Page 38 - Seniors Today - May21 Issue

had a baby the history is to understand the nature
• women who have ever had a baby
• women who are going through, or have
been through, menopause
• women who have had gynaecological
surgery (e.g. hysterectomy)
• men who have had prostate surgery
• elite athletes such as gymnasts, runners or
trampolinists
Additional factors that can increase a
person’s risk of developing pelvic floor
problems include:
• a history of back pain
• previous trauma to the pelvic region such
as a fall or pelvic radiotherapy
• ongoing constipation (i.e. regularly
straining to empty your bowels)
• a chronic cough or sneeze (e.g. due to
asthma, smoking or hay fever)
• being overweight or obese
• heavy lifting on a regular basis - either at
work or at the gym
If you experience pelvic floor (or bladder or
bowel control) problems it is advisable to
see a pelvic floor rehabilitation specialist to
determine the cause of your symptoms and
discuss the best treatment and management
options to suit your needs.
Tests to Determine Causes/Severity
A physiotherapy pelvic floor evaluation
consists of a thorough history and
physical examination. The purpose of
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and background of the specific complaint
as well as contributing factors that may
pertain to treatment of the condition. The
physical examination consists of a visual
inspection of the pelvic region with a
visual observation of the person’s ability
to contract the muscles of the pelvic floor
followed by external and internal palpation
of the muscles of the pelvic floor.
The purpose of the physical examination
is to obtain objective information on the
strength and control of the muscles of the
pelvic floor as well as to observe for any
pelvic organ prolapse.
Treatment for Pelvic Floor Conditions
Pelvic floor physical therapy treatments
are typically one hour in length and start
at once a week or once every two weeks.
As a person’s condition improves, the
frequency of physical therapy visits is
decreased. Patients are seen for six visits on
average but this may increase or decrease
depending on the specific needs of the
patient.
Once symptoms have resolved patients
typically follow up in person or by phone
in one month and are discharged from
physical therapy if they are doing well.
The exercises that are given for home are
usually recommended to be continued
for life to help maintain the gains made in
therapy and prevent a future recurrence of
the condition.
When to seek professional help
Seek professional help when you have
bladder or bowel control problems with
symptoms such as:
• needing to urgently or frequently go to the
toilet to pass urine or bowel motions
• accidental leakage of urine, bowel motions