What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. These structures support the pelvic organs and play a crucial role in urinary, bowel, and sexual function. At Physiosouth, our goal is to help you strengthen and rehabilitate these muscles to improve your overall health and quality of life.

Common Symptoms

Pelvic floor issues can affect both men and women and can arise from a range of causes and can present with a variety of symptoms, including:

• Incontinence – issues with urinary or bowel control
• Urgency and frequency – a strong urge to urinate or defecate so often it disrupts your daily routine, sometimes with an uncontrollable urge
• Constipation – difficulty passing stools
• Pelvic pain – in the pelvic region
• Dyspareunia – painful intercourse
• Persistent back pain, hip pain, tailbone pain, SIJ pain

Common Causes of Pelvic Health Dysfunction

• Pregnancy and Childbirth: Changes in the body during and after pregnancy can weaken the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, whether you had a vaginal or Caesarean delivery
• Surgery: Procedures such as prostate surgery or hysterectomy may impact pelvic floor function – starting pelvic physio before your surgery can greatly improve your recovery and outcome!
• Chronic Conditions: Conditions like chronic constipation or pelvic pain can affect the pelvic floor
• Incontinence: Issues with urinary or bowel control can be distressing and impact daily life
• Pain: Pelvic pain or discomfort, including pain during intercourse, lower back pain, hip pain or tailbone pain can be related to pelvic floor dysfunction
• Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Menopausal changes can affect your urinary system and vagina, as well as your sexual function and comfort

What to Expect During Your Visit

• Initial Assessment: Your physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed health history and a physical examination. They’ll assess your posture, movement, and pelvic floor function. It is recommended that all pelvic health patients undergo an internal exam to properly assess the pelvic floor, as many of these muscles are only accessible internally. However, your physiotherapist can start with an external approach and progress to an internal one when appropriate.
• Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your assessment, your physiotherapist will create an individualized treatment plan to address your specific needs. This will include exercises, manual (hands-on) therapy, and lifestyle recommendations.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

•  Improved Bladder and Bowel Control: Reduce or eliminate symptoms of incontinence and improve your ability to manage bladder and bowel function
• Pain Relief: Alleviate discomfort from pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, lower back pain, hip pain, tailbone pain, and pain during intercourse
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Regain confidence and comfort in daily activities and intimate relationships
• Post-Surgical Recovery: Support recovery and rehabilitation following pelvic surgeries

ACC Maternal Birth Injuries

If you experience an injury during labour or delivery on or after 1 October 2022, you may be covered by ACC. Physiosouth can provide treatment and lodge claims for Maternal Birth Injuries.

Not sure if you will be covered? Contact us now.