The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, bowel and uterus. When these muscles are weak or lose force they may not be able to provide adequate support for your pelvic organs. This can lead to incontinence or organ prolapse. The pelvic floor serves many important functions in the body.
No in Alberta, physiotherapy is not only for adults. Physiotherapists work with patients of all ages, including infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. They specialize in addressing age-specific conditions and concerns and provide tailored treatments accordingly.
Physiotherapy is a good way to make your body more flexible. The physiotherapist will help you by doing exercises to stretch and make your muscles stronger. They might also use massage or other techniques to help relax areas that are tight or hurt.
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can be done by doing specific exercises called ‘Kegels’. Your physiotherapist will discuss the best techniques and provide you with easy-to-follow information that you can do in the comfort of your own home. If you are experiencing issues with your pelvic floor, it’s important that you seek help and address the issues with a professional. Pelvic floor dysfunction can have negative effects on the quality of life for both men and women. A weak pelvic floor can impact home and work activities, personal relationships, social lives, and mental well-being.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a type of manual therapy that involves the insertion of thin, solid needles into the muscle tissue to release tension and relieve pain. It is a form of acupuncture, but it focuses more specifically on the muscles rather than the traditional Chinese acupuncture points.
IMS is based on the theory that chronic pain is often caused by muscle shortening, which puts pressure on nerves and causes pain signals to be sent to the brain. By inserting needles into the shortened muscle fibers, IMS can stimulate a healing response and help to release the tension in the muscle tissue, thereby reducing pain and restoring normal movement.
IMS is typically performed by a trained practitioner, such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor, who will assess the patient’s muscle tension and pain levels before inserting the needles. The needles are usually left in place for a few minutes, and the treatment may be repeated several times over the course of several weeks to achieve optimal results.
The length of an IMS session can vary depending on the individual needs of the patient and the area being treated. Typically, an IMS session can last between 15 and 30 minutes, although some sessions may be longer or shorter depending on the specific treatment plan. During the session, the practitioner will insert needles into the targeted trigger points within the muscle tissue, and the needles will be left in place for several minutes. After the needles are removed, the patient may be advised to rest for a short period before resuming normal activities. The number of sessions required can also vary depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition being treated. Your practitioner will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.
In Alberta, physiotherapists are considered primary care providers, so you can see a private one without requiring your doctor’s referral.
However, your physician will likely refer you to a physiotherapist for post-surgery recovery or an extended medical issue needing specialized attention. It is common for physiotherapists to collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as a doctor, occupational therapists and massage therapists to develop an individualized treatment plan for you.
In addition, if your private health insurance covers physiotherapy, you may need to provide a doctor’s referral for the insurer to cover the cost of your treatment.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive medical procedure that utilizes pressure waves to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. Generated outside the body, these shock waves are transmitted through the skin to the targeted area, promoting blood flow and healing, breaking down calcified tissue, and potentially reducing pain. There are two main types: Focused Shock Wave Therapy (high-energy waves for deep tissues) and Radial Shock Wave Therapy (low-energy waves for conditions closer to the surface). ESWT is commonly used to treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendinitis, and kidney stones. It is an outpatient procedure, generally considered safe, but may cause temporary pain and swelling in the treated area.
A physiotherapy session in Alberta usually lasts between 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the individual’s needs and the treatment being provided. The duration may vary based on the complexity of the condition and the specific goals of the session.
There are a few ways that a man can strengthen his pelvis. He can do pelvic floor physiotherapy with a pelvic floor physiotherapist, which can help to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. He can also do specific exercises to target the pelvic floor muscles, such as Kegel exercises. Additionally, men can try to increase their overall physical activity and exercise regularly to help support the pelvic region.
The timeline for improvement in physiotherapy varies and can depend on several factors such as the condition, severity, frequency, consistency of therapy, and overall health. Typically, some improvement can be seen in a few weeks to a few months, with more significant improvements potentially taking several months to a year or more. Gradual improvement is common, and temporary worsening or plateauing of symptoms can occur. A personalized timeline can be discussed with a physiotherapist.
