FIRST OF ALL, WHAT IS THE PELVIC FLOOR?

The pelvic floor is the muscles, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves that support the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum and help these pelvic organs function.
Its muscles stretch like a muscular trampoline from the tailbone (coccyx) to the pubic bone (front to back) and from one sitting bone to the other sitting bone (side to side).

Today we will cover the pelvic floor (muscles of your hip) Dysfunction.

WHAT ARE PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS?

Pelvic floor disorders occur when the “trampoline” that supports the pelvic organs becomes weak or damaged.

Damage of the pelvic floor can happen due to:

1- Constipation
2- Pregnancy
3- Giving birth
4- Chronic coughing
5- Smoking
6- Excess weight
7- Menopause
8- improper heavy lifting techniques

WHAT ARE PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION SYMPTOMS?

• • Constipation, straining or pain during bowel movements.
  • Pain or pressure in the rectum.
  • A heavy feeling in the pelvis or a bulge in the rectum.
  • Muscle spasms in the pelvis.
  • Urinary stress incontinence (Sneeze pee)
  • Lower back pain
  • Sexual side effects: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) for men or pain with intercourse for women.

ARE PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS A NORMAL PART OF AGING?

They’re more common as women get older, they are not a normal or acceptable part of aging. These problems can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, these disorders often can be reversed with treatment.

Importance of pelvic floor physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapists help women rehabilitate their pelvic floor muscles, which consequently  improve bladder and bowel control; support the growing weight of the fetus during pregnancy; facilitate the birthing process; and work as core muscles to support and stabilize the spine.