Pelvic & Women’s Health Physiotherapy
Pelvic & Womens Health Physiotherapy can be described as issues or conditions, mostly related to the pelvic floor that can occur to women at different stages of their lives. These issues are more frequent than people may think and can range from bowel or bladder incontinence, to c-section scar tightness. Unfortunately, these issues are often overlooked and they can have a significant emotional, social and physical impact on day to day life. However, research has shown that physiotherapy can greatly improve and often resolve a wide range of these symptoms.
What symptoms do we treat?
Prenatal Issues
• Low back pain or Pelvic Girdle Pain
• Pelvic Floor Strengthening
• Bladder or bowel issues
• Sports advice and program
• Lymphatic drainage
~ Postnatal Issues:
• Bladder or bowel issues
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Pelvic pain
• Abdominal separation (Diastasis recti)
• Safe return to sport
• Pain lower back or symphysis pubis pain
• Pain in tendon/joints
• C-section – scar tissue massage and management
• Episiotomy and tear – scar tissue massage and management
Menopause Issues
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Bladder issues
• Bowel Issues
• Reduced libido
• Pelvic pain
• Painful sex
Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain impacts 20% of women during their lifetime and can have a wide range of symptoms including:
• Endometriosis and adenomyosis
• Coccyx pain
• Painful sex (Dyspareunia)
• Tight pelvic floor muscles (Vaginismus)
• Vulva pain (Vulvodynia)
• Period pain (Dysmenorrhea)
• Bladder pain (Bladder Pain Syndrome, Overactive Bladder)
• Rectal pain
• Pain referring to your abdomen, groin, buttocks or legs.
Bladder Issues
• Leaking urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising.
• Needing to rush suddenly to the toilet and/or leaking urine before you get there.
• Needing to go frequently.
Bowel Issues
• Difficulty controlling wind or bowel motions.
• Constipation
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• A bulge and dragging/heavy sensation in your pelvic floor.
• Difficulty emptying your bladder/bowel due to prolapse.
• Difficulty exercising due to prolapse symptoms.
We can help you with these symptoms, no matter how long you have been living with them. If you want to know more about how we can help, please get in touch.
What to expect during a consultation?
As Physiotherapist we are aware that talking about some of these sensitive issues can be destressing and we do everything in our power to put our patients at ease. Firstly, we will have a discussion about what issues you’re having and how they are impacting your life. We may ask you questions about bladder/bowel function, muscle and joint pain, sexual function, medication, menstruation and general health. This is important as it will give us an idea of your diagnosis and we can then give you a brief explanation on what might be causing your symptoms.
Next we will proceed to a physical examination which will be explained and will only take place with your consent.
This may include:
• An external assessment (spinal, joints, breathing, etc.)
• An internal examination (vaginal or rectal)
An internal examination may be advised as we need to be able to assess the strength and flexibility of your pelvic floor muscles, as well as your ligaments and fascia. We might also examine any specific issues that may have come up during our initial discussion. Please note that although an internal examination is highly recommended for a thorough assessment of the pelvic floor function, there is no obligation to have this assessment preformed.
At the conclusion of the assessment your diagnosis will be explained to you and we will discuss the options on the most appropriate pathway forward. Together we will formulate a treatment plan based on what your specific needs and goals are. Your treatment may include joint mobilisations and/or manipulation, soft tissue massage, stretching, muscle strengthening, functional movement training, self-management, education and home exercise.
If we feel that you need a to be referred on, we will communicate this with you and write a letter to your GP or specialist if required.
Our goal is to provide you with the education and knowledge that you require to feel confident in your individual recovery.
