Pelvic Floor Therapy

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form the base of the pelvis and support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. When these structures are weakened, damaged, or overactive, a range of symptoms can result — many of which women are reluctant to discuss or assume are an inevitable consequence of childbirth or ageing.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is common, treatable, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Dr. Yevale's practice takes an open, non-judgemental approach to these conditions and encourages patients to seek assessment early rather than managing symptoms in silence.

Conditions Treated

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence — the involuntary leakage of urine — affects a significant proportion of women, particularly after childbirth and around menopause. Stress incontinence (leakage on coughing, sneezing, or exercise) and urgency incontinence (a sudden, strong urge to urinate) are both addressed through pelvic floor therapy.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, or bowel) descend into or beyond the vaginal wall, often causing a sensation of heaviness, pressure, or a bulge. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can significantly reduce prolapse symptoms and, in mild to moderate cases, may avoid the need for surgical intervention.

Post-Natal Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

Pregnancy and childbirth place significant demands on the pelvic floor. Post-natal pelvic floor therapy helps restore muscle strength and coordination following delivery, addressing incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual discomfort that can persist after childbirth if left untreated.

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain — pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting more than six months — can have musculoskeletal as well as gynaecological origins. Pelvic floor physiotherapy addresses the muscular and structural contributors to pelvic pain, and is often used as part of a broader, multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Menopausal Pelvic Floor Changes

The decline in oestrogen associated with menopause can lead to weakening of the pelvic floor tissues, contributing to incontinence and prolapse. Targeted pelvic floor therapy, in conjunction with Dr. Yevale's menopause management programme, can significantly improve quality of life for patients experiencing these changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is pelvic floor therapy available at Adarsh Nursing Home?

A: Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy services are available at Adarsh Nursing Home, Nagar Road, Pune, coordinated under Dr. Yevale's clinical oversight.

Q: Who should consider pelvic floor therapy?

A: Any woman experiencing urinary leakage, a sensation of pelvic heaviness or prolapse, post-natal pelvic discomfort, sexual pain, or chronic pelvic pain may benefit from a pelvic floor assessment. Dr. Yevale recommends that patients not normalise these symptoms — they are common, but they are treatable.

Q: How long does pelvic floor therapy take to show results?

A: Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 6 to 12 weeks of consistent therapy. A personalised programme will be developed based on your assessment findings and treatment goals.

Q: Is pelvic floor therapy only for women who have had children?

A: No. While pelvic floor dysfunction is particularly common after childbirth, it can affect women at any life stage — including adolescents, nulliparous women, and post-menopausal women. Any woman experiencing symptoms is encouraged to seek assessment.