The Pelvic Floor

The remarkably complex pelvic floor and its disorders comprise one of the most interesting -- and challenging -- areas of physical therapy. And recently, common problems once considered taboo, such as incontinence, have become mainstream issues. More than ever before, a solid understanding of the structure and function of the manifold problems of the pelvic floor is vital to successful treatment. This groundbreaking work brings together an international team of world-renowned experts in the treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence, as well as sexual dysfunction, to provide a comprehensive guide to the structure and function of the muscles of the pelvic floor. Using concise text and clear illustrations and helpful photographs, the authors present all phenomena associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. The authors begin with a detailed overview of the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor, and then discuss all state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment strategies, from biofeedback and manual therapy to the causes of different types of pain and psychosocial problems. Detailed discussions of the specific issues associated with children, women, and men, as well as with rectal and anal dysfunction, follow. With its thorough coverage, this highly practical text is essential reading for all health care professionals who wish to provide their patients suffering from disorders of the pelvic floor with the best care available.

This groundbreaking work brings together an international team of world-renowned experts in the treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence, as well as sexual dysfunction, to provide a comprehensive guide to the structure and function of the muscles of the pelvic floor.

The remarkably complex pelvic floor and its disorders comprise one of the most interesting -- and challenging -- areas of physical therapy. And recently, common problems once considered taboo, such as incontinence, have become mainstream issues. More than ever before, a solid understanding of the structure and function of the manifold problems of the pelvic floor is vital to successful treatment.This groundbreaking work brings together an international team of world-renowned experts in the treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence, as well as sexual dysfunction, to provide a comprehensive guide to the structure and function of the muscles of the pelvic floor.Using concise text and clear illustrations and helpful photographs, the authors present all phenomena associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. The authors begin with a detailed overview of the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor, and then discuss all state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment strategies, from biofeedback and manual therapy to the causes of different types of pain and psychosocial problems. Detailed discussions of the specific issues associated with children, women, and men, as well as with rectal and anal dysfunction, follow.With its thorough coverage, this highly practical text is essential reading for all health care professionals who wish to provide their patients suffering from disorders of the pelvic floor with the best care available.

1 Basics Anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor The nervous system and motor learning Chronic pelvic pain of musculoskeletal origin Posture and the pelvic floor Low back pain and the pelvic floor Functional disorders and reflex incontinence Psychosocial influences Evidence-based physiotherapy with stress and urge incontinence 2 Treatment techniques Manual therapy Strain and Counterstrain with pain in the pelvic region Connective tissue massage Physical therapies Visceral mobilization Training and functional exercises for the pelvic floor muscles Diagnostics and treatment of reflex incontinence Lymph edema 3 Therapy for children Incontinence in children 4 Therapy for women Swinging and pushing – traditional childbearing behaviour as a gentle method for mother and child Storage and voiding disorders of the bladder Prolapse complaints Treatment of sexual and pelvic floor dysfunctions 5 Therapy for men Pelvic floor function in men Prostata problems Incontinence in men Assessment of incontinence in men Treatment of incontinence in men Pain in the pelvic region Erectile dysfunction Conclusion 6 Therapy with rectal and anal dysfunctions Anal dysfunction after delivery Physiotherapy with anorectal disorders