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Pelvic Floor

What is it?

Imagine a sling of muscles making a hammock connecting your two sit bones, pubic bone and tail bone. This group of muscles is responsible for:

  • Supporting abdominal and pelvic organs
  • Controlling continence
  • Urinating, defaecation, childbirth and sexual activity

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Your pelvic organs – bladder, bowel and uterus are held by your pelvic floor muscle and pelvic ligaments. If this support structure is weakened, these organs can start to bulge or ‘slip’ through

SYMPTOMS:

  • Women with a mild prolapse may have no symptoms
  • A heavy or dragging sensation in the saddle area
  • You may feel a bulge when you wipe yourself
  • Pain or lack of sensation during sex
  • Recurring urinary tract infections

CAUSES

  • Pelvic floor weakness
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Childbirth – especially if baby is heavy (>4kg) or if forceps were used
  • History of multiple natural vaginal deliveries
  • Chronic coughing
  • Excessive weight gain
  • Repetitive heavy lifting

Pelvic Floor Infographic

Womens Health

Management

Physio management includes:

  • Supervised and structured exercise program to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles
  • Bladder retraining
  • Referral to a specialist/surgeon if conservative management is unsuccessful

Bladder / Bowel Incontinence

BLADDER SYMPTOMS:

  • Urine leakage with activities involving increased abdominal/pelvic pressure E.g. coughing/sneezing, lifting, running
  • Feeling an urgent need to go to the toilet consistently. Often associated with triggers E.g. putting key in the door
  • Increased urination frequency

BOWEL SYMPTOMS:

  • Sudden urge to empty bowel
  • Noticing faecal smearing on underwear
  • Unable to control passing wind

CAUSES

Pelvic floor muscle and connective tissue weakness or dysfunction due to:

  • Menopause
  • Pregnancy
  • Childbirth – especially if there is tearing involving the back passage
  • Constipation and straining
  • Excessive impact exercise
  • Repetitive heavy lifting
  • Overactive pelvic floor

Our Contacts

  • Address: 181 Upper Heidelberg Rd Ivanhoe VIC 3079
  • Phone: 03 9499 8658
  • E-mail: hello@performphysiopilates.com.au

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