- We all have a pelvic floor
The pelvic floor is composed of three main muscle layers that help to keep all your bladder, bowel, and stomach organs in place. The pelvic floor is responsible for:
- Controlling the bowel and bladder.
- Supporting the organs in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
- Assisting with sexual sensation and function.
- Weak pelvic floor muscles can cause incontinence – bladder leakage
Urinary incontinence (bladder leakage) can be caused by many health events, including pregnancy, childbirth, enlarged prostate glands, menopause, impact trauma, estrogen deficiency, obesity, pelvic misalignment. Even chronic coughing, excessive laughter or certain sports (e.g. powerlifting or gymnastics) can lead to pelvic problems and sometimes difficulty to control urination.
The good news is that it’s generally a muscle problem, which means it can often be treated by a physiotherapist. A physio with a special interest in treating “women’s/men’s pelvic health can help.
- Pelvic floor exercises can help
At Sports Focus physiotherapy we have Women’s pelvic health physios who can assess and prescribe an exercise program to help recondition your pelvic floor muscles. This exercise program is personalised according to your individual needs and desired results. In most cases, those experience pelvic floor dysfunction can get back to health by making simple changes to their lifestyle.
- Practice pelvic Floor (Kegel) exercises
Pelvic floor exercises are great for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. They can also be performed anywhere, without anyone seeing you ‘working out’. Learning how to correctly perform these exercises can also greatly assist in both the delivery and after your baby; if they are properly prescribed. Not ALL women need to do pelvic exercises!
Regardless of your age or gender, you can easily start taking care of your pelvic floor health. With the help of an experienced women’s health physiotherapist, you can give your body the support it needs to avoid painful and potentially embarrassing moments. Move with confidence and don’t suffer in silence. Contact Sports Focus today to make an appointment for or book online now.
Author: Vanea Atwood
Principal Physiotherapist
Women’s Pelvic Health
Grad Dip Phty MCSP APAM
Vanea has been a physiotherapist for over 25 years and has extensive experience in the treatment of musculoskeletal spinal disorders and Women’s Pelvic health. She is passionate about educating her clients on how to progress from injury, surgery and childbirth and offers (in addition to Pelvic Floor Assessment and treatment); education and expertise in group and individually tailored exercise training for women.
