Tag Archives: Kegel Exercises

Custom Knee Brace

Runner’s Knee? How Physiotherapy Can Help!

Leave a comment

Runner's Knee

Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee or patellofemoral pain, is a common condition that often affects many individuals, especially of the active and athletic population. The knee pain can be minor to severe and may be felt during only certain activities such as sports, or with day-to-day tasks like climbing up and down stairs. In this blog, we will talk about the causes, symptoms and most importantly, how to treat this pain with physiotherapy.

Cause of Patellofemoral Pain

For most individuals, the pain is caused by a misalignment of the patella (knee cap) within the femur (thigh bone). Usually, the patella glides along the groove during movement of the knee but muscular imbalances around the knee or postural misalignment may contribute to improper tracking of the patella. Some of the most common causes of runner’s knee are:

  1. Improper training/running mechanics such as overpronation or rolling in of the feet can contribute to increased stress at the knee joint
  2. Overuse or overtraining can overload the knee joint if there is not sufficient rest or recovery.
  3. Muscular imbalances, especially of the quadriceps and hip muscles
  4. Sudden increase in activity/unaccustomed activity
  5. Biomechanical issues such as misalignment of the kneecap, leg length discrepancies, foot posture etc.

Recognizing the Symptoms

  1. Dull aching pain around or behind the knee cap
  2. Pain is worse squatting, walking downstairs, or after sitting for long periods of time
  3. Swelling around the kneecap
  4. Popping or clicking of the knee, especially with straightening the knee
  5. Discomfort or pain after high intensity physical activities such as running
  6. Recent increase in intensity or change in training program

Physiotherapy for Runner’s Knee

Physiotherapy for Runner's Knee

Physiotherapy for Runner’s Knee

Once in physiotherapy, your physiotherapist will conduct an assessment to determine the exact cause of your knee pain. Most likely, your assessment and treatment will include:

  • Tailored exercise plan focusing on the hamstrings, quadriceps, and hip muscles to help stabilize and strengthen the knee joint.
  • Stretching exercises for the tight muscles around the knee that may be contributing to increased strain and imbalance at the knee
  • Biomechanical analysis including watching you walk, move, and your posture to identify any abnormalities that may be increasing stress at the knee. Common postures associated with knee pain include pronated flat feet, or knees that fall in when you move.
  • Recommendation or prescription of orthotics and other footwear. These can help correct any postural abnormalities found in the above biomechanical analysis
  • Taping and bracing. This can help provide support to the knee to improve stability and alignment while the knee has time to heal.

How to avoid Runner’s Knee

  1. Gradually increase training load and intensity
  2. Incorporate cross training, and general strength and mobility training into your routine
  3. Take time to do a proper warm up and cool down
  4. Listen to your body, runner’s knee is usually a stress/overuse injury, so don’t push through the pain and take rests when you need it.
  5. Ensure that you have proper footwear for your activity

Runner’s knee can be a tricky problem to resolve, but with the support from a physiotherapist, your pain can go away! By taking care of the problem earlier on, you will experience less interruptions from your regular routine and can get back to doing what you love sooner. If you are experiencing runner’s knee or any sort of knee pain, PhysioNow has many qualified registered physiotherapists that would love to help you out. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Endometriosis Physiotherapy, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Etobicoke Physiotherapy, General Category, Health and Wellness, Hurontario-Eglinton PhysioNow, Leakage of urine, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, pain with intercourse, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Health Etobicoke, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, Pelvic health physiotherapy, pelvic pain, PhysioNow, PhysioNow, Physiotherapist Etobicoke, Physiotherapist Mississauga, Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Etobicoke, physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga

Endometriosis and Pelvic Physiotherapy

Leave a comment

What is endometriosis?

 

Endometriosis DiseaseEndometriosis 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 medication.
3. Pelvic physiotherapy.
4. Surgery.

