Gynaecological Physiotherapy in Colchester, Essex
Here at Bodyworks Physiotherapy, we are the leading provider of gynaecological physiotherapy in Colchester, Essex. Many women are unaware that a large proportion of gynaecological problems can be treated solely with physiotherapy treatments and do not require surgery. Some of the most common problems our clients come to us with are cystocele, rectocele, and uterine prolapse which are all typically caused by childbirth, pregnancy, chronic coughs, being overweight, or genetic influence. The symptoms of each of these issues is different but can range from difficulty urinating and constipation to bladder leakage and a feeling of not fully emptying the bowels. While in some cases surgery may be necessary, in nearly all cases physiotherapy is used, even if this is just for pre surgery rehabilitation. Our experts are experienced in all areas of physiotherapy in gynaecological conditions in Colchester, Essex so get in touch today!
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
There are several areas that can prolapse apart from just the womb. About 50% of women who have had children will develop some form of pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime. The treatment of these can be Conservative, Physiotherapy, Mechanical, Pessaries, or Surgical, depending on the symptoms.
Conservative treatment is possible both with minor and more severe prolapses. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are a key component of treatment. By strengthening the pelvic floor muscles this can help to re-establish good enough support to reduce the prolapse.
If you are destined to have surgery it is still prudent to have some Physiotherapy input first. If the pelvic floor muscles are very weak then the surgery is less likely to be as successful. The stronger the muscles are then the better the post-surgical outcome will be. Itis for this reason that many Consultants will refer their patients to us pre surgery for pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation.
Cystocele
This is where the bladder bulges into the front wall of the vagina. This occurs because of weakening of the muscles and connective tissue between the bladder and the vaginal wall. Some people may not have any symptoms at all from a cystocele but others may be symptomatic.
Causes Include:
Childbirth
Chronic cough
Being overweight
Genetic influence
Surgery
Symptoms Include:
Difficulty urinating
Increased frequency of urination
Urgency
Bladder leakage
Rectocele
Also known as a posterior vaginal wall prolapse results when the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina.
Common Causes:
Childbirth
Constipation
Chronic cough
Being overweight
Genetic influence
Surgery
Symptoms Include:
Sense of pressure within the vagina
Difficulty opening the bowels
Pain on opening the bowels
Constipation
A feeling of not fully emptying the bowels
Uterine Prolapse
The uterus, or womb, is normally held in place by a series of ligamnets and muscles. treatment can be conservative or surgical, depending on the symptoms.
Common Causes:
Pregnancy
Childbirth
Heavy lifting
Chronic cough
Being overweight
Genetic influence
Treatment:
Conservative - Physiotherapy - muscle strengthening
Mechanical - Pessaries, usually fitted by your GP, or Consultant
Surgical - Hysterectomy or a uterine repair
Physiotherapy in Gynaecological Conditions in Colchester, Essex
If surgery is required to resolve your gynaecological problems, Bodyworks Physiotherapy is still of use for you! As previously mentioned, we offer pre-surgery treatments which aim to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles but we are also on hand to help following surgery too. We will look at how you are progressing and advise specific exercises based on your needs as an individual. At Bodyworks Physiotherapy, we appreciate that this can be a delicate topic for many women which is why we prioritise making you feel at ease with our outstanding customer service skills. If you are looking for gynaecological physiotherapy in Colchester, get in touch with Bodyworks Physiotherapy today!