Pelvic Floor Unit

Pelvic floor problems manifest themselves in different ways: incontinence (either urinary or faecal), pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction (premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, pain on penetration), among others. In many cases, patients incorporate this type of affliction into their everyday lives as a normal phenomenon, without giving it much importance, but there may be a solution.

The pelvic floor is a set of muscles and ligaments that support the pelvic viscera system, both in men and women. This system may have been affected by post-operative sequelae, injuries caused by childbirth or by the descent of the pelvic viscera (prolapse). Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause a series of limitations to the patients’ lives, not only physical limitations, but it may also influenc emotional and social aspects, or even lead to social isolation.

Before starting any treatment, the professionals in our service will interview the patient and carry out an examination, during which the state of the different structures (muscles, ligaments...) will be checked. From this, a personalised treatment plan will be designed, which may include stretching, massages, exercises, postural work, etc., depending on the needs of each patient.

Specialised physiotherapy provides patients with the necessary techniques to prevent such dysfunctions, such as muscle strengthening, relaxation techniques, tissue flexibility, improvement of motor control and postural re-education to cope with the challenges faced in their everyday life activities. In this regard, physiotherapists consider the preparation for childbirth to be an educational and preventive measure, as childbirth is one of the most predisposing factors for pelvic floor injury. That is why, with the help of gynaecologists, midwives and physiotherapists, we have created a pregnancy education programme specifically designed for mothers and fathers, taking a practical and current approach.

Pelvic floor issues can appear with various symptoms: incontinence (urinary or fecal), pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction (premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, pain during sex ...), etc. Very often, patients regard these symptoms as being an unavoidable part of their life, without giving them importance, but there may be a solution.

The pelvic floor is a set of muscles and ligaments that sustain the pelvic visceral system, both in men and women. This system can be affected by postsurgical consequences, childbirth injury or by the descent of some organs of the pelvis (pelvic organ prolapses). Pelvic floor dysfunction has an impact on the patients´ lives, as it creates physical limitations, but also emotional constraints and social isolation.

Before starting any treatment, the professionals of the unit have an interview with the patient and they carry out a physical examination during which the state of the different structures (muscles, ligaments...) is checked. From there, a personalised treatment plan involving stretching, massages, exercises, postural work, etc. is carried out, depending on the needs of each patient.

Specialised physiotherapy will provide all the techniques necessary to prevent such dysfunctions. Some of these techniques are: muscle strengthening, relaxation techniques, flexibilisation of the tissues, improvement of motor control and postural re-education to cope with the efforts made in everyday life activities. In this context, the physiotherapist frames the preparation for childbirth as an education and prevention measure, since childbirth is one of the most predisposing factors for pelvic floor injury. That is why we have created a pregnancy education programme for mothers and fathers with gynaecologists, midwives and physiotherapists and according to a practical and current concept.

At Hospitales Universitarios San Roque in Maspalomas, we adapt to the needs of the island population, with a flexible schedule, and a multidisciplinary team of professionals at your service.

Childbirth Preparation

At Hospitales Universitarios San Roque, we offer support, care and training to expecting mothers through personalised care carried out by a multidisciplinary team. Our team is formed of a gynaecologist, a midwife and several specialised physiotherapists.

Our schedule is wide to suit your needs and we have an agreement with most medical insurances.

Our Childbirth Preparation Programme includes:

• An appointment with our gynaecologist where you can ask all the questions you want.
• Then, we will put you in contact with our midwife, who is flexible as regards means of communication. The number of sessions needed will be determined case by case.
• Finally, we will give you an appointment with your physiotherapist so you can have your three sessions when it suits you best. During these sessions, you will receive training on the physical management of your body, dilation, expulsion, and re-education of the organs. We will supply a grid of exercises, we will talk about perineal massages and answer any remaining questions. What is more, we also have specific sessions for pelvic floor re-education.