Services

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

At Emerald Hills Physio & Sports Clinic, we have been treating various pelvic floor dysfunctions in both male and female patients for the last decade. We are also proud to specialize in women’s physiotherapy and pelvic floor exercises.

Do you suffer with painful urination, lower back pain, pelvic pain, sexual discomfort, pelvic pressure or muscle spasms in the pelvis? You may be suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction. This condition can be extremely painful -- however, we offer the right treatments that can provide relief. 

By focusing on the joints, muscles and connective tissue of the hips, pelvis and lower back (including your pelvis), we can strengthen your pelvic floor and improve your quality of life.

Our pelvic floor physiotherapy in Sherwood Park includes a treatment modality called Pfilates. To better treat patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, we also have a Certified Rost Therapy Clinician and Certified Pfilates clinician on board to address each and everyone of our clients’ needs.

What Exactly is Pfilates??

Pfilates is a program that focuses on neuromuscular conditioning, based on extensive EMG recordings taken from the pelvic floor. Pfilates was created by an American Urogynecologist to provide a method of home pelvic floor fitness training that is accessible to a broad population.

Pelvic floor disorders are absolutely epidemic. Stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, female sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse and fecal incontinence are so commonplace that they are often regarded as the inevitable consequences of childbirth and aging. When these conditions are treated, they are too often regarded as purely mechanical disorders that require a surgical solution. 

It is clear that programs of pelvic floor neuromuscular rehabilitation successfully improve pelvic floor symptoms. Such programs typically involve a set schedule of isometric pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) that must be continued in the long term. It is also clearly established that very few women will continue to perform these type of isometric exercises for an extended period of time.

In creating the Pfilates program, we have ventured to provide a plyometric (movement oriented) method of pelvic floor exercise that can be incorporated into any regular fitness routine. Our neuromuscular research reveals that movements that engage the external hip rotators, adductors of the thigh, transversus abdominis and gluteal muscles also facilitate (or induce) a pelvic floor contraction. This information has proven especially useful for women who are unable to perform an isolated voluntary pelvic floor contraction.

The Pfilates program is a simple program consisting of ten movements, presented in the same order in three different phases (beginning, intermediate and advanced). Each of the Pfilates movements includes a series of repetitions, followed by a hold phase and a pulse phase at the point of peak engagement of the pelvic floor. As such, these movements encourage the development of the three essential elements of neuromuscular performance: strength, endurance and coordination.

Clients that have used Pfilates to treat pelvic floor dysfunction report an improvement of symptoms, as well as better hip and lower back mobility.

DID YOU KNOW….

Published in the April issue of the Journal Obstetrics and Gynecology is a very interesting article about the association of Vitamin D levels and pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence. The findings include: 1. Low Vit D (2. Low Vit D was associated with a greater risk of urinary incontinence in women over the age of 50. This is interesting and totally consistent with the notion that most pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence, are principally the result of neuromuscular dysfunction. We know that low Vitamin D levels are associated with muscle weakness, poor coordination, increased “body sway”, and increased risk of falls among the elderly. Once again, we must try to look at the pelvic floor like any other neuromuscular system. Weakness, poor coordination, and poor endurance are the cardinal elements of poor pelvic floor performance. As we try to improve performance of the pelvic floor, we must consider all contributing factors including nutritional elements, in this case Vitamin D.

The question for the day: Is your vitamin D level over 30? If you don’t know time to get it checked.

Contact Us: 780-417-5500

If you are looking for women’s physiotherapy and pelvic floor therapy options in Sherwood Park, our top-notch team at Emerald Hills Physio & Sport Clinic are ready to get you on the road to wellness again. To learn more about our pelvic floor therapy options, call us or fill out or online form today!