Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Whether you’re dealing with symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction, prostate surgery, preparing for childbirth, or maybe just need some help managing menopause symptoms, we’re here to help!

When Should You See Us for a Pelvic Floor Consultation?

If you're experiencing any of the following conditions, a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment could be highly beneficial:

  • Urinary incontinence: Leakage when exercising, sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

  • Faecal incontinence: Loss of bowel control.

  • Pelvic pain: Discomfort in the pelvic region.

  • Pain with sexual intercourse: Including conditions like vaginismus.

  • Vaginal heaviness: A feeling of pressure or bulging, often associated with pelvic organ prolapse.

  • Vaginal dryness: Common during menopause or due to other hormonal changes.

  • Pelvic organ prolapse: When pelvic organs drop due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.

  • Bladder urgency: The frequent need to urinate, or an overactive bladder.

  • Chronic constipation: Difficulty passing stools due to pelvic floor dysfunction.

  • Pelvic floor symptoms during menopause: Including dryness, heaviness, or incontinence.

  • Endometriosis: Pelvic pain associated with this condition can often be eased through pelvic floor therapy.

  • Post-hysterectomy or other gynaecological surgery: To aid in recovery and restore pelvic floor function.

  • Overactive/hypertonic pelvic floor: Pelvic muscles that are too tight or overactive, leading to pain and dysfunction.

  • Pelvic floor symptoms during pregnancy: Such as leakage or heaviness.

Book an appointment

Preparing for Birth and Labour

If you’re pregnant, we highly recommend a pelvic floor assessment as part of our Pregnancy and Postnatal Pelvic Floor Pathway. Our comprehensive program supports you through each stage of your pregnancy journey, from early assessment to birth preparation and postnatal care.

During a consultation we assess your pelvic floor strength, endurance, and coordination to ensure your muscles are functioning optimally. This includes a vaginal examination to check that your pelvic floor can both engage and relax effectively, which is essential for a smoother labour, especially if you’re planning a vaginal delivery.

Our pathway also focuses on pelvic floor relaxation techniques and pushing strategies to help you feel more prepared for birth. Following childbirth, we offer postnatal assessments to ensure your recovery is smooth, addressing any issues like incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse early on. With options for expert led pilates classes, remedial massage, dietetics and counselling services, you will feel well cared for throughout your whole pregnancy and postnatal journey.

Pessary fittings and Prolapse management

Vaginal support pessaries are medical devices designed to manage pelvic organ prolapse—a condition where organs like the bladder or uterus shift from their usual position due to weakened fascia, ligaments, and pelvic floor muscles. Made from medical-grade silicone, pessaries come in various shapes and sizes to fit different stages of prolapse.

Our team at Peak Flo Physio offer pessary fittings to help support your pelvic organs, relieve symptoms, and enhance daily comfort.

 Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy FAQs

  • Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an area of physiotherapy that focuses on assessing and treating issues related to the muscles, ligaments, and tissues in the pelvic region. It helps restore pelvic floor function, which is essential for bladder and bowel control, sexual health, and overall core stability.

  • During your first session, your physiotherapist will take a detailed medical history and assess your pelvic floor muscles. This may include internal or external examinations, real-time ultrasound to visualise muscle function, and specific exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles.

  • If you dont wish to have an internal exam done, then there is the option to assess your pelvic floor via abdominal or transperineal ultrasound. When a pelvic floor exam is conducted, they are conducted professionally and are designed to be as comfortable as possible. Your physiotherapist will explain every step of the process and proceed only with your consent.

  • Absolutely! Men can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy for conditions like urinary incontinence (especially after prostate surgery), erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, and bowel issues. Pelvic floor physio can be an effective treatment for these and other men’s health issues.

    See here for more info about Mens Health

  • Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be a game-changer when preparing the body for birth or recovering postnatally. We can work with you to ensure your pelvic floor muscles can both support pregnancy and relax during labour. Postnatally, we can also help address common issues like incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain, promoting quicker recovery.

