Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be conducted in various settings and does not necessarily have to be done on the floor. It involves a combination of assessments, education, and hands-on techniques tailored to the individual’s needs. The specific exercises and techniques may be performed while standing, sitting, or lying down, depending on the treatment plan and goals.
IMS treatment is not typically covered by Alberta Health Services (AHS) in Alberta. However, IMS may be covered under certain private insurance plans or employee health benefit plans. If you are considering IMS treatment, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine if it is covered under your plan.
It’s also important to note that some physiotherapy clinics may offer direct billing to insurance providers for IMS treatments, which can help simplify the insurance process for patients. However, it’s still important to confirm coverage with your insurance provider and understand any associated costs or deductibles.
The number of treatments may vary for each patient. Patients with a quick response are more likely to benefit than those without a quick response. However, the effect of the treatment is cumulative, so you will typically need more than one (3–5) treatment.
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.
Physiotherapy can bring about some expected side effects, like fatigue, tenderness and even muscle soreness. While these sensations are normal to experience during treatment sessions which involve mobilization and strengthening of the affected area, they may result in a bit more discomfort than usual after each session.
Other potential side effects of physiotherapy may include mild headaches or dizziness if the treatment involves the manipulation of the neck or head. Some people may experience short-term muscle spasms or stiffness after a physiotherapy session. These side effects are usually minor and should be resolved within a few days.
In rare cases, physiotherapy may aggravate pre-existing conditions or cause new injuries. It’s crucial to inform your physiotherapist of any pre-existing conditions or injuries you have before starting physiotherapy treatment.
The frequency of pelvic physiotherapy sessions depends on the individual and their specific condition. Initially, sessions may be more frequent, such as once or twice a week, and then decrease as progress is made. Your physiotherapist will provide guidance on the recommended frequency of sessions based on your needs and treatment plan.
IMS and dry needling are similar treatments that both involve the use of acupuncture needles to address muscle pain and tension. However, there are some key differences between the two techniques.
IMS is a treatment that is based on the principles of traditional Chinese acupuncture but differs in its application. It involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into the affected muscles and surrounding tissues to release tension, stimulate circulation, and promote tissue healing. IMS is typically performed by a licensed healthcare practitioner such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor who has completed specific training in the technique.
Dry needling, on the other hand, is a technique that is primarily focused on releasing trigger points or knots in muscles that can cause pain and dysfunction. It involves the insertion of acupuncture needles directly into the trigger point, causing a twitch response that helps release tension and promote healing. Dry needling is typically performed by a range of healthcare practitioners, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists.
While IMS and dry needling are both effective treatments for muscle pain and tension, they differ in their underlying principles and applications. Your healthcare practitioner can help determine which technique may be most appropriate for your specific needs.
Pelvic floor dysfunction in males is a condition in which the pelvic floor muscles are too weak or too strong and do not function properly. This can lead to pelvic floor prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other pelvic floor disorders. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is often recommended for men with pelvic floor dysfunction to help strengthen or relax pelvic floor muscles and improve pelvic health.
IMS treatment should be performed by a qualified healthcare practitioner, such as a physiotherapist or a physician, who has received specialized training in IMS. In some countries, IMS can also be performed by licensed acupuncturists who have completed additional training in IMS techniques.
When seeking IMS treatment, it’s important to look for a practitioner who has completed a recognized IMS training program and has experience in performing IMS. Your healthcare practitioner should also have a thorough understanding of anatomy and be able to identify trigger points and muscle imbalances.
In addition to their IMS training, healthcare practitioners should also have the appropriate licensure or certification to practice in their specific field. For example, physiotherapists should be registered with their respective professional regulatory body, while acupuncturists should be licensed by their local licensing authority.
Overall, it’s important to choose a qualified and experienced healthcare practitioner who has the necessary IMS training and credentials to perform IMS treatment safely and effectively.
Physio takes between four and eight weeks to manage most cases of sciatica. If symptoms are more severe and include numbness, tingling, and associated muscle weakness, it may take longer. Seeing a physiotherapist will also help to reduce the severity and duration of future episodes.
There are several ways to know if your pelvic floor is weak. A major indication of a weak pelvic floor is experiencing difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels. You may also have pelvic pain, back pain, and trouble with sexual function if your pelvic floor muscles are weak. If you think you might have pelvic floor dysfunction, talk to your doctor or a pelvic floor physiotherapist, who can help identify the cause and recommend exercises to improve the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles.
