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Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Physiotherapy treatment includes postural correction, lifestyle modifications, exercise advice, constipation management, toileting positions and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation with an individualised exercise programme.
The goal of physiotherapy is to reduce symptoms caused by the prolapse by eliminating aggravating factors and improving your pelvic floor muscle function to provide better support and help prevent further slippage.
Depending on the severity of your prolapse the simple measures delivered by your physiotherapist may be all the treatment you require. However if surgery is indicated then the education and knowledge you gain from your physiotherapist will be of great value to you pre & post operatively.
Most surgeons now recommend their patients see a Women’s Health Pelvic Physiotherapist before and after surgery.
Prolapse occurs when the structures designed to keep the organs in place weaken or stretch so that one or more pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) start to slip out of place. It may feel like an annoying bulge in the vagina, heaviness or perineal pressure.
It can be associated with a dragging feeling in the pelvis or low back. There are many risk factors that contribute to POP including high impact exercise, inappropriate abdominal strengthening exercises and straining such as heavy lifting and constipation. Your physiotherapist will give you guidance regarding these factors.
We recommend the “pelvic floor first” information regarding safe exercise at www.continence.org.nz
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