Physiotherapy for down below…is that really a thing?

Physiotherapy for down below… is that really a thing?

Who would have thought that we would now have Physiotherapists who are trained to help you sort out issues down below. We have all heard those words; pelvic floor, incontinence, prolapse, painful sex (and the list goes on) but many of us choose to ignore them. Whilst in the past, cultural practice and politeness has perhaps guided us away from these items as conversation starters, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t real conditions affecting everyday people like you and me!

How many people out there are affected by conditions of the pelvic region?

65% of women and 30% of men have experienced some form of incontinence, but only 31% of these people will have sort assistance from a healthcare professional (Byles & Chiarelli 2003).

The National Continence Management Strategy (2017) reports 1 in 3 women who have had a baby have wet themselves.

50% of women by the age of 40 have some degree of pelvic organ prolapse (although not all will be symptomatic). And believe it or not, men have a pelvic floor too, and are also at risk of incontinence, bowel and bladder dysfunction and pelvic pain disorders.

Why put up with it when there are people who can help you?

Continence and Women’s Health Physiotherapists are Physiotherapists who have further postgraduate training to understand how the pelvic organs, muscles, ligaments and fascia work together to help us remain continent of urine and faeces, maintain our posture and abdominal control, support our pelvic organs and help us to enjoy sex.

Continence and Women’s Health Physiotherapists understand and have the knowledge to help you manage your pelvic symptoms, in a respectful and confidential environment.

If that means that you can get back to performing your everyday activities, engaging with family and friends, or even taking that holiday you always wanted, then isn’t that worth looking into?

It’s time to seek help for your pelvic health issues!

You can seek more information at The Continence Foundation www.continence.org.au, and Pelvic Floor First www.pelvicfloorfirst.com.au.

Katie Drage
Director and Physiotherapist, Total Concept Physiotherapy in Halls Head, Mandurah, WA.
BSc (Physiotherapy) and currently studying Masters in Continence and Women’s Health.