World Physiotherapy Day 2024: Exploring the Full Scope of Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
This year, World Physiotherapy Day falls on the 8th of September 2024, and it’s the perfect opportunity to highlight the important work we do as physiotherapists. It’s also a great time to give a special shout-out to all my colleagues and friends who work tirelessly in this field.
Being a physiotherapist is truly a privilege. Every day, we help people from all walks of life—whether they’re dealing with incontinence, neck pain, or recovering from a stroke. At the heart of our work is a commitment to improving our clients’ quality of life. As technology advances, I’m reminded of the profound value in sitting down face-to-face with someone, listening with empathy, and providing practical solutions to help optimise their well-being.
My particular passion within physiotherapy is Pelvic Health. It’s an area that extends far beyond teaching people about pelvic floor exercises. Keep reading to discover the full scope of pelvic health physiotherapy.
What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?
Pelvic health physiotherapy focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the pelvic region. It’s about helping people manage conditions that can often feel isolating or embarrassing, such as bladder and bowel issues, pelvic pain, or sexual dysfunction. And while it’s true that pelvic health physio is often associated with women’s health, it actually supports men, women, and children alike.
What many people don’t realise is that pelvic health physios are also involved in helping clients recover from breast and gynaecological cancers, offering treatment for pelvic pain, scar management, and lymphoedema. We also educate clients on bone health, particularly those at risk of osteoporosis, providing strength-based exercises and lifestyle advice.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Health
One of the key areas of focus in pelvic health physiotherapy is the pelvic floor. These muscles play a crucial role—from controlling bladder and bowel function to supporting internal organs and influencing sexual health. When they’re weak, tight, or not functioning properly, it can have a significant impact on daily life.
Pelvic health physiotherapy is about addressing these issues in a compassionate and non-invasive way. Here’s a closer look at some of the conditions we treat:
Bladder Dysfunction
Bladder issues, such as urinary incontinence, affect so many people—from new mums to older adults. Whether it’s stress incontinence (leaking when you laugh, cough, or exercise) or urge incontinence (that sudden, desperate need to go), pelvic health physios can help you manage, or even resolve, these issues through pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, and lifestyle advice.
Bowel Dysfunction
The pelvic floor also plays a huge role in bowel function. Issues like constipation, faecal incontinence, or even rectal prolapse can stem from pelvic floor dysfunction. Physiotherapy can help retrain these muscles through exercises and biofeedback, giving people the tools to regain control.
Persistent Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain—from conditions like endometriosis, vulvodynia, or painful bladder syndrome—can be incredibly isolating. Pelvic health physios offer non-invasive treatments like manual therapy, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to help manage pain, relieve tension, and improve function in the pelvic floor.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
Pregnancy and childbirth can place a tremendous strain on the pelvic floor. Common issues include incontinence, pelvic pain, or pelvic organ prolapse after giving birth. Pelvic health physios help women regain strength and function, providing exercises to prepare for labour, reduce discomfort during pregnancy, and support postpartum recovery.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the bladder, uterus, or rectum descends due to weakened pelvic muscles, leading to symptoms like pelvic pressure or discomfort during intercourse. Pelvic health physios work to strengthen these muscles, often preventing further prolapse and avoiding surgery.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual health is a sensitive yet vital part of overall well-being. Issues like painful intercourse, erectile dysfunction, or vaginismus can significantly impact quality of life. Pelvic health physios offer tailored exercises and manual techniques in a supportive, respectful environment to restore function and intimacy.
Support for Men
Pelvic health physiotherapy isn’t just for women! Men who have had prostate surgery, or experience erectile dysfunction, chronic prostatitis, or pelvic pain, can also benefit greatly from these treatments. Pelvic health physios help retrain muscles, improve coordination, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life.
Paediatric Pelvic Health
Even children can experience pelvic floor issues, such as bedwetting, giggle incontinence, or faecal incontinence. Paediatric pelvic health physios work closely with children and their families to create gentle, age-appropriate treatment plans that improve bladder and bowel control, boosting kids’ confidence and comfort.
Supporting Cancer Recovery and Bone Health
For those recovering from gynaecological or breast cancer, the support of a pelvic health physio can be invaluable. Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can have lasting impacts, causing pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or bowel changes. Pelvic health physios help patients regain strength, manage pain, and address issues such as incontinence or sexual dysfunction that may arise after treatment. Our role ensures that patients can “thrive, not just survive” after cancer treatment.
Bone Health
When it comes to bone health, pelvic health physios provide guidance on strengthening bones and preventing falls, which is especially important for clients dealing with the effects of cancer treatment or hormonal changes. We focus on weight-bearing exercises, nutrition, and postural advice to reduce fracture risk and promote overall well-being.
However, it can sometimes be tricky to balance appropriate advice regarding bone health with the pelvic floor’s needs. Managing these issues requires a personalised approach, considering the unique needs of each individual.
Pelvic health physiotherapy is about so much more than just improving physical function—it’s about restoring dignity, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life for people at all stages of life. This World Physiotherapy Day, let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible work being done in pelvic health, and the profound impact it has on our communities.
