Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialty of physical therapy that focuses on the prevention and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.
The pelvic floor can be weakened to a greater or lesser degree by pregnancy and childbirth, age, menopause, obesity, strenuous exercise, or diseases such as endometriosis.
The weakness and loss of strength of the pelvic floor can cause very common problems, such as:
- Urinary incontinence.
- Pain in the pelvis, abdomen or back.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Difficulty reaching orgasm.
At Women’s, we are specialists in pelvic floor care and can help you strengthen your pelvic floor and prevent, avoid, or alleviate current or future problems.
We perform a detailed assessment of your circumstances, symptoms and concerns.
Once a diagnosis is determined, we create a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan that may include a combination of techniques. For example, exercises to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor muscles, abdominal training, breathing and relaxation techniques, massage, and manual therapy.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a set of muscles, nerves and tissues in the lower part of the pelvis that form a “net” to hang the bladder, uterus, and rectum.
The pelvic floor plays a very important role in your health and well-being.
Structural support
The pelvic floor provides support and stability to the pelvic organs, keeping them in the correct position in the pelvis.
Continence control
The pelvic floor muscles are fundamental in controlling the function of the urinary and anal sphincters. They ensure that urine and bowel movements can be held back until the right time.
Stabilization of the pelvis and spine
The pelvic floor muscles work with other muscles to maintain stability of the pelvis and spine during everyday activities such as walking, lifting, etc.
Sexual function
The pelvic floor muscles activate and relax during sexual activity, contributing positively to sensation and orgasm.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor provides additional support for the growing uterus. In addition, these muscles relax during birth to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
What are the most common causes of pelvic floor weakness?
Pelvic floor weakness can affect people of any age, although it is more common after pregnancy and childbirth, and with age.
With a healthy lifestyle, specific exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, and appropriate medical care at different stages and circumstances of life, you can strengthen the pelvic floor and prevent or reduce its weakening.
Pelvic floor weakness can be caused by various factors.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
During pregnancy, the weight of the growing uterus exerts pressure on the pelvic floor.
Prolonged, vaginal childbirth can weaken the muscles and tissues in this area and increase the risk of future displacement of the pelvic organs.
Age
As we age and hormone levels decrease during menopause, the muscles, including those of the pelvic floor, can weaken and lose elasticity.
Sedentary lifestyle
A lack of regular physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to muscle weakness.
Overweight
Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor and weaken it.
Pelvic surgery
Some pelvic surgeries, such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), can affect and weaken the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor.
What are the consequences of a weakened pelvic floor?
Weakening of the pelvic floor can cause various symptoms and consequences of greater or lesser intensity, affecting your health and personal well-being.
Prolapse of the pelvic organs
When the pelvic floor is weakened, organs such as the bladder, uterus or rectum can descend into the vagina or shift out of their normal position.
This lowering or shifting can cause a feeling of pressure, discomfort or even a bulge in the vagina.
Chronic pelvic pain
Hypertonicity of the pelvic floor muscles (the muscles become overly tense and cannot relax properly) can cause discomfort, discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen, pelvic area, genital area or the back.
The pain may be constant or intermittent and may increase with walking, exercising, standing, lifting heavy objects, or during sexual intercourse.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a very common urogynecological problem. If you have involuntary loss of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising, it is important to know that there are very effective treatments to resolve or relieve the situation.
Bowel problems
Weakening of the pelvic floor can also affect bowel function, contributing to constipation, making bowel movements difficult or causing fecal incontinence.
Sexual dysfunction
Pelvic floor weakness can cause you to experience discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) or difficulty reaching orgasm (anorgasmia).
The pelvic floor muscles provide good blood flow to the genital area and contribute to sensitivity during sexual activity.
Pelvic floor physical therapy will help you get to know your pelvic floor muscles as well as your pelvic and perineal area. You will be able to enjoy your sexual relations much more when your pelvic and perineal tissues are in good condition and integrated into your body schema.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Barcelona
Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps to re-educate, tone, and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
At Women’s, we perform a complete examination of your pelvic floor muscles to determine any weaknesses, dysfunctions, or changes.
We create a customized exercise program (Kegel exercises) to help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improve their tone and function at every stage of your life.
We explain in detail how to perform relaxation and stretching exercises to relieve tension and improve muscle flexibility, and we advise you on healthy habits, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques.
