WHAT IS PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY
Pelvic health encompasses a range of conditions that affect both men and women. Pelvic health physiotherapy, or pelvic floor physiotherapy, therefore specialises in the assessment, diagnosis and management of conditions that affect the pelvic region- such as overactive or underactive pelvic floor muscles, leakage of urine, difficulty with bowel motions, pelvic organ prolapse and sexual pain.
A pelvic health physiotherapist has undergone additional study since graduating university, such as completing a postgraduate certificate or undergoing extensive professional development, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex anatomy and physiology of the lower back and pelvis. Most pelvic floor physios then work with women who are transitioning through motherhood or menopause, experiencing symptoms during sport, managing acute or chronic pelvic pain and/ or preparing/ recovering from gynaecological surgery. Some pelvic health physios also treat male pelvic floor dysfunction.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissues located at the base of the pelvis and plays an important role in supporting pelvic organs, maintaining continence and facilitating sexual and reproductive function. Like other muscles in the body, the pelvic floor muscles need to be assessed to determine whether they are more over or underactive before prescribing pelvic floor exercises that might assist in improving your pelvic health. Pelvic health physios are also interested in your breathing patterns, core stability, jaw, mid- back, ribcage, lower back, sacrum, coccyx and hips as these can all be related to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Treatment generally involves a combination of education about your pelvic floor, recommending lifestyle and activity changes, advice on managing bladder and bowel symptoms, hands on therapy and therapeutic and pelvic floor exercise prescription. Additional treatments such as dry needling and cupping, electrical stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, kinesiology taping, support garment fittings and referrals to other health practitioners may also be relevant for certain conditions. Some pelvic health physiotherapy clinics (like ours!) will also offer small group pilates classes or pelvic pain classes, to help you manage your symptoms, progress towards your goals and exercise in ways that feel good for you. We always endeavour to create collaborative and comprehensive treatment plans that suit your lifestyle, so that treatment is achievable and effective.
For prenatal or postnatal women, your pelvic health physio is also able to provide pelvic health education, preventative or rehabilitative pelvic floor exercise programs, discussions around safe exercise, birth preferences and preparation (including the use of perineal massage or an epi- no device, pain relief options for labour, birthing positions and pushing techniques) and facilitate postnatal care (including scar tissue management, abdominal pelvic floor rehabilitation, return to exercise programs and navigating returning to intimacy). In addition, your pelvic health physio is able assess, diagnose and manage pregnancy related musculoskeletal changes, such as pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, rib pain, round ligament pain and calf cramps. Many pelvic health physiotherapy clinics (again like ours!), also offer prenatal pilates classes or mums and bubs classes to help you safely exercise throughout this time.
Pelvic health physiotherapy holds immense significance in addressing a wide range of pelvic health issues that can significantly impact an individual’s physical, emotional and social health. Despite the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders and the quality of research we have for effective treatment outcomes, many people suffer in silence and are unaware that healthcare options exist. Pelvic health remains a taboo subject in many societies, leading to stigma and misconceptions about pelvic floor dysfunction. A pelvic health physio aims to break down these barriers by making talking about pelvic health easier, empowering individuals to seek the support and treatment they deserve.
If you, or someone you know, is suffering from pelvic health changes or simply wants to learn more about pelvic health please get in contact with us, or book an initial appointment here. We have a wide range of pelvic health physiotherapists who offer supportive and holistic healthcare, alongside a full equipped clinical pilates studio and access to in-house multidisciplinary practitioners for broader care when needed.
Author: Jessica Adams, 2024