Important Concepts Regarding Pelvic Physiotherapy ACT AU Residents May Find Beneficial

By Stephen Lewis


Some people end up with weak muscles in the pelvic region because of one reason or another. Weak muscles are usually attributed to straining when passing stool or on urination. Pregnant women are common victims of pelvic muscle compromise because of the strain the loaded womb puts on the urinary bladder. These are some of the critical issues regarding pelvic physiotherapy ACT AU residents need to address.

The symptoms of pelvic muscle impairment depend on the severity of weakness. Classically, patients complain of incontinence, that is, they tend to pass stool or urine involuntarily. In other words, urination and defecation may occur without their knowledge. In fact, affected persons may find themselves leaking urine from merely laughing or coughing.

Tightness of muscles in the pelvic floor can result in the typical lower urinary tract symptoms. These are characterized by increased frequency of urination. The urine may not come as a smooth complete flow. Instead, it comes out in small volumes. This is also known as intermittency. Additional symptoms include an individual frequently urinating at night, weakness of the urine stream and incomplete bladder emptying.

Pelvic floor muscles provide a strong support system for organs within the pelvis including the urinary bladder, the uterus, rectum and prostate in men. The organs are held in place by the muscles which attach to the bony pelvis and the outer surface of the organs. They also strengthen the various canals in the perineum including the vagina, urethra and the rectum. Contraction facilitates containment while relaxation causes release of urine or stool.

The first step towards restoring pelvic muscle integrity is to try and find out which muscles require therapy. This can be effectively done by the affected individual at home. If they are unable to do so, then they can consult a pelvic physiotherapist to provide guidance. In the home setting, privacy is needed in order to increase the chances of success. In this case the individual is able to fully relax and find out which muscles need treatment.

Depending on whether it is the anal-rectal, lower urinary tract or involving the reproductive system, the person has to deliberately put the muscles to action to determine which ones are impaired. The basic instruction is to imagine that you have diarrhea or the urge to pass wind and then keep yourself from doing so. Also, one can pass and hold urine in turn until the weak muscles are determined. The only downside to this is that the condition may worsen when these exercises are done for a prolonged period of time.

If the individual is unable to do this on their own in the home setting, they can seek the services of a professional to take them through a step-wise procedure. The professional will take time to know the patient in terms of underlying conditions and how long the conditions have been in existence. The therapist will also examine the area to ascertain which tissues are impaired. Basic examination procedures should include a digital rectal examination, and a vaginal exam for women.

In summary, muscles in the pelvic floor become compromised when they are subjected to stress as occurs in pregnancy and childbirth. In men, lower urinary tract symptoms may arise from blockage of the tract by tumors and foreign bodies. Diligence in physiotherapy goes a long way in treating incontinence and related conditions.




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