Tag Archives: Urinary Incontinence

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PELVIC FLOOR: POSTURE

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PELVIC FLOOR: POSTURE

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 floor muscle activity is much less than when we are sitting tall.
  • Pelvic Floor: Posture IS VERY IMPORTANT!
  • slouched sitting postures decrease the activity of your transverse abdominal muscles.
  • A Proper breathing pattern encourages the pelvic floor to move more dynamically.
  • Dysfunctional breathing patterns inhibit this dynamic movement of the pelvic floor.

Pelvic Floor: Posture,  

  • An assessment by a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist includes a thorough postural examination.
  • Your Pelvic Health Physiotherapist will be able to identify your unique postural compensations
  • They can help guide you on the road to improved body posture awareness.

CHECK OUT THIS LINK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

At PhysioNow, we have fully trained Pelvic Health Physiotherapists that can help to assess and treat pelvic issues like the following conditions:

  • Constipation
  • Dyspareunia
  • Endometriosis
  • leakage of urine
  • pain with intercourse
  • pelvic organ prolapse
  • pelvic pain
  • urinary incontinence
  • vaginismus
  • erectile dysfunction

If you or someone you know suffers from one of these conditions, give us a call today.  We would be happy to help!

  1. Sapsford, RR. et al (2006) Sitting posture affects pelvic floor muscle activity in parous women: an observation study. Aust L Physiother. 52(3):219-22
  2. Reeve, A., Dilley, A., (2009) Effects of posture on the thickness of Transverse Abdominal Muscle and Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized controlled Trial. J Phys Ther Sci. 26(8): 1161-1163.
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Dyspareunia

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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, 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 pain, PhysioNow, Physiotherapy, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Urinary Incontinence

Prostatitis

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Prostatitis

Prostatitis

Prostatitis or Prostatodynia Physiotherapy

Prostatodynia or Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is a pelvic pain condition in men. This means ‘inflammation of the prostate’. There are two basic types of prostatitis, acute and chronic.

Acute Bacterial 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!

Nonbacterial or Chronic Prostatitis

The other is Nonbacterial or Chronic Prostatitis. This can be treated with alternative treatments such as Pelvic physiotherapy, exercises, lifestyle modifications etc. Investigations in this case show that bacteria and yeast are negative. The physical examination does not usually show anything unusual. However, the prostate may be swollen. What can make the problem even more confusing is that often young, otherwise healthy men develop this condition. Antibiotics, pain-killers, and medications prescribed are often not effective. Many men have been told that they must learn to live with the symptoms because a cure is not available.

Symptoms may include a few or all of the following:

• Pain in the testicles, or tip, shaft or base of the penis
• Pain at the perineum (the area between the testicles and penis)
• Urination Causes Pain
• Increased pain in sitting
• Pain or discomfort with sexual arousal, or during or after ejaculation
• You May notice Pain or discomfort above the pubic bone
• Urinary frequency
• Urinary urgency
• Pain before, during or after a bowel movement
• Decreased interest in sex

Treatment

The Pelvic Health Physiotherapist creates an individualized treatment program. Treatment is based on pelvic floor dysfunction, symptoms, and response to the treatments.

The following treatment programs and techniques may be involved in Pelvic Physiotherapy for Prostatitis:

Trigger point release therapy

Trigger point release therapy is also known as myofascial trigger point release. Trigger point release therapy is an alternative treatment for chronic prostatitis. It is often helpful for treating CP/CPPS symptoms that are associated with stress and tension of the pelvic floor muscles.

Trigger point release therapy is often combined with paradoxical relaxation therapy. This exercise method involves autonomic self-regulation. This decreases pelvic floor muscle tension. It teaches you how to release this tension. Paradoxical relaxation involves a specific breathing technique to help relieve anxiety.

Total body

Total body (exercise, chronic stress management, lifestyle) changes help relieve pain. It is important to know which foods make the symptoms worse. Try to avoid those foods. The most common foods that have been found to trigger symptoms include:

• Spicy foods
• Hot peppers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Acidic foods
• Wheat
• Gluten
• Caffeine

Check out this patient’s experience.

Please call PhysioNow today to get started on your recovery from Prostatitis.

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

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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 .

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Endometriosis Physiotherapy

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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

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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.

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Urinary Tract Infections

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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!

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Urinary Incontinence

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Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. This condition is more common among women than men. An estimated 30 percent of females aged 30-60 are thought to suffer from it, compared to 1.5-5 percent of men. 3.3 million Canadians have Urinary Incontinence.
– 1 in 4 women
– 1 in 9 men
Only 1 in 12 people tell a health care worker, WHY?
– Embarrassed
– They think it is a Private Issue
– Some think it is an Inevitable part of aging….IT IS NOT!
This issue has a lot of Social Consequences like decreased self esteem.It also causes impaired emotional status, depression and isolation. It impedes social and physical activity. It has a heavy economic burden on patients, families and society (Hunskaar, 1991, Temml, 2000).

Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence
Gynecological or urinary surgery
• Chronic Illness
• Medication
• Smoking
• Chronic straining
• Obesity
• Post menopausal (hormone changes)
• Over 40 (1 in 3)
• Pregnancy and Birth
• Multiparous: having had more than one child
• Obstetric trauma (forceps, suction, tearing)

Types of Urinary Incontinence

• Stress: This is the most common type of urinary incontinence. It is a loss of small to moderate amounts of urine with exertion – with coughing, sneezing, jumping, running, laughing, changing position etc. Often this is due to weakness of the pelvic floor muscles.
• Urge This is a loss of urine (sometimes large amounts), following an urgent need to empty the bladder. The urge can be extremely strong and impossible to ignore.
• Overflow This consists of a loss of urine due to over-filling of the bladder. This is because the bladder is unable to empty properly.
• Functional: A loss of urine due to physical problems preventing the person from reaching the washroom in time.
Mixed: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.

Physiotherapy treatments of Urinary Incontinence

The goal of Physiotherapy is to teach you to regain control of your bladder. Treatment will always involve a lot of education. Registered Physiotherapy for Pelvic Health will teach you simple measures. TheseUrinary Incontinence can make a big impact on your bladder control.
Pelvic Health Treatment is often focused around the pelvic floor muscles. These are considered as a basket of muscles that support organs against gravity and intra–?abdominal pressure and vaginal/rectal walls.
Other Pelvic Health techniques may include bladder retraining, postural re-education, exercises for the abdominals and other ‘core’ muscles. A home exercise program will always be an important part of your Pelvic Health treatment. Electrical stimulation with sensors is used to increase pelvic floor muscle strength in cases of marked weakness.

You can check out this link to learn more about Urinary incontinence: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165408.php.

If you would like to learn more about Urinary Incontinence or book an appointment with one of our Pelvic Health Registered Physiotherapists, please contact PhysioNow. We can Help!!

Urinary Incontinence

Get back to your life and all the things you enjoy!