Pelvic Floor- Womens Health Physio

Did you know?

Research shows that: one in three women experiences incontinence at some time in her life

What is the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is made up of layers of muscles at the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles are important in preventing and managing incontinence (reduced control of urination and leaking urine) in both men and women.

What does it Do ?

The pelvic floor muscles are also important in women for support of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus and rectum) and for vaginal tone. As we age, our pelvic floor muscles tend to lose tone and become weaker. This may lead to the development of prolapsed uterus, when the pelvic organs sink down into the vagina.

For some men and women, pelvic floor muscles may have too much tension or tightness, causing pain and problems with urination, sexual intercourse or bowel evacuation.

Pelvic floor issues can potentially affect your confidence, relationships, work and social life. Some people may feel embarassed and/or distressed. However, there are ways in which we can help reduce the impact it has on you and your life.

If any of the following are affecting your day to day life:

  • Leaking of urine when you cough, sneeze or exercise;
  • Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel on the way to the toilet;
  • Vaginal heaviness, dragging or a bulge;
  • Soiling from the bowel;
  • Difficulty emptying the bowel and straining;
  • Difficulty keeping tampons in;
  • Weak pelvic floor muscles after childbirth;
  • Had surgery for incontinence or prolapse and want to look after yourself;
  • Pain from pelvic floor muscles which are too tight eg to allow comfortable intercourse.

We offer assistance with managing incontinence and for most people, often simple changes to lifestyle and certain treatments help reduce or stop issues.

The International Continence Society recommends pelvic floor physiotherapy as first-line treatment for urinary and faecal incontinence because there is strong scientific evidence that it is effective.

It is recommended before consideration of surgery for stress incontinence, prolapse and faecal incontinence. Physiotherapy can help at any age, regardless of the severity of the problem. In conjunction with our pelvic floor program, we can advise and educate you on pelvic floor safe core and abdominal exercises.

What should I do?

Please phone us to book a consultation appointment.

When booking, all you need to do is advise our receptionist that a ‘Womens Health Consultation’ is required in order to see one of our experienced Physiotherapists. Referral from a Medical Practitioner is not required for private physiotherapy, and depending on your level of private health cover, a portion of the cost is rebated under private health insurance extras schemes.

Eligible patients may be covered for five visits under the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care Program. However, this must first be initiated by your GP as part of a team care management plan, and our clinics will bulk bill for these visits under Medicare.

Get in Touch Here
Make an Appointment