Physiothérapie pelvienne et rééducation périnéale

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a branch of physiotherapy that focuses on muscles, ligaments, nerves and connective tissues of the pelvic region which are connected to pelvis, sacrum and tailbone. All of these tissues work together to provide support for our pelvic organs (urethra, bladder, uterus, vagina, rectum and prostate) and stability for the lumbar spine, hips and sacro-iliac joints. As well, they are highly involved in the bowel and bladder functions such as maintaining continence and voiding, and sexual functions such as arousal and orgasm. Their adequate function ensures proper posture and breathing pattern in our body. 

When the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues are unhealthy, they could cause a wide range of conditions that have a negative effect on one’s quality of life. Some of these conditions are the following: 

- Stress incontinence, urge incontinence and/or mixed incontinence

- Pelvic organ prolapse

- Fecal urgency and incontinence

- Chronic constipation

- Dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), vaginismus (involuntary contraction and spasm of pelvic floor muscles), vulvodynia (pain in vulva)

- Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrom)

- Pudendal neuralgia

- Chronic prostatitis and testicular pain

- Pregnancy and post-partum related dysfunctions (diastasis recti, pelvic girdle pain, urinary incontinence, etc)

A physiotherapist that has completed a specialized training in pelvic health rehabilitation is able to effectively evaluate and treat the conditions resulted from dysfunction in this region. She would use manual (internal and external) techniques, prescribe appropriate exercises, educate her patients about persistent pain and lifestyle modifications amongst different evidence-base interventions. 

Pelvic health problems are very common and unfortunately not discussed and addressed enough. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an effective and conservative solution that is backed up by scientific research and is recognised as first line of intervention for these common pelvic health dysfunctions.