Frequently Asked Questions

Pelvic health physiotherapy is a special interest area of physiotherapy focused on assessing and treating conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding structures. It supports people through various life stages — including but not limited to pregnancy, postnatal recovery and menopause.

As a physiotherapist with a special interest in women’s pelvic health, I help treat a wide range of pelvic concerns, including:

• Urinary incontinence
• Overactive bladder or Urgency (with or without involuntary urine leakage)
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pelvic pain
• Painful intercourse
• Recovery after childbirth or C-section
• Pre- and post-operative pelvic surgeries

Treatment may include pelvic floor muscle training, manual therapy, education, breathing techniques, lifestyle adjustments, and guidance for safe movement or return to exercise.

Pelvic health physiotherapy empowers you with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to regain control of your body again. Know that weakness is not always the problem, and therefore "Kegels" are not one-size-fits-all, so if you’re experiencing symptoms that feel uncomfortable or “not quite right,” know that help is available — and you don’t have to just live with it.

Yes, we offer physiotherapy assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor to women.

As a physiotherapist with a special interest in women’s health, I provide assessment and treatment for a range of pelvic floor conditions. This includes support for bladder issues, pelvic pain, prolapse, and postnatal recovery.

Physiotherapy for the pelvic floor can also help with pregnancy-related conditions, for example, managing pain, preparing for birth, and supporting your body through changes. Whether you had a cesarean section or natural birth, it can be beneficial to follow up with a pelvic floor physiotherapist after your 6-week check postpartum for an assessment of your pelvic floor.  After the evaluation, we can assist as needed, whether it be restoring pelvic floor function, improving core strength, or managing pain.

Whether you're recovering after childbirth, managing symptoms of pelvic dysfunction, or simply looking to assess your pelvic floor function, I'm here to help you feel confident, strong, and supported.

Yes, physiotherapy can play a vital role in your recovery after a pregnancy and C-section.

As a physiotherapist with a special interest in Pelvic and Women’s health, I support mums through their postnatal healing journey, including recovery after pregnancy and a Caesarean section.

Physiotherapy can help with:

• Scar management to reduce tightness/discomfort and improve healing.
• Core and pelvic floor rehabilitation to safely rebuild strength and function.
• Postural advice and movement techniques to ease strain and support your body as you care for your baby
• Pain management for any back, pelvic, or abdominal discomfort

Every recovery is unique, and I’ll guide you through a personalised plan that supports healing, builds confidence, and helps you feel like yourself again — safely and gently.

You will benefit from pelvic physiotherapy if you're experiencing any symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction or surrounding structures— especially if they impact your quality of life or daily activities.

Here are some common signs that pelvic physiotherapy could help:

• Urinary leakage (when sneezing, coughing, laughing, running or exercising)
• Urgency or difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel
• Constipation or straining
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pain with intercourse
• Feeling of heaviness or bulging in the vaginal or rectal area
• Lower back, hip, or pelvic girdle pain, especially during pregnancy or postpartum
• Recovery after childbirth or C-section
• Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
• Pre or Post-surgical rehabilitation (such as after a hysterectomy or pelvic repair)

You don’t need to wait until symptoms are severe — early support can make a big difference. If you're unsure, I'm happy to chat and help you figure out whether pelvic physiotherapy is right for you.

No, you don’t need a referral to book an appointment with a physiotherapist, even if it is related to the pelvic region. You can reach out directly to schedule a session.

If you’ve been referred by your doctor, gynaecologist, or another healthcare provider, I’m happy to collaborate with them as part of your care team to ensure the best outcomes.

Whether you're experiencing symptoms or simply want to check in on your pelvic health, especially during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause, you're welcome to make an appointment anytime.

Yes, physiotherapy focusing on the pelvic region can be beneficial during pregnancy.

As your body changes to support your growing baby, it's common to experience discomfort, pelvic pain, back pain, or changes in bladder and bowel control. A pelvic health physiotherapist can help manage these symptoms, improve strength and mobility, and prepare your body for birth.

Treatment may include gentle hands-on techniques, safe exercises, pelvic floor muscle training, posture and movement advice, and education to support a smoother pregnancy and delivery.

Pelvic physio also plays a vital role in birth preparation — helping you feel empowered, informed, and physically ready for labour.

You can see a physiotherapist with a special interest in pelvic health as early as 6 weeks postpartum, depending on how you're feeling and the type of birth you had.

Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, a postnatal assessment is valuable to guide your recovery, support a safe return to exercise and help prevent long-term issues. Every woman’s birth and recovery journey is unique, so we tailor your treatment to suit your needs and stage of healing. During a pelvic floor assessment, we will have a look at your pelvic floor, core muscles, posture, and any discomfort you're experiencing — such as pain, leakage, or heaviness.

Even if you're feeling well,

Urinary leakage is very common. It’s the most common pelvic floor condition women struggle with. Despite this, it is not normal, and it is treatable; you do not have to live with it — and it’s certainly not "just part of motherhood" or "getting older."

Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise (stress incontinence) indicates pelvic floor weakness dysfunction, which is also treatable.

Can physiotherapy help?

Yes! Physiotherapy interventions are considered the first line of treatment and are low-cost and non-invasive with no adverse effects compared to any other invasive procedures.

We can help you understand what’s causing your symptoms and guide you through a targeted pelvic floor program, which might include exercises, bladder training, and other personalised strategies to restore your confidence and quality of life.

Don’t let leakage hold you back — help is available, and treatment is possible.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs — such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum — descend from their normal position and press into the vaginal wall. This can happen when the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues become weakened or stretched, often due to childbirth, menopause, heavy lifting, or chronic straining (e.g., from constipation or coughing).

Common symptoms include:

• A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis or vagina
• A bulging sensation or visible tissue at the vaginal opening
• Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel
• Discomfort during intercourse

Can physiotherapy help?

Yes! Pelvic health physiotherapy is a first-line, evidence-based treatment for pelvic organ prolapse.

A  tailored program can help:

• Strengthen and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles
• Improve posture and core stability
• Teach you strategies to reduce downward pressure
• Provide lifestyle and bowel/bladder management advice
• Reduce symptoms and potentially avoid or delay surgery

Every treatment plan is personalised to your specific stage of prolapse and goals. If you’re experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about your pelvic health, physiotherapy is a gentle and effective place to start.

Understanding the condition of your pelvic floor muscles is essential for your overall pelvic health. Many people assume that pelvic floor issues are always caused by weakness, but overactivity or tightness can be just as common—and sometimes even more complex to manage. Knowing whether your pelvic floor is weak or tight is vital because the treatment approach differs. Other factors may also play a role in pelvic floor dysfunction, like the coordination of muscle contractions or other muscles, ligaments and connective tissues in and around the pelvis. It’s not always easy or advisable to self-diagnose pelvic floor issues, especially since a lot of symptoms (like urgency or leakage) can be present in both tight and weak muscles.

Having a physiotherapist evaluate your pelvic floor can help determine the exact cause and treatment route for your specific symptoms.

So, what can a physiotherapist test when assessing the pelvic floor:

• How well your muscles are working (strength vs endurance)
• If you’re able to contract and relax them correctly
• Whether your symptoms are related to underactivity, overactivity, or a combination of both
• Co-ordination of different muscle contractions
• Asses other factors (other than pelvic floor muscles) that might play a role

A pelvic physiotherapy assessment is a thorough process that helps identify the root cause of pelvic health issues, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, or postnatal concerns.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect during your first appointment:

1. Initial Consultation:

• Pre-appointment questionnaire: To maximise time during our sessions, we kindly ask patients to complete a detailed online questionnaire before their appointment. The questionnaire aims to identify your concerns regarding your pelvic floor (such as bladder or bowel issues, pelvic pain, or sexual dysfunction) and clarify your expectations for the session. We ask specific questions about your bladder and bowel habits (including frequency, urgency, and any issues with constipation or leakage) and any past pregnancies or surgeries, if applicable. We would also like a general health overview, such as lifestyle, sleep and stress, before focusing on the specific reason you are consulting us.
• At the appointment: We will discuss your concerns and might discuss in detail any symptoms (frequency of urinary leakage, pain during intercourse, any discomfort) you’re experiencing or other vital information identified from the questionnaire. This helps me understand the scope of your symptoms. During this discussion, we will also educate you about pelvic floor muscles, their place/function, and how our lifestyle, including stress and anxiety, can impact your physical well-being. We may discuss certain pelvic floor conditions to explain why you have these symptoms.

2. Physical Examination externally:

• Assessment in standing: We’ll start by assessing breathing patterns, posture and how you move. While standing, we will also evaluate the pelvic floor by feeling it using external palpation (gently pressing through your clothes) and asking you to cough, activate and relax your pelvic floor.  Posture, movement and breathing patterns can all impact pelvic health, so it’s important to understand your body mechanics.
• Lying on the treatment bed: We will begin by assessing your tummy muscles for tension, tight scar tissue or separation (diastasis). Assessing the abdominal wall like this will already give us a good idea of what to expect from the pelvic floor. Depending on your symptoms, we might also palpate (gently press) the lower back area to evaluate muscle tension, strength, or any areas of discomfort.

