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Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Is for Everyone, That’s Right, Everyone!

Pelvic Floor Muscles Physiotherapy is for Everyone

The Pelvic Floor Muscles (PFM) are a group of superficial and deep muscles in our pelvis that we have direct control over. These muscles form the base of our core to stabilize our spine and pelvis and support the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, bowel, and uterus. They control the passage of urine and feces and are essential for both men and women’s sexual arousal and satisfaction. 

Why Are Pelvic Floor Muscles So Important?

Pelvic floor muscles are important for several reasons, and changes in their function and strength can contribute to various issues, including:

Physiotherapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

  • Urinary and/or fecal incontinence (1 in 3 women and 1 in 9 men suffer from incontinence)
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pelvic and low back pain
  • Prostate conditions
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Difficulty with sexual arousal and orgasm

Many pelvic floor conditions are a result of the pelvic floor muscles being too weak, too tight, or uncoordinated and may be exacerbated by:

Heavy lifting: Incorrect lifting patterns may contribute to incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse

Obesity: Higher risk of strain on the pelvic floor muscles 

Chronic coughing: May weaken the pelvic floor muscles over time due to repetitive strain

Ageing: Hormonal changes may affect the integrity of pelvic floor musculature

Pregnancy and childbirth: Physiological changes occur in the pelvis to carry and birth a baby

Constipation: Straining to have a bowel movement can weaken the pelvic floor over time

How Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Help?

Pelvic floor muscles are skeletal muscles, meaning you can voluntarily control and train them by repeating correct exercises. By visiting a pelvic floor physiotherapist, you can learn how to identify, activate, strengthen, or relax the right muscles. In addition, you can improve your symptoms by learning to coordinate your pelvic floor, diaphragm, and abdominal muscles and then apply what you’ve learned to functional activities and exercises.

Pelvic floor conditions can arise from various systems in the body, including the musculoskeletal structures, nervous system, and visceral (organs) structures. Your pelvic floor physiotherapist will take a holistic approach to assess all areas that may be contributing to your symptoms, including:

  • Pelvic floor
  • Hips
  • Lumbar spine
  • Abdominal region (core)
  • Central nervous system
  • Sacro-iliac joints
  • Pubic symphysis

What Can I Expect during Appointments?

What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy? 

During the initial assessment, our pelvic floor physiotherapist, Jennifer Mildon, will get a detailed history and understanding of what your symptoms are and how they are affecting you. Then, she will do an external exam which commonly includes assessing your posture, strength, and mobility in your hips, pelvis, and low back. If you are comfortable, she would also do an internal vaginal and/or rectal exam, which would provide useful information about your pelvic floor muscles. However, if you are not comfortable with an internal exam or are experiencing acute pain, Jennifer can complete the assessment without it. 

While there may be some discomfort with the treatment or assessment, it should not be painful and should not aggravate your symptoms. Based on the assessment findings and your goals, Jennifer will create an individualized treatment plan to address your symptoms and help you achieve your goals.

Subsequent visits will focus on the treatment of your symptoms and may consist of:

  • Education
  • Exercises
  • Lifestyle modification strategies 
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Pelvic floor muscle retraining
  • Core strengthening
  • Bladder or bowel training
  • Manual therapy
  • Functional dry needling

Meet Jennifer Mildon, Diversified Health Clinic’s Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

JENNIFER MILDON MPT PhysiotherapistJennifer completed her Master’s of Physical Therapy at UBC in Vancouver. Before moving to the west coast to pursue her physiotherapy career, she completed her Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University in her home province of Nova Scotia.

Jennifer believes that providing the best client-centred care often requires collaboration with a team of health care professionals from diverse disciplines. She is dedicated to delivering a physiotherapy service that focuses on improving and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, to enable her clients to enjoy life in the ways that are most meaningful to them. Jennifer employs an evidence-based treatment approach that blends manual therapy, dry needling, functional exercise programs, and client education to optimize health outcomes while achieving client goals.

Jennifer is committed to staying current on physiotherapy-related research. Jennifer has completed training with Pelvic Health Solutions to be able to provide caesarean and vaginal birth rehabilitation, as well as treatments for incontinence and pelvic pain. She is certified to provide Functional Dry Needling and has also completed training in concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation. 

Jennifer has a strong passion for sport and recreation and has always spent her free time being active and exploring the outdoors. When not in the clinic, Jennifer enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle through yoga, swimming, biking, hiking in the backcountry, and sailing around the Gulf Islands.

