Pelvic floor concerns — leaking with a cough or a sneeze, a heavy or dragging feeling, or discomfort during everyday activities — are far more common than most people realise, and they’re rarely talked about openly. The good news is that pelvic floor physiotherapy is a well-established, effective way to address them.
What does pelvic floor physiotherapy treat?
- Stress incontinence (leaking with coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise)
- Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, such as heaviness or dragging
- Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain
- Postnatal recovery, including abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
- General pelvic floor weakness or tension
It’s common — and it’s not just “part of having kids”
Pelvic floor symptoms are common during and after pregnancy, but common doesn’t mean they should be ignored or accepted as permanent. Assessment and treatment can make a real difference.
What an assessment involves
Your physiotherapist will discuss your symptoms, history and goals in a private, comfortable setting. Depending on what’s appropriate for you, this may include an external assessment of your posture, breathing and abdominal wall, and — with your informed consent — an internal pelvic floor assessment, which is the most accurate way to assess muscle strength, coordination and any tension.
What treatment can involve
- Individualised pelvic floor exercises — this is about coordination and control, not just “doing more Kegels”.
- Breathing and core-control retraining that works with your pelvic floor rather than against it.
- Clinical Pilates to safely rebuild strength during pregnancy or postnatal recovery.
- Practical strategies for lifting, exercising and returning to sport or fitness with confidence.
You don’t need to wait until symptoms are severe — earlier assessment usually means a simpler path to feeling better.
Ready to talk it through?
Book an appointment with our team in a private, judgement-free setting.
Whether you’re pregnant, newly postnatal, or dealing with symptoms that have been around for years, it’s never too late to have things assessed. A clear, private conversation is usually the first and most important step.
Learn more from independent sources: healthdirect Australia and the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Information on this page is general in nature and not a substitute for individual assessment or professional advice.
Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individualised advice from a registered health practitioner. Our practitioners are registered with AHPRA.