3. Internal Examination:

• Ideally: After the external examination, a key part of the assessment would be to assess your pelvic floor internally.  An internal exam would likely entail an internal vaginal examination which is used to assess for any evidence of prolapse, trigger points or muscle spasms. Further, it can also help evaluate the pelvic floor muscles' strength, tone, and function. It’s completely optional, and if you’re not comfortable with it, we can explore other non-invasive options.
• Vaginal examination:   We examine while lying on your back with your knees bent; one leg will rest against the wall while your physiotherapist supports the other. This helps to prevent any tension in your inner thighs, as tension in your legs can cause tension in your pelvic floor. We will start by observing the area and checking the skin sensation. While observing your perineum and vulva, we will again ask you to cough, contract and then relax your pelvic floor.
• Internal Vaginal examination: Before internal assessment, we will confirm if you are still happy for us to asses internally.  We will guide and explain everything we do and assess, starting by placing one lubricated, gloved finger gently into your vagina. We will then gently feel the different pelvic floor muscle layers and check for painful or tender areas. Still, with one finger inside, we will assess your strength and muscle range of motion by asking you to activate the pelvic floor and then relax the pelvic floor. This will give us a good indication of how well you can activate your pelvic floor muscles and if you can fully relax them. We will then ask you to bear down or "push to poo" so that we can feel if your muscles are lengthening and not tightening up; this action will also give us an indication if there is any weakening (prolapse) of the vaginal walls. Lastly, we will ask you to cough; this will give us an idea of your pelvic floor activation ability, strength, and prolapse symptoms. If you are struggling with symptoms of prolapse, we will repeat this part of the assessment in standing so that we can assess what your vaginal walls and pelvic floor is doing in standing. If we identify any trigger points that reproduce pain symptoms you might be experiencing, we will address them during the assessment.
•  Discontinuation of assessment: We can discontinue the examination at any time; if you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, please communicate with me.  At any stage, if you want to stop the examination, we can just remove our finger and continue the assessment externally or at a later stage. Please let me know!
• What if I do not have an internal exam? We can still do a lot externally, so please do not stress if you would rather not do an internal exam during your first session. While an external exam does not give us as much information as an internal exam would, it is still a great place to start if you are unsure about the internal exam.

4. After the physical examination:

• Both during and after the physical examination, we will discuss the findings. We will also discuss the available treatment options like pelvic floor exercises, posture corrections, manual therapy, or other interventions specific to your condition.
• We will also discuss lifestyle changes that may help improve your pelvic health, such as proper lifting techniques, bladder training, or avoiding habits that may aggravate your symptoms.
• Based on the assessment results and our discussions, we will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals, condition, and needs.

 My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to improve your pelvic health and overall well-being. Physiotherapy assessment and treatments are a safe and effective way to address pelvic health concerns, and all examinations are conducted with your comfort and privacy in mind. If you have any other questions regarding the exam, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Pelvic physiotherapy involves a variety of techniques aimed at addressing issues related to the pelvic floor, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and postnatal recovery. Depending on your specific needs, treatment may include:

1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (Kegel Exercises)

These exercises are used to help teach patients to contract and relax their pelvic floor muscles correctly. They are especially beneficial for addressing issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and postnatal recovery. It also assists in strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles, which have been proven to improve urinary incontinence significantly. Of course, like many other exercises, they are the most effective when done intensively and supervised.

2. Manual Therapy

This involves hands-on techniques to relieve tension and tightness in the pelvic muscles, as well as other structures that may contribute to pelvic pain or dysfunction. Manual therapy can include techniques such as myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy, and joint mobilisation to address musculoskeletal contributions to pelvic pain. Trigger points or muscle knots in the pelvic region can contribute to pain and dysfunction. Trigger point therapy involves gentle pressure to release these points, helping to improve muscle function and alleviate discomfort.

 3. Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a tool used to help you gain awareness of your pelvic floor muscles. It helps enhance awareness and improve exercise technique by providing real-time feedback, allowing you to learn to properly engage and relax your pelvic floor muscles.

4. Bladder Training and Education

Pelvic physiotherapy often includes bladder training and education as it works well for urge incontinence and frequency. This might involve strategies to improve bladder habits, increase the bladder’s capacity and control urgency.

5. Electrical stimulation 

Electrical stimulation can sometimes be used to strengthen pelvic floor muscles or relieve pelvic pain. This technique uses low-frequency electrical impulses to activate muscles that may be weak or dysfunctional.

7. Postural an breathing Education

Poor posture/breathing patterns can impact pelvic health. I’ll guide you through breathing exercises and posture correction techniques to improve overall pelvic alignment and function, which can help manage or prevent pelvic pain.

8. Stretching and Mobility Exercises

Tightness or lack of mobility in the pelvic region, including spine and hip joints, can contribute to discomfort or dysfunction. Specific stretching and mobility exercises help to release tension and improve flexibility.

9. Scar Tissue Mobilization

For those recovering from surgery (such as C-sections or pelvic surgery), scar tissue mobilization can help soften and improve the elasticity of scars, reducing discomfort and promoting better movement.

Each treatment plan is individualized to suit your needs and concerns. After assessing your condition, we’ll work together to design a program that helps you regain pelvic health, improve your quality of life, and empower you with the knowledge to maintain long-term health.

While there are absolutely physiotherapists who can help men and children — our practice is currently only focusing on pelvic health in women.

Here are some examples of other areas of pelvic physiotherapy :

• Men's Health
• Paediatric Pelvic health
• Bowel Health
• Fertility

Eventually, we aim to expand our practice to accommodate all of these areas in pelvic physiotherapy. So please keep an eye out as our scope of practice continues to grow.