Pelvic floor rehabilitation: Physiotherapeutic treatment in the pelvic and intimate area

A team of physiotherapists with specific further training carries out the therapy. It is indicated for the following complaints:

• Involuntary loss of urine when coughing/lifting weights, running etc. (stress incontinence)
• Overactive bladder with the urge to urinate frequently (urge incontinence)
• Organ prolapse (bladder, uterus, bowel)
• Pain in the genital area
• Before an incontinence operation

What does the treatment involve?

Diagnostics and examination

• Description of the complaints by the patient
• Assessment of the pelvic floor muscles by palpation vaginally, on the perineum or anally with the patient’s consent

Information and advice

• Inform about the content of the therapy
• Agreeing goals
• Inform about the position and function of the pelvic floor as part of the abdominal cavity
• Advice on skin protection and hygiene measures
• Handing out information sheets

Training in pelvic floor awareness and correct activation

• Perception training
• Feel your own muscle tension by touching the perineum
• Additional equipment such as electrostimulation (ES) and biofeedback (BFB) are available as a learning aid and/or to support the training of very weak pelvic floor muscles.
• Electrotherapy for pain

Developing/adapting helpful behavior

• Determine your own drinking and toilet behavior with the help of a diary
• Trying out strategies such as postponing toilet visits if the urge is (too) frequent
• Dealing with stressful situations such as coughing, lifting loads and sporting activities
• Checking and adjusting posture when urinating and defecating
• Instruction in relieving positions for the pelvic floor
• Instructing helpful strategies for dealing with pain

Targeted strengthening and training of the pelvic floor

Training in various starting positions and in everyday situations, guiding a home exercise program