Have you been experiencing uncomfortable symptoms such as pelvic pressure or bulging? You may be suffering from a pelvic organ prolapse. This condition can be distressing and affect your quality of life. But did you know that pelvic physiotherapy can help alleviate these symptoms?
Pelvic health physiotherapy is a focused area of physiotherapy that specializes in the muscles and structures of the pelvis. It can be an effective treatment for women and men with prolapse.
What Is a Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
In females, prolapse is a condition in which the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum, slip out of place and bulge into the vaginal canal. Though it is most common in females, pelvic prolapse can occur as a result of prostate surgery or other conditions that affect the pelvic muscles and ligaments in men.
What Are the Symptoms of Prolapse?
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in men can include a feeling of pressure or fullness in the rectum, difficulty controlling bowel movements, and urinary incontinence issues.
In women, prolapse occurs when the muscles and connective tissue that support the pelvic organs become weak or damaged. This can happen due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or other factors. Symptoms of prolapse include a feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, difficulty with bowel or bladder function, and pelvic pain during intercourse.
Benefits of Pelvic Physiotherapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic physiotherapy can help to alleviate these symptoms and improve the overall function of the pelvic area. Your physiotherapist will work with you to assess your specific needs and develop an individualized treatment plan. This may include exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, as well as manual therapy to release any tightness or tension in the muscles and connective tissue.
One of the main goals of pelvic physiotherapy is to improve the patient’s ability to
control and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles. This can help to support the pelvic organs and prevent prolapse from occurring.
Pelvic Floor Exercises for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
A physiotherapist may recommend a variety of exercises to help manage pelvic
prolapse, including:
1. Kegel exercises: These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. They can help to strengthen these muscles and improve muscle tone, which can help to support the pelvic organs and prevent prolapse from
worsening.
2. Pelvic tilts: This exercise involves tilting the pelvis back and forth while lying on
your back. It can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the lower back
and pelvis, which can improve support for the pelvic organs.
3. Bridging exercises: This exercise involves lying on your back and lifting your hips up towards the ceiling. It can help to strengthen the muscles of the lower back and pelvis, as well as improve muscle tone in the abdominal area.
4. Squats and lunges: These exercises are great for strengthening the legs and
glutes, which can help to improve support for the pelvic area.
5. Pelvic floor muscle relaxation exercises: These exercises help to relax the pelvic floor muscles and reduce tension in the pelvic area, which can help to alleviate symptoms of prolapse.
In addition to exercise and manual therapy, pelvic physiotherapy may also include
education and advice on lifestyle changes that can help to manage prolapse. For
example, the therapist may recommend avoiding heavy lifting or other activities that put a strain on the pelvic area.
It is important to note that these exercises should only be performed under the
guidance of a physiotherapist, as they may not be suitable for everyone. Furthermore, exercises are already adjusted and modified based on each patient’s case. So no one exercise is the same for each individual. A physiotherapist will be able to provide guidance on proper technique and progressions for the exercises and also check if any of the exercises may worsen the condition.
Final Words
Overall, pelvic floor physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for women and men with prolapse. It can alleviate symptoms, improve muscle strength and coordination, and prevent the condition from worsening. Book your appointment today and let’s work together towards a healthier, happier you.
