Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy focused on assessing, treating, and preventing dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic organs, and related structures (e.g., lower back, hips, abdomen). It addresses a wide range of conditions affecting urinary, bowel, sexual, and reproductive health, as well as pelvic stability and pain.
Common Conditions Treated
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Urinary or fecal incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain (e.g., vulvodynia, prostatitis, coccydynia).
Pregnancy & Postpartum Issues
Prenatal/postpartum pelvic girdle pain, diastasis recti, perineal scar tissue management post-delivery.
Sexual Health Concerns
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), vaginismus, or pelvic floor hypertonicity.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Recovery after hysterectomy, prostatectomy, or pelvic cancer surgery.
Key Components of Treatment
Assessment
Internal/external palpation of pelvic floor muscles (with consent), evaluation of posture, breathing patterns, and core stability.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Strengthening or relaxing muscles, using biofeedback or stimulation for muscle control.
Manual Therapy
Soft tissue and joint mobilization for pain or alignment issues.
Education & Behavioral Strategies
Bladder/bowel retraining and ergonomic tips for daily activities.
Exercise Prescription
Core stability, breathing, and tailored movement retraining for recovery.
Goals
Pelvic health physiotherapists work collaboratively with gynecologists, urologists, colorectal surgeons, and mental health professionals to address the multifaceted nature of pelvic disorders. This field emphasizes patient-centered, trauma-informed care due to the sensitive nature of pelvic health concerns.