Pelvic health physiotherapy in Endometriosis

Pelvic health physiotherapy can help to reduce the symptoms, improve the function, improve the flexibility and improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. The techniques help to relax the muscles which ultimately help to ease the symptoms. How does pelvic floor physiotherapy help in endometriosis,

  • Relieve endometrial pain: Approaches to down train the pelvic floor muscles and introducing bio-psychosocial approach to help in relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.
  • Reduce painful sex: Helping with stretches and breathing techniques, dilators, and hands on techniques to reduce the tension and resistance in the pelvic floor area.
  • Reduce abdominal bloating or endo belly by helping in assisting venous and lymphatic drainage
    in our body.
  • Painful urination: by educating on proper water intake, and voiding techniques and by
    maintaining a bladder diary to reduce the effects pressure causing pain when bladder fills up.
  • Painful bowel movements: Education and advices on diet and positions on easy bowel movements along exercises to manage the situation.

Also, pelvic floor therapy post endometriosis surgery would help to retrain pelvic floor muscles to relax and to coordinate contractions. This helps to reduce spasms during menstruation.

Lastly, Bio psychosocial component of pelvic floor physiotherapy helps in identifying and addressing the psycho social aspects and its influence on normal function of your body. Relaxation techniques and hands on techniques to calm down the senses that could be the trigger to pain can be managed to a great extent.

Take away message – If you are suffering from endometriosis and are finding difficulty to manage its symptoms, our team of qualified Pelvic PT will help you assess and guide through the whole treatment. Book your appointment today!

Applewood Physionow, constipation, Dyspareunia, Endometriosis Physiotherapy, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Etobicoke Physiotherapy, Exercise, General Category, Health and Wellness, Leakage of urine, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., pain with intercourse, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Health Etobicoke, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, pelvic pain, PhysioNow, Physiotherapist Etobicoke, Physiotherapist Mississauga, Physiotherapy, physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Mississauga, Pregnancy Mississauga, prostate surgery, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Urinary Incontinence, Vaginismus

PELVIC PAIN AND PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION

Leave a comment

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 area

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 mensuration. It affects about 90% of the women. This could include pelvic adhesions, pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical stenosis.

pelvic pain

Pelvic pain

Conditions related to activities and damage to structures:

Dyspareunia: It is pain with sexual intercourse. Damage to the structures like:

  • episiotomy,
  • tears,
  • reduced mobility of cervix or soft tissues,
  • bladder pain,
  • overactive  muscles and
  • inflammation

Coccyx pain:  It is the pain in tail bone are with sitting, sit to stand, sexual activity, or with bowel movements. Usually caused by any trauma, inflammation or muscle imbalance.

Conditions involving neurological structures:

Pudendal Neuralgia: There is pain and numbness in the area supplied by nerve from anus to penis or clitoris. You will feel pain with sitting, fecal and urinary incontinence.  There are other underlying conditions that can restrict your pelvic mobility. This leads to compression of your pudendal nerve.

Male pelvic pain issues:

Certain conditions such as dysfunction of pelvic muscles, non-bacterial inflammation of prostate, Pudendal neuralgia, anal fissures, Coccydynia, bladder pain causes pelvic pain in male patients.

If you want more information about the conditions which cause pelvic pain visit this link https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/pelvic_pain_causes

Experiencing any of the above symptoms?

Pelvic floor therapist helps you with thorough assessment and  treatment based on the diagnosis. Educating you about the cause of the pain. Managing with home exercise program.

Pelvic health

Treatment techniques done by pelvic floor physiotherapists:

For vestibulodynia:

Physiotherapy is considered as the first line of treatment for you. Your physio will treat with tissue care, manual techniques for painful points, muscle imbalance,  relaxation techniques. You will learn to avoid wearing tight clothes and diet modification.

For Dyspareunia:

Relaxation techniques along with dilator insertion helps to relieve tension in the vaginal area. Pelvic therapist will  releases scar tissue in the vaginal area which reduces pain. Soft tissue techniques improves the mobility of the cervix and scar tissue.

Bladder pain syndrome:  Releasing the tension in pelvic floor muscles and posture correction helps to reduce your symptoms. Incontinence can be treated with pelvic floor muscle training, positioning and certain stretches of the muscles in the pelvic floor area.

Vaginismus: Treatment involves stretching of pelvic floor tissues with external and internal techniques, scar mobilization, muscle overactivity with dilators and relaxation techniques.

Dysmenorrhea: Techniques involve breaking the adhesions in the pelvic floor area and release the narrowing in the cervix.

