Fitness for the Pelvic Floor

An integrative and practical resource for physical therapists and patients to improve pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms

It is estimated that the incidence of women with at least one pelvic floor disorder will nearly double from 28.1 million to 43.8 million by the year 2050. Incontinence affects one in three women between the ages of 15 to 65, between one and three out of 10 men in the same age range, and an estimated 14% of adolescents under age 15.

Pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, weakness, imbalance or excessive tightness can cause debilitating symptoms in men and women that can significantly impact quality of life. Fitness for the Pelvic Floor, Second Edition builds on the popular prior edition by internationally acclaimed physiotherapist Beate Carrière with new clinical applications and contributions from coauthor Dawn-Marie Ickes on topics physical therapy students need to learn.

The book starts with a section on anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor, with discussion of breathing, muscles, tone differences, incontinence, and medications and nutrition. The second part features seven chapters detailing effective treatment options and exercises. Straightforward, simple exercises and heightened sensory awareness tips described in the text and presented in videos have proven to be the most efficacious treatment methods for many patients. Therapists will learn how to evaluate pelvic floor problems and develop and teach patients appropriate treatment strategies for specific situations, such as incontinence, dysfunctions after childbirth, and post-prostate surgery issues.

Key Highlights:

• Anatomical and physiological content and clear explanations of the correlation between breathing, the pelvic floor, and abdominal muscles enhance knowledge
• Easy-to-follow exercise routines focus on activating and relaxing pelvic floor muscles
• Definitions of essential terms facilitate understanding between patients and therapists
• 50 videos demonstrate diverse breathing and corrective functional exercises, including for a tense pelvic floor
• Appendices provide helpful sample evaluation forms for female and male patients with incontinence, before and after prostate surgery, and a voiding diary

This is a must-have resource for physical therapy students and physical therapists to help patients with pelvic floor disorders reduce or eliminate symptoms of urgency and pain in the lower abdomen, vagina, rectum, perineum, and bony pelvis. This book includes complimentary access to a digital copy on https://medone.thieme.com.