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…

PELVIC PAIN AND PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION What is pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction? There are a number of conditions which cause pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. We have discussed a few of those conditions here today. Fortunately most of the conditions are treated with physiotherapy interventions. Pelvic pain and dysfunction Common conditions related with internal pelvic structures: Provoked vestibulodynia: In this your pelvic area is very sensitive to touch or pressure. You will feel pain with light touch, pressure, inserting tampons, wearing tight pants or intercourse. urinary urgency Vaginismus: You feel difficulty and/or pain with vaginal penetration. This will lead to avoidance of sexual activity or internal pelvic examination. Bladder pain syndrome: You feel pain and pressure with urge to urinate at any time. You will get an increased urge to urinate. Symptoms usually starts with bladder infection. Dysmenorrhea: You will feel painful cramps with…

Postpartum pelvic physiotherapy   What is postpartum pelvic physiotherapy?  This type of specialized physiotherapy treatment helps women who have gone through pregnancy and childbirth.  During pregnancy, there can weakening of pelvic floor muscles.  Additionally, childbirth can lead to overstretching or injury to the pelvic floor muscles.  These changes can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.  Consequently, women may experience several pelvic floor problems as a result of these changes.  Postpartum pelvic floor physiotherapy helps women with the healing and strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles after a pregnancy. What is the pelvic floor?               The pelvic floor refers to a group of muscles found in the base of the pelvis.  Most importantly, the pelvic area of the body is the home to organs like the bladder, uterus in women, prostate in men and rectum.  The muscles of the pelvic floor support these organs and act…

Pelvic Floor: Posture PELVIC FLOOR: POSTURE is a very important area if you have issues with urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, etc.  The muscles of the pelvic floor support the abdominal and pelvic viscera.  These muscles are active in standing and sitting. Furthermore, because the abdomen is a fluid-filled cavity, intra-abdominal pressure  is distributed in all directions.  The Pelvic Floor muscles, which form the floor of the abdominal cavity, contribute to its muscle control. As a result of this contribution to control of intra-abdominal pressure, the muscles of the pelvic floor are likely to contribute to control of the spine and pelvis. The slouched posture places a lot of pressure on our internal organs and pelvic floor. This can cause a worsening of: urinary incontinence, pelvic pain,  symptoms related to prolapse, and rectus diastasis. Pelvic Floor: Posture, sitting slumped Research has shown that when we sit in a slumped posture, our pelvic…

Vaginismus and Physiotherapy Vaginismus is a painful feeling of discomfort or inability when inserting a tampon, finger, penis or during a doctor’s internal pelvic exam. It occurs when there are involuntary contractions of the muscles in the outer third of the vagina. Primary Vaginismus: when a woman has never been able to have pain free intercourse due to pelvic floor muscle spasm. Secondary Vaginismus: pain that develops sometimes later in life after a traumatic event such as childbirth, surgery, or a medical condition. With Vaginismus, there is usually significant Connective Tissue Dysfunction that needs to be addressed first before any internal work. It is suggested that you follow up the self-help treatment for connective tissue dysfunction before embarking on the stretching exercises with the dilators. Pelvic floor exercises and Desensitisation techniques A physiotherapist may be able to teach you pelvic floor exercises, such as squeezing and releasing your pelvic floor…