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Common Pelvic Health Concerns
Bowel Health
Chronic constipation is a common condition that may cause infrequent bowel motions, bloating, abdominal discomfort, pain with defecation, and excessive straining. In some people, difficulty emptying the bowel can be related to pelvic floor dysfunction, where the pelvic floor muscles do not relax effectively during bowel movements.
Faecal incontinence, including difficulty controlling stool or gas, can also occur when the pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincters are not functioning optimally. These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and confidence.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy provides a conservative, evidence-based approach to managing bowel dysfunction. Assessment may include evaluation of pelvic floor muscle coordination, bowel habits, breathing patterns, and, where appropriate, a rectal examination.
Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include:
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Pelvic floor muscle retraining
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Relaxation and coordination techniques
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Bowel habit retraining
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Lifestyle and dietary education
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Functional exercise and movement rehabilitation
Our team works closely with GPs, Gastroenterologists, and Colorectal Specialists to provide holistic, supportive care.
Sexual Health
Sexual health concerns, including erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, reduced sensation, or difficulty with intimacy, can significantly impact confidence, relationships, and quality of life. These symptoms may be influenced by a combination of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, pain, surgery, stress, nervous system tension, or underlying medical conditions.
Pelvic health physiotherapy provides a supportive, evidence-based approach to assessing and managing sexual health concerns in both men and women. Our physiotherapists assess the pelvic floor muscles, breathing patterns, posture, movement, and contributing lifestyle or musculoskeletal factors that may be impacting sexual function.
Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include:
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Pelvic floor muscle retraining
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Relaxation and down-training techniques
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Strength and endurance rehabilitation
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Education around bladder, bowel, and sexual function
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Breathing and nervous system regulation strategies
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Exercise and movement-based rehabilitation
Our team works collaboratively with GPs, Urologists, Gynaecologists, and other healthcare providers to support holistic and compassionate care.
Prostate Cancer & Incontinence
Urinary leakage from the bladder, known as urinary incontinence, is a prevalent occurrence after undergoing a radical prostatectomy, a surgery for treating prostate cancer. Our team of pelvic health physiotherapists collaborates closely with your urologist and general practitioner to effectively address any issues with urinary incontinence that you might be encountering. Research has firmly established that engaging in pelvic floor muscle training substantially enhances bladder management and expedites the restoration of normal urinary function after prostatectomy, especially when compared to not undergoing any training.
Just as individuals participate in preoperative physiotherapy to prepare for surgeries involving the knees, hips, or back, engaging in pelvic floor muscle training is imperative to optimize the function of pelvic floor muscles, ensuring excellent coordination, strength, and overall conditioning pre and post-operation.
