Pelvic floor physiotherapy is often overlooked as we age. However, for seniors, pelvic floor physiotherapy can have profound impacts on quality of life.
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment regarding the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles are essential for functions such as bladder and bowel control, sexual health, and core stability.
How can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Benefit Seniors?
- Improving Bladder Control: Urinary incontinence is a common issue among seniors, often caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles. With proper strengthening, these muscles can be targeted to improve and help with bladder control. It is NEVER too late to start.
- Enhancing Bowel Function: Constipation and incontinence are common issues, especially as we age. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can address these issues with treatment plans and a large focus on education.
- Reducing Night Trips to the Bathroom: Yes, you read that right. With proper education and a tailored treatment plan, you can reduce and even eliminate those annoying night waking and allow you to get more quality sleep, which will benefit all other areas of your life!
- Supporting Sexual Health: Changes in sexual health are another aspect of aging that can be addressed with pelvic floor physiotherapy. Whether it’s dealing with pain during intercourse or reduced sensation, physiotherapists can offer strategies to improve sexual health and intimacy.
- Preventing Falls and Improving Balance: The pelvic floor and core are directly related. With a strong core you will feel more balanced and stabilized and potentially reduced instances of lower back pain.
When to Consider Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
It is never too late to begin. Strengthening can be accomplished at any life stage and if you know a loved one who is struggling with frequent night wakings to pee, pelvic pain, constipation – encourage them to seek out a pelvic floor physiotherapist!