Villa Stuart Private Clinic
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Pelvic floor rehabilitation consists of a program of exercises and techniques, supervised by a specialized physiotherapist, to strengthen, tone, and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles with the aim of improving muscle functionality and alleviating symptoms associated with dysfunctions in this area. The indication for treatment must be assessed by a specialized professional through a medical examination with symptom evaluation and any instrumental tests (urodynamic test, electromyography, pelvic MRI, pelvic ultrasound).
The pelvic floor is a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue located at the bottom of the pelvis, closing the abdominal cavity. It has crucial functions such as supporting the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum), controlling urination and defecation (ensuring urinary and bowel continence), sexual function, and support during pregnancy. Its health is fundamental for overall well-being.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of a weak pelvic floor include:
- Incontinence: involuntary loss of urine or feces, especially during coughing, sneezing, or lifting weights.
- Urinary problems: urgency or frequency of urination, feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine.
- Bowel problems: difficulty holding gas or feces, constipation, or feeling of incomplete evacuation.
- Pelvic, lower back pain.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Feeling of heaviness or protrusion in the pelvic or vaginal area: feeling of heaviness, "something descending," or presence of a foreign body.
- Other: painful menstrual cycle, frequent urinary infections/cystitis, menopause, postpartum.
REHABILITATION PROTOCOL
The rehabilitation protocol is divided into several phases:
-
INITIAL ASSESSMENT PHASE:
the physiotherapist assesses the patient's problem and establishes a personalized treatment plan, which may include home exercises, manual techniques, and postural advice; -
LEARNING AND AWARENESS PHASE:
the patient learns to recognize and feel the pelvic floor muscles and understand their function through proprioceptive and awareness work. During this phase, any tensions or weaknesses are identified, and work is done to eliminate incorrect activation patterns; -
MUSCLE STRENGTHENING AND RELAXATION:
once the correct activation is understood, muscle strengthening or relaxation is carried out, depending on the specific dysfunction. Additionally, the concept of basic vaginal tone can be introduced. Techniques used include active exercises (such as Kegel exercises), manual therapy, and, if necessary, the use of biofeedback or electrostimulation; -
AUTOMATION:
the patient is retrained to produce a valid perineal contraction when sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure occur (e.g., coughing, sneezing, etc.). The goal is to integrate the correct use of pelvic floor muscles into everyday life. This means being able to activate and release the muscles automatically during movement, breathing, and daily activities.
The Villa Stuart Clinic is affiliated with major insurance companies and supplementary health care funds.
For information and bookings
Monday / Friday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM / Saturday 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Emergency service
Service available 24 hours a day