Physiotherapists and prolapse: who’s doing what, how and why?

Author(s): S. Hagen & D. Stark - Pages: 5–11

Abstract

This paper reviews currently available research evidence that supports physiotherapy practice in relation to the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), in particular the use of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training. Evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews, a physiotherapy practice survey, and a number of interlinked randomized controlled trials and satellite studies is presented. There is insufficient research evidence to inform physiotherapy practice regarding the use of PFM training for women with POP. However, specialist physiotherapists in the UK are routinely treating women with prolapse, and specifically, they are using the methods of PFM training that are recognized as effective in the treatment of urinary incontinence. Research is now underway to provide rigorous evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions for this population. The important issue of the standardization of outcome measures for the profession is also being addressed.

Keywords: evidence base, pelvic floor muscle training, pessary, prolapse, Pelvic Organ Prolapse – Quantification (POP-Q) system.