Pelvic floor symptoms are common — but they’re not something you have to live with. Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on the muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that support the bladder, bowel and uterus. When these muscles aren’t working optimally, it can lead to symptoms such as bladder leakage, pelvic heaviness, pain, or difficulty with exercise and daily activities.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy provides assessment, education and treatment to help restore function and confidence.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy that addresses how the pelvic floor muscles work as part of your whole body.
Treatment focuses on:
- Strength, coordination and endurance of the pelvic floor
- How the pelvic floor works with breathing, posture and movement
- Reducing symptoms and improving function
- Supporting safe return to exercise and daily activities
Care is always individualised and guided by your symptoms and goals.
Pelvic Floor Conditions We Treat
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with:
- Bladder leakage (stress or urge incontinence)
- Pelvic organ prolapse or feelings of heaviness
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Pain with intercourse
- Pelvic floor weakness or poor coordination
- Postnatal pelvic floor symptoms
- Symptoms that worsen with exercise or impact activities
Early assessment can often prevent symptoms from progressing.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment is supportive, respectful and clearly explained.
It may include:
- Discussion of your symptoms, history and goals
- Assessment of posture, breathing and movement
- Pelvic floor assessment if appropriate
- Education on how the pelvic floor functions
- A personalised treatment and exercise plan
Pelvic floor assessment is always optional, discussed beforehand, and performed only with your consent.
How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Helps
Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
- Pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation exercises
- Breathing and coordination strategies
- Postural and movement retraining
- Advice for exercise modification and daily activities
- Gradual progression back to impact or higher-load activities
The aim is not just stronger muscles, but better control and confidence in everyday life.
When Should You See a Pelvic Floor Physio?
You may benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy if you:
- Experience leakage when coughing, sneezing, running or lifting
- Feel pelvic heaviness or pressure
- Avoid exercise due to pelvic symptoms
- Have pain in the pelvic region
- Are pregnant or postnatal and want proactive support
- Want reassurance about pelvic floor health
You don’t need to wait until symptoms become severe.
Pelvic Floor Physio and Exercise
Pelvic floor symptoms often appear or worsen during exercise — particularly running, jumping, gym training or high-impact sport.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps you:
- Understand what exercises are appropriate for you
- Modify training safely
- Build strength without increasing symptoms
- Return to higher-impact exercise with confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required.
Is pelvic floor assessment always internal?
No. Assessment options are discussed with you, and internal assessment is only performed with your consent.
Can pelvic floor physio help even years after childbirth?
Yes. Many women seek pelvic floor physiotherapy months or years after birth and still see significant improvement.
Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with prolapse?
Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help manage prolapse symptoms and improve function.