Techniques to help to reduce your pain:

  • Relaxation techniques,
  • stretches,
  • soft tissue release

Injury with any activity:

Pudendal neuralgia: Your Physio will treat you with nerve release, stretches, and posture correction. Sensory re-education to reduce the numbness in the pudendal nerve supply.

Coccyx pain: Treatment involves pelvic floor relaxation techniques,  mobilization of coccyx. We will mobilize it internally and externally. Proper positioning with cushion, exercises to improve the mobility  helps to reduce the pain the coccyx.

Male pelvic pain: Treatment includes release of pelvic floor muscles to ease up the pain. We will treat you with stretches, positioning, mobilization, relaxation.

DON’T WAIT TO START PHYSIOTHERAPY  TREATMENT

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s important to consult your pelvic floor physiotherapist. You can reduce the risk of complications by taking early treatment.. Book a consultation at PhysioNOW with a Registered Physiotherapist today.

 

Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Dyspareunia, Endometriosis Physiotherapy, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physionow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., General Category, Health and Wellness, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., Manual Therapy, pain with intercourse, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, pelvic pain, PhysioNow, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Seniors, Urinary Incontinence, Vaginismus

Vaginismus

Leave a comment

Vaginismus

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 muscles, that can help you gain control over the muscles causing the vagina to close involuntarily. Occasionally, a technique called biofeedback may be useful. A small probe is inserted into your vagina. This monitors how well you are doing the exercises by giving you feedback as you do them.
Biofeedback can help with the following:

• Teach you strategies that may help to relax the muscles that are contracting involuntarily
• Teach you appropriate timing of the contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.
• Educate you about your condition and why it might be occurring.
• Teach you various strategies for getting the muscles to relax
• help you to Use manual therapy to release the muscles either externally and/or internally that are causing the contractions.

More information about Vaginismus can be found here.

Some general tips about pelvic floor muscle exercises:

• Choose a convenient time and place where you can exercise regularly.
• Put a reminder about pelvic muscle exercises somewhere obvious to you (or set an alarm on your watch or mobile phone).
• Avoid quick pelvic floor muscle exercises where you don’t hold the contraction. This tends to cause an increase in pelvic floor muscle resting tone.
• Be aware that it will take 6 to 8 weeks of regular exercise before you can expect to see improvement. It will take approximately 3 months for the pelvic muscles to strengthen.
• You could try inserting one finger into the vagina to check the strength of your squeeze as you pull in the pelvic muscles. Alternatively, you may be able to feel a pelvic floor contraction if you place the tip of your index finger on the perineal body (on the outside, between the vagina and back passage).

Other tips to reduce Vaginismus:

• If you are overweight, try reducing your weight.
• Try not to become constipated, as a full bowel will put pressure on the bladder. Straining to empty your bowel will weaken the pelvic muscles.
• If your job involves lifting, think of your pelvic muscles as well as your back. Pull up your pelvic muscles when lifting a heavy weight.
• If you smoke, consider quitting. Frequent coughing puts a strain on the pelvic muscles.

If you or someone you know suffers from Vaginismus, please call PhysioNow today! Our specially trained Physiotherapist can start your treatment Now!

Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Dyspareunia, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physionow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., General Category, Health and Wellness, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., Manual Therapy, pain with intercourse, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, pelvic pain, PhysioNow, Physiotherapy, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Seniors

Dyspareunia

Leave a comment

Dyspareunia and Physiotherapy
Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is genital pain experienced by women just before, during or after sexual intercourse. Some women have always experienced pain with intercourse from their very first attempt. Other women begin to feel pain with intercourse or cyclically with menstruation. They can also have pain after an injury or infection . Sometimes the pain increases over time. When pain occurs, the woman may be distracted from feeling pleasure and excitement.

Causes

• vaginal dryness from menopause, childbirth, breastfeeding, medications
• skin disorders that cause ulcers, cracks, itching, or burning
• infections, such as yeast or urinary tract infections
• spontaneous tightening of the muscles of the vaginal wall
• endometriosis
• pelvic inflammatory disease
• uterine fibroids
• irritable bowel syndrome
• radiation and chemotherapy

Other factors that affect a woman’s ability to become aroused can also cause dyspareunia.
These factors include:
• stress, which can result in tightened muscles of the pelvic floor
• fear, guilt, or shame related to sex
• self-image or body issues
• medications such as birth control pills
• relationship problems
• cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disease
• history of sexual abuse

Symptoms of Dyspareunia

• Pain while inserting a tampon or during penis penetration
• Pain with certain sexual partners
• Deep pain during thrusting
• Burning pain or aching pain
• Throbbing pain, lasting hours after intercourse

Check out this link for more information.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Dyspareunia

Education:

To help describe how the pelvic floor muscles can cause pain. Education can also provide techniques that can be used at home.

