What Does a Women’s Health & Continence Physiotherapist Do?

A Women’s Health and Continence Physiotherapist is a fully qualified physiotherapist who has completed additional postgraduate training to specialise in pelvic floor, bladder, bowel and pelvic pain conditions.

At Apex Physiotherapy Bicton, our Women’s Health Physiotherapist provides assessment and treatment for men, women and children experiencing continence or pelvic health concerns.

What Conditions Does a Women’s Health Physio Treat?

Women’s Health and Continence Physiotherapists specialise in conditions affecting the:

  • Pelvic floor muscles
  • Bladder function
  • Bowel function
  • Pelvis and lower back region

Common conditions include:

  • Urinary incontinence (leakage)
  • Bowel incontinence
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Constipation and bowel dysfunction
  • Endometriosis-related pain
  • Postnatal pelvic floor weakness
  • Pre- and post-prostate surgery rehabilitation (men)

What is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the base of the pelvis.

These muscles work together with:

  • The diaphragm (breathing muscle)
  • Abdominal muscles
  • Deep back muscles

This system forms part of your core stability system.

Key functions of the pelvic floor:

  • Supports the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs
  • Helps control bladder and bowel function
  • Assists core stability and posture
  • Plays a role in sexual function

What is Incontinence?

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine or bowel control.

It can affect:

  • Women
  • Men
  • Children

Common types include:

  • Stress incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing, running)
  • Urge incontinence (sudden strong urge to go)
  • Bowel incontinence (loss of stool control)

Why Do Pelvic Floor Problems Happen?

The pelvic floor can become:

Weak or underactive

This may occur due to:

  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Menopause
  • Prostate surgery in men
  • Chronic straining or heavy lifting
  • Age-related changes

Weak pelvic floor muscles may lead to:

  • Bladder leakage
  • Bowel leakage
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Reduced support of pelvic structures

Tight or overactive

In some cases, the pelvic floor becomes too tense.

This may contribute to:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Endometriosis-related symptoms
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty fully emptying bladder or bowel

How a Women’s Health Physiotherapist Can Help

At your assessment, your physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your bladder, bowel and pelvic symptoms.

This may include:

  • Bladder and bowel habits
  • Pain or discomfort patterns
  • Pregnancy or surgical history
  • Exercise and lifestyle factors

Assessment may include:

  • External muscle assessment
  • Pelvic floor function testing
  • Real-time ultrasound imaging (if appropriate and available)
  • Postural and movement assessment

Internal assessment may be discussed where appropriate and only with consent.

Treatment for Pelvic Floor Conditions

Treatment is always individualised and may include:

Pelvic floor muscle training

  • Strengthening weak muscles
  • Improving coordination and control
  • Retraining bladder and bowel function

Relaxation techniques

  • Reducing pelvic floor tension
  • Breathing and down-training exercises

Lifestyle and education

  • Bladder training strategies
  • Fluid and diet advice
  • Load management for exercise and sport

Exercise rehabilitation

  • Core strengthening
  • Postnatal exercise programs
  • Functional movement retraining

Can Pelvic Floor Problems Improve?

Yes. Most pelvic floor conditions respond very well to physiotherapy treatment.

Early assessment is important because:

  • Symptoms often worsen over time if untreated
  • Early intervention improves recovery outcomes
  • Many cases can be significantly improved or resolved

When Should You See a Women’s Health Physio?

You should seek assessment if you experience:

  • Any bladder or bowel leakage
  • Pelvic heaviness or pressure
  • Pain in the pelvic region
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function
  • Postnatal recovery concerns

Women’s Health Physiotherapy in Bicton

At Apex Physiotherapy Bicton, our Women’s Health Physiotherapist provides confidential, evidence-based care for pelvic floor and continence conditions.

Treatment is designed to:

  • Restore pelvic floor function
  • Reduce symptoms
  • Improve quality of life
  • Support long-term health and function

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a women’s health physiotherapist do?

They assess and treat pelvic floor, bladder, bowel and pelvic pain conditions using evidence-based physiotherapy.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed to see a women’s health physiotherapist.

Is pelvic floor physiotherapy effective?

Yes. It is strongly supported by research for treating incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Is assessment uncomfortable?

Most assessments are external and non-invasive. Internal assessment is optional and always discussed first.

Can men see a women’s health physio?

Yes. Men can benefit from continence and pelvic floor physiotherapy, especially after prostate surgery or with bladder/bowel issues.

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