Skip to main content
Log in

Pelvic floor rehabilitation

  • Special Contribution
  • Published:
International Urogynecology Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Pelvic floor disorders can be improved by various methods of conservative treatment. Urogynecologic rehabilitation involves pelvic floor physiotherapy, functional electrical stimulation and biofeedback. Recent urodynamic studies have revealed obstetric risk factors, and restoration of pelvic floor musculature after vaginal deliveries is essential. It would appear that urogynecologic rehabilitation should also be routinely prescribed during the months preceding some surgical procedures. Biofeedback has been used successfully in urologic disorders such as instability and enuresis. It is probably the most efficient therapy for learning “perineal blockage at stress”, which gives the patient functional control of the pelvic floor muscles during daily activities. Functional electrical stimulation, either on an outpatient basis or as a home program, is a practical and successful method for improving or curing incontinence. Physiotherapy has to be recommended more frequently to young nulliparous women as a preventive measure and to mothers after childbirth.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Bibliography

  1. Belaiche R, Bourcier A, Jacquet M, Pistre B. Le périnée féminin — eléments de prévention des prolapsus dûs à l'accouchement. Video JCP and Co Productions, Sept 1984

  2. Bourcier A: Rééducation et urodynamique dans le postpartum. Les dossiers de l'obstétrique 1982; 85:19–33

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bourcier A. et coll. — Le plancher pelvein: Exploration et Réadaptation. Paris: Vigot, 1989

    Google Scholar 

  4. Bourcier A, Juras J: Urodynamique et réadaptation en urogynécologie. Paris: Vigot, 1986

    Google Scholar 

  5. Bourcier A, Buzelin JM, Juras J, Leriche A, Loffredo V, Madelenat P. Les troubles urinaires et les prolapsus chez la femme. Comm Lab Roche Paris 1984, (Février)

  6. Cotelle O, Kuntz D, Nyssen A, Pigne A, Barrat J. Principes et résultats de la rééducation périnéale dans le post partum. SIFUD 7ème congres, Bruxelles, June 1984

  7. Fall M, Erlandson BE. Intravaginal electrical stimulation in urinary incontinence. An experimental and clinical study. Scand J Urol Nephrol [Suppl] 1977;44

  8. Fall M, Sundin T, Ahlstrom K, Carlsson CA, Erlandson BE. Electrical stimulation is a carefully tested and efficient form of treatment. Proceedings of the eighth international conference of physical medicine and rehabilitation

  9. Glen ES, Samuels BM, MacKenzie IM, Rowan D. Maximum perineal stimulation for urinary incontinence. Urol Int 1976; 31:134

    Google Scholar 

  10. Godec C, Cass A. Acute electrical stimulation for urinary incontinence. Urol 1978; 12:340–342

    Google Scholar 

  11. Janez J, Plevnik S, Vrtacnik P. Maximal electric pelvic floor stimulation for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Proceedings of the Congress 1st Vienna international workshop of functional electrostimulation, Vienna 1983; 10:5

    Google Scholar 

  12. Janez J, Plevnik S, Vodusek DB, Vrtacnik P. Short term electrical stimulation for incontinence due to a lower motor neuron lesion. In: Proceedings of the 16th annual meeting of the International Continence Society, Boston, September 1986; 435–437

  13. Kegel AH. Physiologic treatment of poor tone and function of the genital muscles and urinary stress incontinence. West J Surg 1949; 57:527–535

    Google Scholar 

  14. Mandelstam DA. The pelvic floor. Physiotherapy 1978; 64:236–239

    Google Scholar 

  15. Mandelstam DA. Incontinence: an important aspect of rehabilitation. Physiotherapy 1983; 69:104–105

    Google Scholar 

  16. Perrigot M, Arand AB, Parier et al. Traitement de l'incontinence urinaire féminine par la rééducation. Acta Urol Belg 1984; 52:237–244

    Google Scholar 

  17. Pigne A, Cotelle O, Armstrong L, Barrat J, Bourcier A. Urodynamique et accouchement. Entretiens de Bichat. Gynécologie 1981

  18. Plevnik S, Janez J. Maximal electrical stimulation for urinary incontinence. Report of 98 cases. Urology 1979; 14:638–645

    Google Scholar 

  19. Sheperd A, Tribe E, Torrens MJ. Simple practical techniques in the management of urinary incontinence. Int Rehabil Med 1982; 4:15–19

    Google Scholar 

  20. Stoddart GD. Research project into the effect of pelvic floor exercises on genuine stress incontinence. Physiotherapy 1983; 69:148–149

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bourcier, A. Pelvic floor rehabilitation. Int Urogynecol J 1, 31–35 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00373606

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00373606

Keywords

Navigation