PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR THE PELVIC FLOOR

Abstract

The inefficiencies of the physiotherapy profession in its attitude to the treatment of pelvic floor insufficiency and urinary stress incontinence are discussed, together with a description of the different types of urinary stress incontinence, their causes and a brief outline of the anatomy of the pelvic floor. The total concept of the authors' treatment regime is described in detail-exercises done per vaginam by the physiotherapists as well as the patient, and the reasons for the choice and application of interferential therapy as an adjunct to these exercises. The authors consider that only physiotherapists possess the necessary combined skills in kinesiology and electrotherapy, and a knowledge of anatomy, and, therefore, physiotherapy is the most appropriate profession to undertake the task of retraining thousands of women who are, at the moment, literally told to 'grin and bear it' until their condition is bad enough to warrant surgery, which is often not very effective.