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Understanding Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Learn about pelvic health physiotherapy, common conditions we treat, and how this specialized care can help you.

2 min read
Women's HealthPhysiotherapy

Key Takeaways

  • The pelvic floor supports organs, controls bladder/bowel function, and affects core stability
  • Physiotherapy can help with incontinence, pelvic pain, pre/postnatal care, and prolapse
  • Symptoms like leaking or pelvic pain are common but not normal - treatment is available

Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. Despite its importance, many people don’t realize that physiotherapy can help with pelvic health concerns.

What is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a supportive hammock at the base of your pelvis. These muscles play crucial roles in:

  • Supporting your pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum)
  • Controlling bladder and bowel function
  • Sexual function
  • Core stability and posture

Common Conditions We Treat

Pelvic health physiotherapy can help with:

Incontinence

Stress incontinence (leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise) and urge incontinence can often be improved or resolved with proper treatment.

Pelvic Pain

Pain in the pelvic region, during intercourse, or with bladder/bowel movements may be related to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Pre and Postnatal Care

Pregnancy and childbirth place significant demands on the pelvic floor. We can help with:

  • Preparing for birth
  • Recovering after delivery
  • Addressing diastasis recti
  • Returning to exercise safely

Prolapse

When pelvic organs descend, physiotherapy can help strengthen the supporting structures and manage symptoms.

What to Expect in Treatment

Pelvic health physiotherapy is always conducted with:

  • Respect for your comfort and privacy
  • Clear communication about each step
  • Your consent before any internal examination
  • A personalized treatment plan

Treatment may include:

  • Education about pelvic floor function
  • Breathing and posture exercises
  • Targeted strengthening or relaxation exercises
  • Manual therapy techniques
  • Home exercise programs

When to Seek Help

Don’t wait to address pelvic health concerns. You should consider seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist if you experience:

  • Any type of incontinence
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Difficulty with bladder or bowel function
  • During pregnancy or postpartum

Remember: These symptoms are common, but they’re not normal, and you don’t have to live with them.


Interested in learning more? Contact us to book an assessment.

About the Author

Susannah Reid

Susannah Reid

Clinic Owner & Registered Physiotherapist

Visceral ManipulationConcussion RecoveryPelvic HealthCranioSacral Therapy
"Treating only the top layer of the issue will result in it resurfacing sooner or later. Assessing and treating these deeper systems of our bodies gives more excellent and lasting results."