I think what distinguishes the frustration patients find with pelvic floor dysfunction as opposed to other musculo-skeletal conditions is the ongoing nature of the commitment to treatment and rehabilitation required when treating their problem. The fact is, that all the strategies taught to you by your Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, have to be continued every day (pretty much) FOREVER!
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles takes time and can sometimes be frustrating – particularly if there is significant nerve damage or levator avulsion. Both these conditions mean there will be a decreased response from the muscles, decreased sensory awareness and therefore poor feedback to the brain.
You know I love little inspirational one liners and I found this one the other day which really sums up what is required when rehabilitating your pelvic floor.
The climb was difficult and steep but persistence showed the way and enthusiasm lent a willing hand. (Author unknown)
Being persistent with your pelvic floor muscle training will thicken the muscles, help to decrease the levator hiatus (the gap) and therefore potentially help decrease the risk and/or severity of prolapse.
As for the enthusiasm, that comes first, from your Continence and Women’s Health Physiotherapist who will inspire you to pick up the baton and run with it for the rest of your life, and subsequently from within……….from yourself, when the improvements that will happen with bladder and bowel start to make an impression with you, your confidence returns, you get a skip in your step and feel happy and confident again with your nether regions.
To finish this blog on persistence and perseverance I thought I would update you on Clare McMeniman’s wonderful effort in the Gold Coast marathon. Clare, together with Helen and Kirsten, not only finished the marathon, but also raised $10,640 for the Leukaemia Foundation in memory of Clare’s mum Anne Maree. An amazing and inspirational effort! So if any of you contributed to Clare’s fundraising efforts, thank you on her behalf.
Now go climb that mountain!
Persistence, Perseverance and the Pelvic Floor
