What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a specially trained postgraduate area of physiotherapy that can be used to help manage and treat a wide range of pelvic conditions.

Evidence has shown that pelvic floor physiotherapy is highly effective as a first-line, conservative management strategy for the following:

  • Urinary incontinence (including stress incontinence), overactive bladder (and bowels), increased urinary frequency (any urine leakage is not considered normal and can be treated!)

  • Pelvic health disorders such as Pelvic organ prolapse

  • Pelvic pain management (this includes any pain in any area below the belly button and above the legs)

  • Pain with sexual intercourse

  • Prenatal and Postnatal concerns or treatment

  • Persistent low back or sacroiliac joint pain

  • Chronic constipation or problems regarding bowel movements

  • Post-surgery rehabilitation (hysterectomy, c-section, prostatectomy)

  • General Women’s health

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction (muscle weakness)

  • Pelvic health solutions

  • Pre and postpartum women’s health

  • Exercise programming

  • Chronic or persistent pelvic pain

What to expect from the first session:

Your initial assessment will begin with a thorough relevant medical history and questions regarding your symptoms. To ensure your clinician has a good understanding of all the factors involved, they will ask you questions about your past medical history including: obstetric history, previous surgeries, medications, and in-depth questions about your symptoms and future goals.

Your physiotherapist will then perform an external assessment focused on the strength and movement in your hips, pelvis and spine.

Lastly, an internal examination (vaginal and/or rectal) can be performed to determine the strength and tension of the pelvic floor muscles to further understand how they may be contributing to your symptoms.

Upon completion of the initial assessment, your pelvic floor physical therapist will discuss their findings and work together with you to propose a treatment plan.