Pelvic Health

What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of muscles of the pelvic floor. These muscles are involved in spinal and pelvic stability, bowel and bladder control, organ support, sexual function, and they act as a fluid pump.

The pelvic floor works together with deep core muscles. In order to ensure an athlete is recruiting the core effectively it is important to assess how the muscles of the pelvic floor are engaged with core activation.

In order to properly assess pelvic floor muscles, internal palpation of the pelvic floor either vaginally and/or rectally may be recommended alongside a comprehensive movement assessment of the low back and pelvis. The pelvic floor may be tight, weak, or a combination of both. Therefore, it is important to properly assess the muscles and tissues to determine the source of pelvic floor dysfunction.

What types of conditions can be treated by Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

• Urinary incontinence in athletes
• Low back, hip and pelvic (coccyx, pubic symphysis, groin) pain associated with pelvic floor dysfunction
• Pregnancy related low back, hip and pelvic pain
• Exercise during pregnancy,
• Postpartum return to sport and exercise
• Diastasis Rectus Abdominus
• Pelvic organ prolapse

Who would benefit from Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect any athlete of any age. Those suffering from low back pain, pelvic pain and/or who experience urinary incontinence (stress or urge) would benefit from an assessment.