Women’s Health
What causes pelvic floor muscle weakness?
Pelvic floor problems usually occur when the pelvic floor muscles are stretched, weakened or too tight. It is not uncommon for some women to have weak pelvic floor muscles from an early age, while it is more common for women to notice problems after pregnancy, childbirth or menopause. Like other muscles in your body, your pelvic floor muscles will become stronger with a regular exercise program.
Pelvic floor muscles can be adversely affected by:
- not keeping them active or over working them
- being pregnant and going through birth
- chronic back pain
- chronic constipation and straining when going to the toilet
- being overweight, obese or having a body mass index (BMI) over 25
- excessive or incorrect heavy lifting
- previous injury to the pelvic region
- growing older
Statistics show that 1 in 3 women in Australia suffer from urinary incontinence. It might be common, but it’s NOT normal and can be treated by a women’s health physiotherapist. Women’s health interventions are easier than you think and are successful at improving the quality of life for women who work with a physio.
WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY IS INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AS THE FIRST CHOICE FOR INCONTINENCE AND PROLAPSE. IT UTILISES EVIDENCE-BASED TECHNIQUES, WHICH ARE MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND LESS INVASIVE THAN OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS SUCH AS SURGERY.
Our women’s health physiotherapist, Monique Bain, has specialised skills in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor muscle function and dysfunction, as well as other musculoskeletal issues associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Women’s health physiotherapy can help with:
- Urinary incontinence or reduced bladder control
- Bowel incontinence or constipation
- Urge incontinence and overactive bladder
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Painful sex
- Pregnancy-related pelvic pain – see Aquatic Natal Classes
- Post-natal care including abdominal separation
Monique is sensitive and caring and thorough in her history taking. Pelvic floor assessment almost always involves an internal vaginal examination to measure the strength, coordination and/or presence of spasm of pelvic floor muscles, as well as the position of pelvic organs. After being assessed, a management plan will be devised based on the findings and treatment goals.
Our women’s health specialist is able to provide appropriate and ongoing treatment in order to minimise your level of discomfort by a personalised plan. Your personalised plan will include specific pelvic strength and stability exercises, postural awareness, movement strategies and back care in an effort to reduce the load on your lower back and pelvis. Monique is also specifically trained in providing bladder and bowel education and advice on the management of abdominal separation.