  • Results vary depending on the condition and the individual, but most people see improvement within a few sessions if they follow their tailored treatment plan, including exercises and lifestyle modifications.

  • Yes, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help manage prolapse by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, reducing symptoms like heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area, and preventing further progression of the prolapse. Our Physios are also trained to fit pessaries which can help to provide internal support to your organs!

Pelvic Floor Conditions

  • Prolpase refers to to the bulging or dropping of one or more of the pelvic organs from their normal position into or out of the vagina. The pelvic organs consist of the uterus, vagina, bowel and bladder. Symptoms may include vaginal heaviness, bulging or a dragging sensation. Pelvic floor physio is an effective way to help treat and manage the symptoms of prolpase. Our team are trained in Pessary Fittings which are great options to support prolpase.

  • Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is when you are experiencing urinary leakage with an increase in intra-abdominal pressure such as when you sneeze, cough, laugh, jump or run. Urge Urinary Incontience (UUI) is when you experiencing urinary leakage associated with a strong urge to go to the bathroom. Both of these conditions are effectively treated with Pelvic floor physio.

  • Pelvic Pain can be caused by a number of different factors and encompasses a variety of different conditions such as endometriosis, vaginismus, vulvodynia and bladder pain syndrome. Our physios are trained to treat pelvic pain using a variety of modalities such as TENS, Internal and external release, dilators, pelvic floor wands and more

  • Chronic constipation and bowel issues are common concerns that can significantly impact quality of life, affecting up to 20% of adults at some point. These issues are often linked to pelvic floor dysfunction, as the pelvic muscles play a vital role in bowel control and movement. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be an effective approach to manage and prevent symptoms by addressing muscle coordination, building strength, and relieving discomfort. At Peak Flo Physio, we support clients in finding long-term solutions for improved bowel health and daily comfort.

  • Erectile Dysfunction

    Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common concern for men that can significantly affect quality of life and emotional wellbeing. While many factors can contribute to ED, the role of pelvic floor dysfunction is often overlooked. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting erections by enhancing blood flow to the penile tissues. When these muscles are weak, overactive, or uncoordinated, it can lead to difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.

    Causes Linked to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

    • Weakness or inactivity in the pelvic floor muscles reduces their ability to maintain adequate blood flow.

    • Tight or overactive muscles may disrupt nerve signals or circulation, further complicating the condition.

    • Post-prostate surgery, chronic pelvic pain, or nerve damage may also contribute.

    How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help
    Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on restoring muscle strength, coordination, and relaxation. A tailored program may include:

    • Education about pelvic floor anatomy and its role in erectile function.

    • Strengthening exercises, such as Kegels, to improve blood flow and muscle control.

    • Biofeedback training to enhance awareness and proper engagement of these muscles.

    • Relaxation techniques to release tension in overactive muscles.

    Addressing ED through pelvic floor physiotherapy often complements other medical interventions, such as medications or lifestyle changes. Our holistic approach ensures you feel supported in managing this sensitive issue with dignity and discretion.

  • Although not specific pelvic floor conditions themselves, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause are significant life stages when pelvic floor concerns often arise. During these times, it’s common to experience symptoms such as incontinence, prolapse, and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) due to hormonal changes, increased pressure, and the natural aging process. Pelvic floor physiotherapy at Peak Flo Physio provides effective strategies to strengthen and rehabilitate the pelvic muscles, helping to prevent or alleviate symptoms and promote lasting pelvic health. Our goal is to empower women at every stage to feel strong, confident, and comfortable in their bodies.

  • Bladder urgency and overactive bladder (OAB) are common conditions marked by a sudden, intense need to urinate, sometimes accompanied by leakage. These symptoms can significantly affect daily life, disrupting sleep, activities, and overall comfort. Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers effective techniques to help manage urgency and reduce symptoms by improving pelvic muscle control, retraining bladder habits, and addressing any muscle tension or coordination issues. At Peak Flo Physio, our goal is to help you regain control and confidence with a personalized approach to managing bladder health.