Pelvic Health

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a specialisation of the physiotherapy profession associated with pelvic health. They see men, women and children who may be experiencing issues with bladder and bowel control, prolapse, constipation and straining, bed wetting, pre and post pelvic or prostate surgery, pelvic and perineal pain, pudendal neuralgia, bladder pain, vulvar pain and vaginismus to name  a few. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists are interested in muscle strengthening or relaxation and stretching (as appropriate), bladder and bowel function and pain control strategies.

Some questions to ask yourself:

Do you feel like you have never quite recovered fully since childbirth?

Do you suffer with involuntary urine leakage with no control or with impact activities?

Do you have a heaviness feeling with weight bearing?

If you answered yes to any of these questions do make a booking with us to see a Pelvic health physiotherapist.

Common conditions we treat:

Stress incontinence – the loss of small amounts of urine with effort or physical activity (e.g coughing or jumping).

Urge incontinence – a sudden, uncontrollable urge to pass urine which can lead to involuntary loss of urine before you make it to the toilet.

Pelvic organ prolapse – a prolapse occurs when the organs drop from their usual position due to a stretch or weakening of the supportive structures. Often a dragging or heaviness can be felt.

Pre- and post-natal – pregnancy and childbirth can increase stress and strain on your back, pelvis, and pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Pelvic girdle pain, abdominal muscle separation or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction are common conditions during this time.

Post-surgery – prostate surgery and hysterectomy are common surgeries that have an impact on the pelvic floor and/or abdominals

ACC Maternal Birth Injury Rehabilitation:

We are now able to see injuries caused by birth or labor (from 1/10/22). These injuries will receive some cover from ACC. We can lodge claims or if you have a claim from your GP, specialist or midwife we are able to see you.

What will be covered?
We will be able to lodge claims for the following injuries:
• Labial, vaginal, vulval, clitoral, cervical, rectal and perineal tears
• Coccyx fracture
• Pubic rami fracture
• Pelvic joint damage from Obstetric trauma
• Prolpase
• Levator ani avulsion
• Other injuries covered include:
• Obstetric fistula
• Obstetric haematoma of pelvis
• Pudendal neuropathy
• Ruptured uterus during labour

If you are unsure if an injury will be covered or have any questions let us know.

Physiotherapy Treatment

  • Improving control of your bladder and bowel
  • Pelvic floor muscle strengthening
  • Education and advice
  • Bladder retraining
  • Preventing and reducing incontinence
  • Techniques for managing urgency
  • Advice on lifestyle changes
  • Manual therapy and massage during pregnancy
  • Pre and post natal pilates
  • Core stabilisation re-training

Please note our physiotherapists are Credentialed by Dr Melissa Davidson Pelvic Health Training and belong to the Pelvic Health Directory NZ.