Continence and pelvic health physiotherapy

What is continence and pelvic health?

Continence and pelvic health physiotherapy is a specific type of physiotherapy for the assessment and treatment of bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, pre and post uro-gynaecological surgery and any concerns during or after pregnancy. Continence and pelvic health physiotherapists who work with people with female pelvic anatomy may also be referred to as women’s health physiotherapists. Continence and pelvic health physiotherapists may also manage pelvic health conditions in children and in those with male pelvic anatomy. Continence and pelvic health physiotherapists help to manage a very broad spectrum of conditions. For this reason, some practitioners focus their expertise in particular areas. The following conditions may be managed:

• Bladder - urinary incontinence, including stress, urgency and mixed types, and overactive bladder
• Bowel - incontinence of faeces or wind, obstructed defaecation and constipation
• Pelvic organ prolapse - bladder, bowel or uterine, symptoms of internal dragging or heaviness
• Pelvic pain - pain in the pelvic, abdominal, anal, vulva or vaginal regions. These may be related to childbirth, surgery, endometriosis, vulvodynia, painful sex or tight pelvic floor muscles which are difficult to relax
• Pre- and post-pelvic surgery - prostate surgery, hysterectomy, prolapse repair, continence, and other bladder and bowel procedures
• Men’s continence - including after prostatectomy
• Conditions specific to pregnancy and the postnatal period - visit our pregnancy and postnatal services page for more information.

If you experience any of the above conditions, it is recommended that you speak with your clinic to identify the most experienced practitioner for your needs. Continence and pelvic health physiotherapist and women’s health physiotherapist are titles used by physiotherapists with extensive post-graduate training in the field of continence and pelvic health physiotherapy. No referral is required to see a continence and pelvic health physiotherapist. Physiotherapy sessions may be claimed on private health insurance depending on your level of cover, please check with your private health insurance provider.