Pelvic floor therapy

What is it?

Pelvic floor therapy consists of learning how to have good control of the pelvic floor muscles. Advice is also given on correct urinary and defecation hygiene.

Pelvic floor therapy is performed for adults and for children.

The therapy can only be started after advice and referral by a physician.

When is it indicated?

Adults

Pelvic floor therapy is indicated for adults who have the following issues:

Urinary problems

Stress or exertion incontinence: urine loss when coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting, exercise.
Urge and/or urge incontinence: a sudden, sustained, involuntary urine loss
Urinating too often or not often enough (six to eight times is normal)
Frequent bladder infections

Pain

Pain in the pelvic floor area
Pain during intercourse

Defecation problems

Constipation: if you have to strain during bowel movements and have hard stools less than three times a week.
Stool leakage (solid or liquid)

With children

Urinary problems

Daytime wetting: if your child (older than 4 years) regularly has daytime accidental wetting, even if only a few drops
Bed-wetting: if your child (older than 6-7 years) still wets the bed at night
Frequent bladder infections
Urinating too often or not often enough (six to eight times is normal)
Feeling the ‘intense urge’ to urinate multiple times a day and every day

Defecation problems

Constipation: if your child has to strain during bowel movements and has hard stools less than three times a week
In the case of stool leakage or marks in the underwear

Treatment procedure

What is our approach?

The attending physician writes a referral.
The therapy starts with an informative conversation.
If applicable, bladder and/or defecation training is started.
The pelvic floor exercises are explained.
If applicable, these exercises are performed with the assistance of a biofeedback device.
The patient visits for one or two therapy sessions a week.
A programme for exercises at home is necessary to achieve results.