What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects men and women and is more common than you think. A physiotherapist who treats pelvic health has done additional training in order to assess and treat pelvic health issues.

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel.

What are the 5 functions (5 S’s) of the pelvic floor?

The 5 S's:
- Support (for internal organs)
- Sphincteric (urethra, vagina, and anus)
- Sexual (relaxes for penetration and contracts for orgasm)
- Stability (fixes the trunk with extremity movements)
- Sump Pump (for the circulatory system to get lymphatic fluid from the legs back to the heart)

Why might you need pelvic floor physiotherapy?

You may benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy if you have any type of pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor dysfunction can present as:
- pain through the hip/pelvis/perineum/tailbone
- leakage when you cough/sneeze/laugh or exercise
- finding it difficult to make it to the bathroom
- changes in bowel and bladder habits - frequency, urgency, quality
- pain with intercourse
- difficulties with bowel movements
- heaviness through the pelvic floor