July 24, 2023 - Patients at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel are able to receive specialized pelvic floor physiotherapy to relieve the debilitating symptoms of various urinary tract disorders to restore their quality of life.
These conditions include urinary tract issues, such as painful urination and frequent nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting), as well as sexual dysfunction in men, painful intercourse in women, and chronic pain in the pelvic region. Rambam patients are offered specialized pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments that can help relieve debilitating symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Genitourinary conditions such as urinary tract disorders affect both men and women of all ages. These conditions may go undiagnosed for some time as diagnosis often involves an invasive medical examination and patients are fearful. Once diagnosed, and a treatment plan is outlined and followed, recovery is within easy reach.
Marie Nativ, physiotherapist in the Neurourology Unit at Rambam, received extensive training in abroad, specializing in pelvic floor physiotherapy. Nativ explains: "Pelvic floor muscles do not act independently. That’s why it is important to perform a general patient examination, including an assessment of the muscles, joints, and ligaments. Pelvic floor muscles are not visible and their function isn't easily understood. For this reason, the patient is given a detailed explanation, using visual aids, models of the pelvic anatomy, and ultrasound equipment in order to show the muscles in action. Understanding the function of these muscles and the cause of the problem, is an important component of the rehabilitation process, but this is just the beginning."
Patients are given instruction as to how to improve nutrition and exercises tailored to their particular condition. According to Nativ, "We work on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and coordinating muscle movements. Both male and female patients are taught these exercises so that they can continue with them at home."
Many patients are reluctant to obtain treatment for their urinary condition because they are fearful of the invasive nature of the evaluation process, which generally involves a rectal or vaginal exam. Some patients look for a "quick fix" based on online information, which although is easily accessible, is often inaccurate and can even worsen the condition. Nativ says, " I always encourage patients to come to Rambam, at least for an initial examination and evaluation, so that they can understand the cause of their problem then make an informed decision as to how to proceed."
Patients mistakenly believe that they will need to endure lengthy treatment sessions. But according to Nativ, even patients with severely debilitating conditions, generally see significant improvement after only a few weeks of physiotherapy. Nativ’s patients also include women who have been suffering from painful sexual intercourse. "This condition affects not only the woman, but her relationship with her partner. Patients believe they will need months of therapy, and are amazed by the improvement they experience after only a few sessions," says Nativ.
Nativ notes further: "I also treat many young men, who have undergone surgery for removal of their prostate. Following surgery, they frequently suffer from lack of bladder control, sexual dysfunction and depression. With good physiotherapy, post-surgical recovery, and rehabilitation can be much faster. In general, physical therapy greatly speeds up the healing process, and the improvement is dramatic, generally within a few weeks. Many come out of therapy and say, ‘It wasn't bad at all.'"
