What Does a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Do?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with a wide range of symptoms including bladder leaks, pelvic pain, prolapse, painful intercourse, postnatal recovery, and menopause-related pelvic floor changes.
A pelvic floor physiotherapist is specially trained to assess and treat the muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the bladder, bowel, uterus, and pelvic organs.
What Is a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist?
A pelvic floor physiotherapist is a specialist physiotherapist trained in women's health and pelvic health conditions.
The pelvic floor muscles sit at the base of the pelvis and support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. These muscles are important for:
- Bladder control
- Bowel control
- Supporting pelvic organs
- Core stability
- Sexual function
- Recovery after pregnancy and birth
What Symptoms Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Help With?
- Bladder leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising
- Urgency and frequent urination
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic heaviness or pressure
- Painful intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Lower back pain linked to pelvic floor dysfunction
- Pregnancy-related pelvic pain
- Postnatal recovery
- Diastasis recti
- Constipation or bowel symptoms
- Menopause-related pelvic floor changes
- Recovery after gynaecological surgery
Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Help Bladder Leaks?
Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is often recommended for stress urinary incontinence, which is leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, or exercising.
- Pelvic floor muscle training
- Breathing exercises
- Core strengthening
- Bladder retraining
- Advice on fluid intake and bladder habits
- Return-to-exercise guidance
Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Help Prolapse?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.
- A feeling of heaviness or dragging
- A bulge or pressure in the vagina
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel
- Pelvic discomfort after standing or exercise
Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Help After Birth?
Postnatal pelvic floor physiotherapy can help women recover after pregnancy and childbirth.
- Pelvic floor weakness
- Abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
- Bladder leakage
- Pelvic pain
- Scar sensitivity after caesarean birth or tearing
- Return-to-exercise concerns
What Happens During a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment?
- A discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and goals
- Assessment of posture, breathing, movement, and core strength
- Assessment of the pelvic floor muscles
- A treatment plan tailored to your symptoms
- Advice and exercises to continue at home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy painful?
Treatment should not be painful. Some assessments may feel unfamiliar, but your physiotherapist will always work within your comfort levels.
Can pelvic floor exercises make symptoms worse?
In some cases, yes. Not everyone needs strengthening exercises. Some women have an overactive or tight pelvic floor which needs relaxation rather than strengthening.
Can I have pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy?
Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy can help with pelvic girdle pain, bladder symptoms, prolapse symptoms, and birth preparation.
Do you offer pelvic floor physiotherapy in Manchester?
SU Women’s Health Physiotherapy & Wellness offers specialist pelvic floor physiotherapy in Manchester for women experiencing bladder symptoms, prolapse, pelvic pain, postnatal concerns, and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Book an Appointment
If you are experiencing bladder leaks, pelvic pain, prolapse symptoms, or postnatal concerns, pelvic floor physiotherapy may help.
Contact SU Women’s Health Physiotherapy & Wellness in Manchester to book an appointment and start your recovery journey.
Private consultations are available in Manchester. You do not need a diagnosis or referral to attend.