Pelvic floor Physiotherapy
By Corli Bruni, Women’s Health Physiotherapist
Pelvic floor Physio is a relatively new field of physio that includes evaluating and treating the pelvic floor muscles and organs. The pelvic floor muscles act as a muscular bowel in the pelvis that supports the pelvic organs including the bladder, colon and uterus. These muscles need to be strong, flexible and work without us thinking about them too much. Treatment includes education, hands on treatment, lifestyle modification and exercises.
As women our pelvic floor is taxed and tested through the various phases of our life, especially during pregnancy, birth and post-partum. Unfortunately, pelvic floor dysfunction causes a lot of distress and shame. The good news is that most pelvic floor dysfunction is treatable and reversable.
So, what do we treat?
Bladder dysfunction: These include incontinence, urge, painful bladder, inability to empty or initiate. Incontinence is a very common complaint during pregnancy and post-partum but definitely not normal. Incontinence is not the price we pay for being pregnant or having children.
Anorectal Complaints: Constipation, faecal incontinence, Coccyx pain.
Pelvic pain: Symphysis pubis Dysfunction or SPD, Lower back or SIJ pain. Any pain in the pelvis. The dreaded symphysis pubis pain during pregnancy can be treated.
Dysfunction of Intimacy: Painful sex, painful penetration, Inability or painful orgasms
Birth Preparation: A pelvic floor physio can assist in preparing your pelvic floor for birth. Teach you the right tools to assist and know how to relax the pelvic floor during birth.
Post partum Rehabilitation and treatment: Any birth injuries, optimising the healing of any scars, abdominal strengthening, General recovery, treatment of cracked nipples and engorgement.
Most pelvic floor physios offer a post 6 weeks pelvic wellness check. This is a full evaluation of your core, abdominals, pelvic floors function. This would usually be followed up with a rehab program to prepare you for any sport you might want to return to.
I believe that every woman should consult a pelvic floor physio at least once post-partum. It is absolutely ridiculous that after the changes our body goes through during pregnancy and birth, we don’t have specific specialised pelvic floor care and rehabilitation as the norm afterwards. Please invest in your body. Post-partum is forever and just like we won’t accept a wonky ankle or shoulder, we shouldn’t accept a dysfunctional pelvic floor. It has an immense impact on our quality of life and emotional and psychological wellbeing. If your circumstances allow, make a pelvic floor physio part of your birth preparation team and consult beforehand. We can identify problems or issues that might play a negative roll during pregnancy and birth and address them pro-actively.
Corli Bruni is a passionate advocate for women’s pelvic health. Most women suffer in silence and they don’t have to.
“I have three little ones that was born with the help of the amazing team at Midwives Exclusive. My own journey with my pregnancies and births led me to this amazing field of pelvic floor physio. And as clichéd as it might sound, it has become my calling. I absolute love treating and helping women. It is a great privilege and responsibility to be trusted with their stories and care”
