Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is an underappreciated part of the Physiotherapy profession. Most people would assume that this applies only to women, especially to pregnant women, but we are here to emphasize that pelvic health is for everyone! There is a wide variety of problems pelvic health physiotherapy can help with. Alternatively, it can be done proactively as part of preventative health measures. We will describe 5 different ways that pelvic health can change your life! 1. No more leaking or urgency issues! Urinary or fecal incontinence is the term for a loss of function, or accidental leaking/passing of urine or…

Pregnancy is a time of immense physical and emotional changes. As your body adapts to the growing baby, many women experience various discomforts and physical challenges. One of the less discussed, but relatively common issues is sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD). Unfortunately, this condition can significantly impact a woman’s comfort and mobility during pregnancy. What is sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD)? Firstly, the sacroiliac joints are located at the base of the spine where the sacrum (the triangular bone at the end of the spine) meets the bones of the pelvis. Importantly, these joints play a role in transferring weight and forces…

Prostatodynia or Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is a pelvic pain condition found in men. This condition involves inflammation of the prostate gland. Usually, this leads to pain, discomfort especially involving urination, bowel movements, and sexual dysfunction. While part of the management of this condition involves medical management, Pelvic Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery as well. Types of Prostatitis Acute bacterial prostatitis is an infection of the prostate. This type of prostatitis causes chills and fever. In this case, you need your doctor’s attention promptly! Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a persistent bacterial infection Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) or…

What is urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence is when person leaks urine by accident due to loss of control of the bladder muscles. The severity of incontinence may vary from occasional incidents, like leaking while coughing or laughing, to more severe like having sudden strong urges where you are unable to make it to the toilet in time. How does the bladder function normally? These organs make up our body’s urinary system, which is how our body creates and removes urine from the body Normally, the brain and the bladder work in close partnership to control urination.…

Pelvic floor muscle training, when done in a structured way, helps to prevent certain complications during pregnancy and labour. These changes occur due to hormonal and anatomical changes. The complications that usually occur are incontinence, perineal tears, pelvic organ prolapse, less active pushing required during second stage of labour. Why is pelvic muscle training important? Pelvic Floor Muscles The pelvic floor is a set of muscles attached to the spine at the back and to the pubic bone at the front.  Importantly, these muscles are the key supporter for the uterus, bladder and bowel. Some activities of daily living help women maintain their pelvic floor strength to functional level. Unfortunately, pregnancy and childbirth lead to the potential injury and weakening of these muscles. As a result, pelvic floor dysfunction is common after childbirth. This includes urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapses, dyspareunia and perineal tears. Significantly, this…

What is endometriosis?   Endometriosis is a condition where tissues which is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus which can affect nearby organs including the bowel and bladder. The tissue thickens and does shed with the monthly cycle.  At times when tissues get trapped and does not exit the body it can progress to form cyst called endometriomas. At last, it results in irritation to surrounding tissues and organs forming scar tissue and adhesions. What are the symptoms? Symptoms includes, Firstly, Pelvic pain. Secondly,  Heavy periods. Infertility. Abdominal bloating. Urinary and bowel concerns. lastly,  Fatigue. However, endometriosis can be mistaken for other conditions such as Irritable bowel syndrome, Inflammatory pelvic disease. Therefore, early diagnosis will help in managing the symptoms. Treatment options available: There is no cure for endometriosis currently. Although, treatments to manage the symptoms includes, 1. Hormone therapies. 2. Over the counter…