Learn More about Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy or Book a Treatment

Contact Diversified Health Clinic for more information on Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy or to book with Jennifer Mildon. Please call us at 250-382-0018 or book online at www.diversifiedhealth.janeapp.com

#pelvicfloorphysiotherapy #physiotherapy #victoriabc #womenshealth #menshealth #pelvicpain #incontinence #prenatal #postnatal #childbirth #prostate #organprolapse

 

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Are You Suffering from TMJ Disorder?

Are you experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or a clicking or popping sensation when you chew? You may be suffering from TMJ Disorder. This article outlines what TMJ disorder is, what causes it, common symptoms, and TMJ disorder treatments available in Victoria, BC.  

What Is TMJ Disorder and What Causes It?

TMJ Disorder (otherwise known as temporomandibular joint disorder) describes one or more conditions affecting the joints and surrounding tissues of the lower jaw. Your temporomandibular joints (located on each side of your jaw, in front of your ears) connects your lower jaw (mandible) with your upper jaw (maxilla) by a hinge-like joint and supporting muscles and ligaments that facilitate the opening and closing and sideways motion of your jaw. 

Temporomandibular disorders can occur as a result of prolonged tension (such as teeth clenching and grinding), a genetic predisposition, underlying conditions affecting the connective tissue and joints (including arthritis), and general wear and tear, incorrect bite alignment or direct trauma. In some cases, the cause of a person’s TMJ disorder remains unknown but is almost always treatable.

Common Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

People experiencing TMJ disorder typically experience one or more of the following symptoms.

  • Persistent or recurring pain or tenderness on one or both sides of the jaw
  • Pain or discomfort when opening and closing mouth or chewing
  • Aching pain in or around the ears
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Difficulty fully opening and closing the mouth or chewing
  • Pain, fatigue, or muscle spasms in the face, neck, and sometimes shoulders
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sensation when opening and closing mouth or chewing (often accompanied by pain, discomfort, tension, or limited movement).
  • Swelling on one or both sides of cheeks or jaw
  • Dizziness and fatigue
  • Increased frequency of headaches
  • Aching back teeth
  • Changes in bite alignment
  • Facial tension and tenderness
  • Locking of your jaw that interferes with your ability to open or close your mouth

It’s worth noting that many people suffer TMJ disorder symptoms without realizing a temporomandibular condition is the cause. Headaches and tinnitus are two examples of symptoms that can fly under the proverbial radar for years before a TMJ disorder is diagnosed. 

Have You Been Experiencing One or More of the Symptoms Outlined Above?  

Suppose you suspect you may be suffering from a TMJ condition. In that case, it’s a good idea to inquire with a health practitioner like our physiotherapists at Diversified Health Clinic before your condition worsens. TMJ disorders are very common, and treatment is often successful! 

Things You Can Do to Mitigate TMJ Issues

While some causes and contributing factors are hard to avoid entirely, there are things you can do to prevent undue wear, tear and strain on your temporomandibular joints.

  • Practice good posture and avoid clenching or forward jutting of the lower jaw (which can occur when straining during periods of stress or strain during exercise)
  • Avoid biting down on large pieces of hard foods (such as jawbreakers)
  • Wear a night guard or retainer during sleep if you are prone to nocturnal teeth grinding
  • Stress and tension management, including mindful relaxation techniques of the face and neck muscles and therapeutic massage 
  • Alternate between a cold compress and moist heat for up to 10 minutes at a time following activity or when your face and jaw muscles feel tense
  • Address or rule out suboptimal bite alignment with your dental provider
  • Have your TMJ concerns checked out by a professional health practitioner at the onset of symptoms
  • Specialized TMJ treatments that incorporate physiotherapy with intramuscular stimulation (IMS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TMS), ultrasound, therapeutic massage and/or Class VI K-Laser Therapy as needed

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Jaw pain is no fun and can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. When in doubt, have a health practitioner, such as our physiotherapists at Diversified Health, assess and treat the source of your pain and alleviate the discomfort you’re experiencing. Click here to learn more about our clinic’s diversified approach to effectively treating TMJ disorder.

If You Suffer From the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder:

Give our team of practitioners a call at Diversified Health Clinic today at (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online. We’re happy to help answer your questions, address the cause of your pain and discomfort and get you on the road to recovery.

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