Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor.

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Common Symptoms


Pelvic floor issues can affect both men and women and can arise from a range of causes and can present with a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Incontinence – issues with urinary or bowel control
  • Urgency and frequency – a strong urge to urinate or defecate so often it disrupts your daily routine, sometimes with an uncontrollable urge
  • Constipation – difficulty passing stools
  • Pelvic pain – in the pelvic region
  • Painful intercourse
  • Persistent back pain, hip pain, tailbone pain, SIJ pain
     

Common Causes of Pelvic Health Dysfunction

  • Pregnancy and Childbirth: Changes in the body during and after pregnancy can weaken the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, whether you had a vaginal or Caesarean delivery
  • Surgery: Procedures such as prostate surgery or hysterectomy may impact pelvic floor function – starting pelvic physio before your surgery can greatly improve your recovery and outcome!
  • Chronic Conditions: Conditions like chronic constipation or pelvic pain can affect the pelvic floor
  • Incontinence: Issues with urinary or bowel control can be distressing and impact daily life
  • Pain: Pelvic pain or discomfort, including pain during intercourse, lower back pain, and pelvic pain can be related to pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Menopausal changes can affect your urinary system and vagina, as well as your sexual function and comfort
     

What to Expect During Your Visit

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Initial Assessment:

Your physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed health history and a physical examination. They’ll assess your posture, movement, and pelvic floor function. It is recommended that all pelvic health patients undergo an internal exam to properly assess the pelvic floor, as many of these muscles are only accessible internally. However, your physiotherapist can start with an external approach and progress to an internal one when appropriate.

Personalised Treatment Plan:

Based on your assessment, your physiotherapist will create an individualized treatment plan to address your specific needs. This will include exercises, manual (hands-on) therapy, and lifestyle recommendations.

 

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
  • Improved Bladder and Bowel Control: Reduce or eliminate symptoms of incontinence and improve your ability to manage bladder and bowel function
  • Pain Relief: Alleviate discomfort from pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, lower back pain, hip pain, tailbone pain, and pain during intercourse
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Regain confidence and comfort in daily activities and intimate relationship
  • Post-Surgical Recovery: Support recovery and rehabilitation following pelvic surgeries
     
ACC Maternal Birth Injuries

If you experience an injury during labour or delivery on or after 1 October 2022, you may be covered by ACC. Physiosouth can provide treatment and lodge claims for Maternal Birth Injuries.


Not sure if you will be covered? Contact us now.

 

 

Meet Our Expert

Kate Chambers is one of our Advanced Clinical Practitioners at Sports Clinic.
If you wish to book in a Pelvic Health appointment with Kate, please call or email Sports Clinic. 
Please do not book through our online booking system as it will not go through as a pelvic health appointment.

 

Kate Chambers

Kate is a Canadian-trained physiotherapist originally from Calgary, Alberta, who recently moved to Christchurch for a new adventure. She completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology before graduating with a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy in 2019, and has since worked in private practice treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions in active populations.

Background

Kate has particular experience in assessing and treating shoulder, hip, back, and running-related injuries. She uses a combination of education, exercise-based rehabilitation, hands-on therapy, and dry needling, with the aim of helping her clients return to the activities that are important to them, whether that be sport, work, or daily life.

Kate also has advanced training and a strong clinical interest in pelvic floor physiotherapy. She treats conditions including incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and menopause-related changes, and is committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment where clients feel comfortable addressing all aspects of their health.

Outside of work, Kate is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking, trail running, climbing, and skiing, especially when paired with good company and followed by great food. She understands first-hand the importance of movement and staying active for overall vitality.