Specialist Physio - Treatment Options
After the initial assessment I will discuss my findings with you and look at the different treatment options. Some women need only a couple of treatment sessions others may need a short course. As with all physiotherapy there is great emphasis on partnership and I will work with you to give you a personal rehabilitation programme. Some of the treatment options are;
- Exercises - Many women only need the correct type of pelvic floor exercise programme to see a dramatic improvement in their symptoms. Learning how to activate the deep lower abdominal muscles can help the pelvic floor muscles to work.
- Muscle Stimulation - In some cases the pelvic floor muscle are very weak and exercises alone will not be effective. These muscles can be reminded how to work again using a treatment called 'neurotrophic stimulation'. This is a small battery operated unit about the size of a walkman. The pelvic floor muscle is stimulated using a small device very much like a tampon and is used on a daily basis at home. As the muscle remembers how to work again exercises are built into the treatment programme.
- Bladder training - Women with weak bladders fall into the habit of emptying their bladder too often. There are specific techniques you can be taught to train your bladder to hold more and need emptying less often.
- Biofeedback - These are techniques that can be used to remind us how to work specific muscle groups and are used for re educating muscles. It is also a way of assessing if there has been any improvement in strength and endurance of a muscle.
- Relaxation techniques - Anxiety and tension make bladder problems worse and if you have bladder weakness you are usually anxious about it. Specific relaxation techniques can really help to put to back in control
- General Advice - About fluid intake, bowel control, exercise levels and setting yourself goals
There is so much that can be done to put you back in control of your waterworks now and prevent problems becoming worse in the future. Contact the practice for further information or for an informal chat.