Manual Physiotherapy: to mobilise muscle and soft tissue, normalize overactive muscles, improve circulation and desensitize painful areas.

Desensitization therapy: learning vaginal relaxation techniques, such as Kegel exercises, that can decrease pain.

Sex therapy: learning how to re-establish intimacy and improve communication with your partner.

Water-based lubricants rather than petroleum jelly or other oil-based lubricants are preferable. Oil-based lubricants tend to dry the vagina.

Psychologic therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can be helpful.

Pelvic muscle relaxation exercises: used with biofeedback, this can help women with tight pelvic muscles learn to consciously relax tight muscles.

If you or someone you know suffers from dyspareunia, please call today to get started on Physiotherapy treatment! We can help at PhysioNow. Often only a few visits with our specially trained Phyiotherapist can help to get you on the road to recovery.

Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, constipation, Endometriosis Physiotherapy, Erin Mills Physionow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., General Category, Health and Wellness, Leakage of urine, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., Manual Therapy, pain with intercourse, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, pelvic pain, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Seniors, Urinary Incontinence

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Leave a comment

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

What is pelvic health physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor muscles form the ‘bowl’ or ‘hammock’ that supports our lower back and pelvic organs (bladder, uterus/prostate and rectum).
Pelvic health physiotherapists have taken courses allowing them to perform an internal evaluation in order to assess the tension and strength of these muscles. Often there is too much tone of the pelvic floor leading to weakness.

What are common symptoms of pelvic health dysfunction?

• Leakage of urine with coughing, sneezing, laughing and exercise
• Urgent need to urinate or leaking before you get to the washroom
• Constipation/straining with bowel movements
• Heavy feeling or bulge in the vagina
• Pain in the pelvic or low back or genital area
• Pain with intercourse
Check out this link for more information.

Some benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

• Leave your house without worrying about your bladder
• Exercise without worrying
• Sleep through the night
• Learn to control urgency

What can I expect on my first Visit for Pelvic Health physiotherapy?

A medical history will be taken with a discussion of your concerns. Questions will be asked to further understand your symptoms. Your posture, muscles of your hip, low back and abdominal will be assessed for contributing factors such as weakness or tightness. In addition to the external exam, an internal exam of your pelvic floor (vaginally and rectally) may be included to assess imbalances and dysfunction of the muscles and soft tissues.
Based on the assessment findings and your goals, the physiotherapist will put together a treatment plan.

What can I expect for treatment with Pelvic health physiotherapy?

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Treatments Typically include,

• Correcting postural dysfunction
• Manual therapy
• Connective tissue release
• Pelvic floor muscle facilitation with breathing techniques
• Exercises for other core muscles
• Training for healthy bladder and bowel habits
• Education such as behavioural therapy/stress management

We have fully trained Pelvic Health Physiotherapists at each of our clinics ready to help you. If you have any questions, or would like to book an appointment, please contact the clinic .

Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Endometriosis Physiotherapy, Erin Mills Physionow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., General Category, Health and Wellness, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., Low back Pain, Manual Therapy, Massage Therapy at Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Massage Therapy Services Mississauga, neck pain, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Physiotherapy, Registered Massage therapist Mississauga, Registered Massage Therapy Lorne Park PhysioNow, Registered Massage therapy Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Urinary Incontinence

Endometriosis Physiotherapy

Leave a comment

Endometriosis Physiotherapy

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells) similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometriosis Physiotherapy: fortunately there is something that you can do about this!
Endometriosis Physiotherapy

Cause of Endometriosis

The cause of endometriosis is unknown. One theory is that the endometrial tissue is deposited in unusual locations by the retrograde flow of menstrual debris through the Fallopian tubes into the pelvic and abdominal cavities. The cause of this retrograde menstruation is not clearly understood. These lesions are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, the surface of the uterus, the bowel, and on the membrane lining of the pelvic cavity (i.e. the peritoneum).
It is also likely the direct transfer of endometrial tissues at the time of surgery may be responsible for the endometriosis implants occasionally found in surgical scars (for example, episiotomy or Cesarean section scars).
Finally, there is evidence that some women with endometriosis have an altered immune response. They are less commonly found to involve the vagina, cervix, and bladder.

Signs and symptoms of Endometriosis Physiotherapy

Some women experience mild symptoms, but others can have moderate to severe symptoms. Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. You may also have the following symptoms:
• painful periods
• pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation
• cramps one or two weeks around menstruation
• heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
• infertility
• pain following sexual intercourse
• discomfort with bowel movements
• lower back pain that may occur at any time during your menstrual cycle
• bloating and distention

Endometriosis Physiotherapy Treatments

A Pelvic health Physiotherapist will evaluate the alignment, musculature, fascial systems, and movement patterns in the pelvis and body for issues that activate your pain and decrease your quality of life.
They develop a treatment programme according to your specific needs. Registered Physiotherapists can help to manage the symptoms of endometriosis such as painful menstrual cramping, abdominal discomfort, pelvic floor pain, and painful intercourse by:
• treating connective tissue dysfunction
• treating myofascial trigger points
• “Visceral manipulation therapy” mobilizing viscera (gentle manual therapy techniques aimed at releasing adhesions and restoring the proper mobility of the internal organs, such as the uterus, bladder, colon and small intestine)
• correcting postural and movement dysfunction (often when we are in pain not only does it change our muscle tone but it causes us to move and posture ourselves differently than we typically would.
• providing patients, the correct postural techniques.
Registered Massage Therapy may also be beneficial in the treatment of Endometriosis, especially if you are suffering from Low Back Pain. If you are interested in booking a massage, give us a call today!
Check out this link to the Mayo Clinic for a bit more information .

At PhysioNow, we have specially trained Pelvic Health Physiotherapists standing by to help Now! Call today to get started on your recovery from Endometriosis!

Exercise, Health and Wellness, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Health Etobicoke, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, Physiotherapy, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Seniors, Urinary Incontinence

Post Prostatectomy Incontinence

Leave a comment

post-prostatectomy-incontinence

Post-prostatectomy-incontinence is a common problem after radical prostatectomy. Patients report that this is the symptom which most disrupts their quality of life. Up to 75 percent of men experience a short period of mild incontinence. This is particularly after removal of the catheter that was placed during surgery. Most patients regain total urinary control after radical prostatectomy. However, this can take up to a year to achieve. Apparently, a small percentage (2% to 4%) experience permanent incontinence. Following radical prostatectomy, men who experience post-prostatectomy-incontinence may express concerns about visible wetness, urine odor, and the type of clothing that can be comfortably worn.
post-prostatectomy-incontinence
Types of Urinary Incontinence

The two types of post-protatectomy incontinence following prostate surgery are:
• Stress incontinence – Stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine that can occur during physical activity, like lifting a heavy object, or when you laugh or sneeze. These . activities put increased “stress” or pressure on the bladder.
• Urge incontinence – Urge incontinence is the sudden need to urinate due to bladder spasms or contractions.

What Can Be Done to Treat post-prostatectomy-incontinence after Prostate Cancer Treatment

• Pelvic floor exercises: Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles when you squeeze them
• Stop urinating mid-stream. These exercises can be combined with biofeedback programs that help you train these muscles even better.
• Supportive care. This treatment includes behavioral modification. This includes drinking fewer fluids, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods, and not drinking before bedtime.

People are encouraged to urinate regularly and not wait until the last moment possible before doing so. In some people, losing weight may result in improved urinary control. Supportive care also involves changing any medications that interfere with incontinence.

• Neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

This treatment is used to retrain and strengthen weak urinary muscles and improve bladder control. With this treatment, a probe is inserted into the anus and a gentle current is passed through the probe at a level below the pain threshold.This causes a contraction. The patient squeezes the muscles when the current is on. After the contraction, the current is switched off.

