What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Within the pelvic floor are many muscles, ligaments, tissue and pelvic organs, such as the bladder, bowel and the womb (if you’re female). The pelvic floor runs much like a taut ‘hammock’, from the tailbone (coccyx) to the front of the pelvis – the pelvic organs sit on top of and are supported by these hammock-like pelvic muscles.

The pelvic floor is also similar to a trampoline – the muscles can move up and down, especially while breathing. This is to accommodate downward pressure on the abdominal organs from the diaphragm on inhalation – the pelvic floor relaxes, and comes back up when the diaphragm contracts and pressure decreases during exhalation.

In total, there are six main functions of the pelvic floor muscles:

1. Pelvic organ support
2. Bladder/bowel control
3. Passing of urine/faeces
4. Sexual function
5. Breathing
6. Pregnancy and childbirth

If these muscles become weak, overstretched, torn or overactive, signs and symptoms of issues affecting the above pelvic functions may develop. Common problems include urinary incontinence, difficult or minimal bowel control, Levator syndrome (spasming muscles after bowel movement), Pudendal neuralgia (pudendal nerve damage), erectile dysfunction, etc.

What are the causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Typically, weak, overstretched or malfunctioning pelvic muscles are the main contributors to conditions and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. This can be caused by:

• Age
• Systemic diseases or chronic health issues – e.g. pressure in abdomen from a persistent cough, obesity, history of low back pain, etc.
• Genetics
• Surgeries – including hysterectomies or prostate surgery
• Pregnancy
  • Trauma during delivery
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Large babies
  • Operative delivery
• Prolapsed organs – pelvic organs (uterus, cervix, vagina [F]/prostate [M],urethra, rectum, bladder, etc.) can drop down or onto other structures due to a lack of support from the pelvic floor – increased pressure from these prolapsed organs can further weaken pelvic muscles and cause other complications
• Trauma – injuries to the tailbone
• Physical exertion/constipation – including heavy lifting

More women than men are usually diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction.

What are the symptoms?

Treatment for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

If you think you might have symptoms or conditions related to pelvic floor dysfunction, it is important to see a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment/management options. You will likely be referred for imaging tests to determine the origin and extent of the injury or to rule out a differential diagnosis.

Physiotherapy is aimed at educating patients about the function of pelvic floor muscles, the importance of lifestyle factors and management through an exercise program. Physical therapy is aimed at strengthening muscle and reducing future risk. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we can tailor a unique treatment plan for simple pelvic issues to aid in your recovery through:

If the pain is severe, strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise for you to use lumbar or pelvic support.

How to book an appointment?

If you have a pelvic floor dysfunction, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.

All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.

You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.