Perineal and pelvic rehabilitation is an effective physiotherapy treatment approach for women and men struggling with a pelvic problem such as incontinence, an overactive bladder, organ descent or pain. Personalized exercises and advice can reduce or relieve your symptoms in order to improve your quality of life.
Why consult a physiotherapist in perineal and pelvic rehabilitation?
Perineal and pelvic rehabilitation is a global approach based on the rehabilitation of the muscles of the pelvic floor, a group of muscles located at the base of the pelvis between the pubis and the coccyx. It also takes into account all the muscles that have an impact on the pelvic floor, such as the abdominals and the diaphragm.
You can consult for prevention as well as to treat a recent or long-standing problem, for example:
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Descent of organs (prolapse)
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
Perineal and pelvic rehabilitation is also recommended during pregnancy and after childbirth to prevent pelvic problems.
It is also a good complementary approach if you live with lower back or hip pain that persists despite conventional treatments.
How does a perineal and pelvic rehabilitation session take place?
From the first appointment, your physiotherapist will make a detailed assessment of your condition and will suggest a treatment plan adapted to your needs.
You will first need to complete a questionnaire about your state of health. At the beginning of the meeting, your physiotherapist will ask you questions in order to fully understand your problem, your symptoms and your objectives. Then, various physical tests will be carried out to assess, for example, the strength and flexibility of your muscles, the mobility of your hips and pelvis as well as your posture. This evaluation generally includes an internal examination (vaginal and/or anal) of your pelvic floor muscles to measure strength, endurance, flexibility, ability to contract and relax, plus any existing muscle tension. The physiotherapist may also use a biofeedback device or electrical stimulation as needed.
After this evaluation, your physiotherapist will give you detailed explanations of your condition and will suggest a treatment plan that includes, most of the time, clinic sessions, exercises to do at home and advice to apply in your daily life.
The meetings always take place in a closed room with respect for your privacy.
