Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – How Physiotherapy can help

Many cases of incontinence and bladder or bowel weakness can be improved with a specialist continence programme, and at Active Solutions, the clinic is run by senior specialist chartered physiotherapist Diane Wootton who has undertaken post graduate training in this field. Diane also treats chronic pelvic pain.

Before treatment commences, each patient is individually assessed to determine whether physiotherapy is appropriate. This includes a detailed history of medical, surgical, lifestyle and sporting activities.

The various treatment options are fully discussed at all stages and, depending on the type of incontinence, may include bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback and or muscle stimulation if the pelvic floor muscles are particularly weak. Often pelvic floor muscle weakness manifests itself in other pelvic muscles in the body and so a full examination of all the surrounding structures is sometimes indicated.

Progression of treatment.

After the initial visit, the patient returns at regular intervals depending on the rate of progress and there is ample opportunity to discuss the treatment at every stage. In addition, keeping a symptom diary between treatment sessions is helpful to both the physiotherapist and the patient.

There are many ways to be referred for treatment; self referral or via your GP or consultant. All insurance companies ask for a doctor’s referral prior to your first consultation and your preferred medical practitioner will be kept fully informed of your progress.

On average most patients require between 6-10 sessions as pelvic floor muscles can take approximately 15 to 20 weeks to return to full strength.

Acupuncture

Why a Physiotherapist?

Alongside its growing acceptance within western medicine, more and more patients are seeking alternative forms of therapies like Acupuncture when either conventional medicine has failed or as a means of complimenting their more traditional forms of treatment.

Chartered Physiotherapists who undertake postgraduate training in Acupuncture are able to offer a unique combination of treatment modalities, incorporating Acupuncture alongside manual and electro-therapy, exercise and injury prevention.

Western or medical Acupuncture is a more recent development that is practiced by Doctors and Physiotherapists. Acupuncture techniques are used alongside the conventional forms of treatment on the basis of a western medical diagnosis. This form of acupuncture still embraces some of the traditional concepts of Chinese medicine in seeking to stimulate the body's own healing mechanisms and restoring balance.

What is Acupuncture?

According to the traditional Chinese philosophy, when the body is in a state, Qi (energy, pronounced Chee) flows freely and in a balanced way through a series of 14 meridian channels within the body. Any underlying problems result in an obstruction or blockage of this energy and there are many factors such as injury, stress, poor diet, infections etc which can cause these disturbances.

The body's meridians are believed to be influenced by special points. Using acupuncture needles, these specific points can be stimulated to balance this flow of Qi and stimulate the body's own healing response.

What does the Research Say?

Research has been shown to indicate that through Acupuncture, the brain can be stimulated to produce certain chemicals like endorphins to work as a natural pain killer. There is growing evidence to indicate that Acupuncture may be helpful in a variety of conditions including:

	Pain and inflammation
	Back and neck Pain
	Acute / Chronic Injuries
	Sports Injuries
	Osteoarthritis of the knee
	Muscle and joint problems
	Headaches