In New Zealand, about 1.1 million women experience some form of pelvic floor dysfunction. Despite how common it is, not many know that there is effective treatment available and that it’s not only something that affects women who have been pregnant or given birth.
What is the Pelvic Floor:
A group of muscles at the base of your pelvis, stretching from your pubic bone to your tailbone like a supportive hammock. These muscles and ligaments play a key role in bladder and bowel control, supporting pelvic organs, and sexual function.
Common Symptoms of dysfunction include:
- Leaking when coughing, sneezing, or exercising
- A sudden urgency to get to the toilet
- Pain during sex or within the pelvic area
- A heavy or dragging sensation in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Changes in bowel movements or difficulty fully emptying
All of these can affect women’s quality of life and bring about a great deal of embarrassment, anxiety, and reduced confidence. However, this doesn’t have to be the way of life or accepted as “normal”.
The good news is that there is help and treatment options available. A specialised Pelvic Health Physiotherapist has done advanced training to assess, treat, and guide women through a personalised plan to improve symptoms and quality of life.
At Riverhead Physiotherapy and Pilates, our experienced Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Vanessa, is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable discussing any concerns. Her goal is simple; to empower her clients to be able to become the best versions of themselves.