We can't see them, they don't move limbs and yet they are essential to our daily lives.
Like any muscle, those of the pelvic floor can get damaged, malfunction or lose strength, leading to problems such as incontinence and pain - for both men and women.
There are two types of problems that can affect your pelvic floor muscle. Weakness is the most commonly experienced.
In men, this mostly happens after prostate surgery. The prevailing cause of pelvic floor weakness in women is pregnancy and childbirth, but menopause is also a factor.
In both females and males, pelvic floor muscles can also be damaged by straining on the toilet, chronic coughing, heavy lifting, high impact exercise, spinal injury, age or obesity. A weak pelvic floor can result in symptoms such as incontinence, urgency and frequency of urination.
Pelvic floor muscles can also become excessively tight. A non-relaxing pelvic floor can be very uncomfortable, especially during intercourse. It may be linked to a back, hip, or pelvis issue.
Whatever your pelvic floor problem, it is very important to consult an experienced physiotherapist, who will evaluate and recommend the best course of treatment.
Computerised biofeedback is a great option for assessment and treatment, as it objectively measures strength, progress and helps serve to motivate patients.
Focus Health now offers specialised women’s health and pelvic floor rehabilitation services using computerised biofeedback and expertise by Physiotherapist Jolene Smith.