Pelvic and perineal rehabilitation

Preparing for Childbirth

Your physiotherapist can help you prepare for childbirth, whether or not you are experiencing pregnancy-related symptoms. Anyone who is pregnant is welcome to use this service. Partners are also welcome to attend if their presence is desired during the session. This type of consultation generally includes advice on:

• Abdominal and pelvic health during pregnancy;

• Vaginal stretches: when to start and how to perform them correctly;

• Positions to facilitate labour and delivery;

• Postnatal recovery (vaginal or caesarean);

• Your concerns about childbirth and your abdominal and pelvic health.

Postnatal care

Thanks to their expertise in lumbopelvic health, your physiotherapist can help you manage certain issues that may arise following childbirth, whether you gave birth vaginally or by caesarean section:

• Rectus abdominis diastasis;

• Management of abdominal or vaginal scars;

• Urinary incontinence;

• Faecal or gas incontinence;

• Abdominal and pelvic pain;

• Sexual dysfunction (e.g. pain during penetration);

Whether or not you have symptoms, your physiotherapist can also offer advice on:

• Resuming sexual activity

• Resuming physical activity

Urinary problems

Certain conditions affecting the lower urinary tract can be treated through perineal and pelvic physiotherapy:

• Stress urinary incontinence: urine leakage occurs when coughing, sneezing, laughing or during physical exertion;

• Urgency and urge incontinence: a sudden, strong urge to urinate, which may or may not be accompanied by leakage;

• Overactive bladder syndrome;

• Difficulty urinating;

• Dribbling;

• Urinary problems related to surgery (e.g. transurethral resection of the prostate, prostatectomy, etc.);

• Vaginal prolapse.

Anorectal conditions

Certain conditions relating to anal function can be addressed through perineal and pelvic physiotherapy:

• Flatulence;

• Faecal incontinence: leakage of solid or liquid stools and/or soiling of underwear;

• Urge incontinence;

• Constipation;

• Anorectal dyssynergy;

• Anismus;

• Haemorrhoids;

• Recurrent anal fissures.

Issues relating to pelvic pain

Certain conditions that cause pain can be treated with perineal and pelvic physiotherapy:

• Pain in the lower back, abdominal and/or pelvic regions;

• Pain in the genital area;

• Pain in the pelvis, pubic region and/or coccyx;

• Pain associated with abdominal or pelvic surgery;

• Pain and symptoms associated with cancer treatments;

• Pain before, during or after sexual intercourse, with or without penetration;

• Neuralgia;

• Scar tissue adhesions;

• Genitourinary syndrome of the menopause;

• Skin conditions (e.g. lichen sclerosus);

• Primary or secondary vaginismus.

Sexual dysfunction

Certain conditions affecting sexual function can be treated with perineal and pelvic physiotherapy:

• Erectile dysfunction;

• Ejaculation disorders;

• Pain syndromes (e.g. prostatitis, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis).