Guttmann Barcelona launches a new Pelvic Floor Reeducation Program

Guttmann Barcelona launches a new Pelvic Floor Reeducation Program, aimed at people with neurological disorders who present urinary, intestinal or sexual alterations. The initiative was born with the aim of responding to the high frequency of pelvic floor alterations in people with neurological pathologies, which has a direct impact on the quality of life, autonomy and emotional well-being of people.

• Lower urinary tract dysfunction: affects more than 50% of people who have suffered a stroke, 80% of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and up to 95% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Faecal incontinence: affects between 30 and 40% in the acute phase after a stroke, 75% of people with SCI and between 50 and 90% of people with MS.
• Sexual dysfunction: it is very common in people with SCI, it can affect up to 77% of people who have had a stroke and 90% of those with MS.

The program has been promoted by the Pelvic Floor Unit of Guttmann Barcelona, ​​​​composed of physiotherapists Julia Paris Salcedo, Judit Salinas Casanova and Laura Baranda Caso. Despite being very common, pelvic floor disorders are often underdiagnosed or not specifically addressed, and this program aims to offer a structured, specialized and adapted response to each patient. According to the professionals: “Working on the pelvic floor does not only mean treating urinary or intestinal dysfunction; but also improving people's autonomy, empowerment and quality of life.”

12-session treatment

The service, which will be open to patients at Guttmann Barcelona, ​​Guttmann Hospital de Neurorehabilitation and external patients, includes 10 treatment sessions, an initial and a final assessment. It may include learning how to activate the pelvic floor muscles, therapeutic exercise with the help of visual biofeedback to improve sensitivity and body image, superficial or intracavitary electrostimulation and neuromodulation techniques. Diathermy and myofascial and visceral manual therapy techniques will also be used, as well as re-education of habits and guidelines for working at home, as well as education for patients and their families.

In this way, Guttmann Barcelona reinforces its model of comprehensive and personalized care for people with neurological disorders, incorporating a specific look at dysfunctions that have a high prevalence and a very significant impact on daily life.