to use your abdominal muscles correctly while exercising the pelvic floor.

Please note, serious condition that require assessment/management may be referred to other health specialists or another physiotherapist who specialises in incontinence.

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