Diagnosis: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is musculoskeletal pain that occurs at either SI joint, the pubic bone, the groin, or some combination. PGP is very common during pregnancy, affecting between 52-70% of the pregnant population, particularly during late pregnancy. As with many musculoskeletal dysfunction during pregnancy it is common, but it does not have to...
Tailbone pain (or coccydynia) is a common issue that can be a result of direct impact/traumatic injury to the tailbone during a fall, prolonged sitting, vaginal childbirth, or develop gradually without any specific cause (insidious/non-traumatic). Mechanical tailbone pain is most common while sitting, or while moving from sitting to standing. Some people will also describe...
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when there is a lack of support from the muscles or connective tissues around the bladder, rectum or uterus (if applicable). Symptoms can include: sensation of pelvic heaviness or pressure in the vagina or rectum, incomplete emptying of the bladder or rectum, and more outlined here. Risk factors for prolapse include:...
Dyspareunia or pain with intercourse is common after having a baby. An estimated 50% of women report pain with intercourse 3 months after delivery and 17% still report discomfort at 6 months postpartum (Buhling et al, 2006). More severe perineal injuries correlate with more persistent pain, however women who undergo a C-section delivery may also...
A cross-sectional survey study by Forner et al. 2020, conducted through an online reporting survey of nearly 4,000 women looked at the prevalence of participants who reported pelvic organ prolapse symptoms (14%), defined as sensation of the vagina bulge, and the associated risk factors in women who lifted light (<15kg), moderate (16-50kg), or heavy (>50kg)...
As a pelvic health physical therapist who works with individuals during pregnancy I am often asked, “What is the best position to deliver a baby in?” My answer is typically: “Just like posture, there is no “perfect position”, the best position or posture is one that continues to change and where you feel most comfortable.”...
A radical prostatectomy is a common treatment option for prostate cancer in which the prostate is surgically removed. It is well known that following catheter removal after surgery, many men will experience moderate to significant amounts of involuntary urinary loss following surgery that can last from weeks to years. Hunter et al. in 2004 wrote...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that is thought to be prevalent in up to 9-23% of the world’s population. It is associated with diarrhea, constipation or both, abdominal pain and bloating, possible urinary symptoms and pelvic pain. Common comorbidities including sleep difficulties, chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, and TMJ dysfunction can have a...
The 6-week postpartum doctor’s visit is when women are often “cleared” for activity and are often advised to start slowly and gradually build exercise volume. Running is a popular activity in the postpartum population given the flexibility of scheduling exercise, weight loss and fitness benefits and ability to participate in exercise with your baby (once...
Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in sexual function for both men and women as they help increase and maintain blood flow to the genitals during sexual arousal. Both strength and motor control are important for proper muscle function anywhere in the body, including the pelvic floor. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction is unknown,...