As you can see, there are many things that can be done to treat post-prostatectomy-incontinence. PhysioNow has trained pelvic Health Physiotherapists in Etobicoke ready to help you get started on regaining your life. It is hard to talk about these symptoms, and harder yet to find somebody who can help. Our therapists are sensitive and discreet. You will be treated in a quiet private room and your privacy will be fully respected. Get started today! Call today and ask for a pelvic health physiotherapy consultation at PhysioNow.

General Category, Health and Wellness, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, Physiotherapy, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Seniors, Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Tract Infections

Leave a comment

 

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Bacteria then begin to multiply in the bladder. The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra.
• Infection of the bladder (cystitis).
• Infection of the urethra (urethritis)

Symptoms

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone

Check out this video for more information: http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/your-guide-urinary-tract-infections#1

Lifestyle changes:

Urinary tract infections can be painful. You can take steps to ease your discomfort until antibiotics treat the infection. Follow these tips:
• Drink plenty of water. Water helps to dilute your urine and flush out bacteria.
• Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices or caffeine until your infection has cleared. They can irritate your
bladder. These drinks tend to aggravate your frequent or urgent need to urinate.
• Use a heating pad. Apply a warm, but not hot, heating pad to your abdomen to minimize bladder pressure or discomfort.
• Wear cotton underwear on a daily basis. Cotton underwear allows more air movement to occur. This keeps the urethra dry.
• Do NOT wear thongs. They track bacteria from your anus forward to your vagina (to the underwear section).

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapists that are trained in pelvic floor dysfunction can greatly improve a UTI patient’s quality of life. A typical approach includes training pelvic floor musculature, manipulative techniques and local heat. It also includes breathing and relaxation techniques. Lastly, treatment includes postural education, muscle coordination reeducation, and behavioral therapy.

• Reverse Kegel Down training
• Dynamic ROM program including dynamic stretching and core exercises
• Pain education
• Internal pelvic muscle work including trigger point release techniques
• Connective tissue mobilization

If you suffer from urinary tract infections, consider getting a consultation from one of our pelvic health physiotherapists today. They can help! Please call Physionow to book an appointment and get back to living a comfortable life!

General Category, Health and Wellness, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga

Pelvic organ Prolapse

Leave a comment

Pelvic organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a very annoying problem. Pelvic organs, such as the uterus, cervix, bladder or bowel, may protrude into the vagina because of weakness in the tissues that normally support them. It is a disorder described as a protrusion at or near the vaginal opening. This may or may not cause perineal pressure. This condition is aggravated by standing and relieved by lying down.

Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse:

Vaginal child birth
Advancing age
Increased body weight
Hysterectomy
Chronic straining
Abnormalities of connective tissue
Connective tissue repair causes some women to have disruption, stretching, or dysfunction of the connective-tissue attachments of the vagina, or both. This can result in prolapse.

Symptoms of Pelvic Organ prolapse:

The symptoms can vary, depending on the type of prolapse. Generally, people have several complaints. These include bladder, bowel, and pelvic symptoms. Symptoms can include Urinary retention. They can also include changes in bowel function. Many women with pelvic organ prolapse have no symptoms, and do not need treatment. When pelvic organ prolapse causes symptoms, options include observation, conservative pelvic health physiotherapy treatment, and surgery. You can also use a pessary. A vaginal pessary is a removable device placed into the vagina. It is designed to support areas of pelvic organ prolapse.
http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/placement-of-a-pessary

Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse:

NO effective prevention strategies for prolapse have been identified. However, options include weight loss, and reduction of heavy lifting. There are also various treatments used for constipation. These options can be discussed with your pelvic health physiotherapist. Other treatments include surgery, mechanical devices and pelvic floor exercises.

Conservative management approaches include giving lifestyle advice and delivering Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises are often used in cases of mild to moderate pelvic organ prolapse. Simple instructions are not considered adequate training for a Kegel exercise program (Bump et al 1991). The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada recommends that proper performance of Kegel exercises should be confirmed by digital vaginal examination or biofeedback. This can be done by a skilled Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. PhysioNow has the ability to do this type of treatment at all of our Physiotherapy clinics in Mississauga.
Electrical stimulation with sensor probes can also be used for pelvic floor muscle strengthening.
Kegel Exercises

Finally, it is IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND that pelvic organ prolapse is not a gynecological disease but a FUNCTIONAL problem. Pelvic health Physiotherapy can Help! Call PhysioNow today!