Can physiotherapy help with chronic pain?

Ideally, you should make an appointment with a physiotherapist as soon as you know there is a problem with your pelvic floor or if you are pregnant. When people have a problem with their pelvic floor muscles, they can experience issues with their pelvic organs (bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs). They often exhibit the following symptoms: incontinence, leaking bladder, prolapse of one or more of the pelvic organs, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and chronic pelvic discomfort. It is important to discuss this with your physiotherapist so they can help determine the root cause of your symptoms and ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment.

The ideal frequency of physical therapy sessions varies based on individual needs, conditions, and recovery goals. Typically, therapists may recommend starting with two to three sessions per week for acute injuries or post-surgical recovery, adjusting as improvement is noted. For chronic conditions or less severe injuries, one to two sessions per week might suffice. Ultimately, the specific plan should be tailored to the patient’s unique situation, including their physical condition, progress rate, and personal goals. Regular assessment by the physical therapist ensures that the treatment plan remains aligned with the patient’s evolving needs, maximizing the effectiveness of the therapy while accommodating the individual’s lifestyle and physical capabilities. Here’s a general guideline:

1. Acute or Severe Conditions: Initially, for acute injuries or post-surgical recovery, a therapist might recommend sessions 2-3 times a week to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications.
2. Chronic Conditions: For ongoing or chronic issues, once or twice a week might be typical, gradually decreasing as improvement is noted.
3. Maintenance or Long-term Conditions: Some patients with chronic diseases or long-term rehabilitation needs might attend therapy once every couple of weeks or even once a month.
4. Home Exercise Program: Often, a physical therapist will prescribe exercises to be done at home, which can influence the frequency of in-clinic visits.

Always consult with your physical therapist for a tailored recommendation. Remember, consistency and adherence to the treatment plan are vital for the best outcomes.

The side effects of shockwave therapy are limited. However, shockwave therapy should not be used if there is a circulation or nerve disorder, infection, bone tumor, or a metabolic bone condition. It should also not be used if there are any open wounds or tumors or during pregnancy pregnant.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is often considered to be highly beneficial for individuals experiencing pelvic floor disorders. These disorders can include issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, and difficulties with sexual function, among others. At Human Integrated Performance, we believe that Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is an important part of overall health and performance. Our physiotherapists can help you improve your pelvic floor strength and stability, preventing injury and restoring mobility. We take a collaborative approach to ensure that each patient receives the best possible care tailored specifically to their individual needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative condition of the plantar fascia, a fibrous band of tissue on the sole of the foot that helps to support the arch. It typically occurs when the plantar fascia is overloaded or overstretched and results in heel pain with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. 

Kegels and pelvic physiotherapy are related but they are not the same. Kegels are specific exercises that target the pelvic floor muscles and can be performed independently. Pelvic physiotherapy, on the other hand, is a comprehensive approach provided by a pelvic physiotherapist, involving assessment, treatment, and management of pelvic conditions, which may include Kegel exercises as part of the overall treatment plan. While Kegels focus on exercising the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic physiotherapy encompasses a broader range of techniques and therapies tailored to individual needs.

IMS can be used to treat a variety of conditions that are associated with chronic pain and muscle tension. Some of the most common conditions that IMS is used to treat include:

1. Back pain: IMS can be used to target trigger points in the muscles of the lower back, which are often associated with chronic back pain.

2. Neck pain: IMS can be used to target trigger points in the neck muscles, which can help to relieve tension and reduce pain.

3. Headaches: IMS can be used to target trigger points in the muscles of the head and neck, which can help to relieve tension headaches.

4. Frozen shoulder: IMS can be used to target trigger points in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, which can help to improve the range of motion and reduce pain.

5. Tennis elbow: IMS can be used to target trigger points in the forearm muscles, which can help to relieve pain and improve grip strength.

6. Knee pain: IMS can be used to target trigger points in the muscles surrounding the knee joint, which can help to reduce pain and improve knee function.

Overall, IMS is often used as a complementary treatment for musculoskeletal pain and can be an effective option for many people who have not found relief from other therapies. However, it is important to consult a qualified practitioner before undergoing any manual therapy, including IMS.

There are many possible causes of a weak pelvic floor, including pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, age, and chronic pelvic pain. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to consult a pelvic floor physiotherapist for help. They can assess your situation and recommend the best exercises for you to improve your pelvic floor health.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a beneficial practice during pregnancy and postpartum. It aids in preparation for childbirth by teaching control over pelvic floor muscles. It also helps manage discomforts linked with pregnancy, such as back pain and urinary incontinence, by strengthening these muscles. Post-childbirth, physiotherapy can assist in recovery, helping restore strength and functionality to muscles affected during delivery. Furthermore, physiotherapists can guide safe exercise routines during pregnancy. However, as effectiveness can vary, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to tailor a program fitting to individual health needs.

Yes, pelvic floor therapy can be done at home with proper guidance and exercises. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, are designed to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which can help with various pelvic health issues, such as incontinence and pelvic pain. To do pelvic floor therapy at home, it’s essential to first consult a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or a pelvic floor specialist, to receive a personalized assessment and exercise plan tailored to your specific needs. They can guide you on how to correctly perform the exercises and provide feedback to ensure you are doing them effectively. Regularly practicing pelvic floor exercises at home, along with any additional recommendations from your healthcare provider, can help improve pelvic muscle strength and function over time. However, it’s crucial to follow their guidance and not self-diagnose or perform exercises without proper instruction to avoid potential complications or ineffective results.