Pelvic Health Physiotherapy: What It Is, How It Helps, and Why It Matters

Pelvic health physiotherapy is about strength, support, and confidence. Betterform helps you regain all three.

Pelvic health issues are far more common than most people realize—and they affect people of all genders and ages. Yet, many suffer in silence due to embarrassment, misinformation, or the false belief that these problems are just “part of life.”

At Betterform Physiotherapy, we want to change that.

Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialized area of care that addresses conditions involving the muscles, joints, and nerves of the pelvic region. From bladder leakage to pelvic pain, physiotherapy offers effective, evidence-based solutions that treat the root cause—not just the symptoms.

How Common Are Pelvic Health Issues?

Pelvic floor dysfunction is incredibly prevalent, yet underreported and undertreated:

• 1 in 3 women will experience urinary incontinence at some point in their lives.

• Up to 50% of women who have given birth will develop some form of pelvic organ prolapse.

• About 1 in 9 men experience pelvic pain or chronic prostatitis.

• 1 in 4 women experience pelvic pain, especially during menstruation, intercourse, or postpartum.

• Trans and non-binary individuals also face significant pelvic health challenges—often without access to inclusive care.

Source: [International Urogynecological Association (IUGA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Canadian Urological Association]

What Does a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Do?

Pelvic health physiotherapists are specially trained to assess and treat the complex anatomy and function of the pelvic region—including the pelvic floor muscles, bladder, bowel, and sexual health function.

We don’t just treat the symptoms—we uncover what’s driving them.

The Pelvic Physiotherapy Assessment

Your first session will always start with a comprehensive, respectful, and confidential conversation. This may include:

• Your bladder and bowel habits

• History of childbirth, surgery, or trauma

• Pain, discomfort, or pressure symptoms

• Impact on sexual health and quality of life

Depending on your comfort and consent, a physical examination may be performed. This may include:

• External assessment of pelvic alignment, posture, and breathing patterns

• Internal examination (vaginal or rectal) to assess muscle tone, coordination, and strength of the pelvic floor muscles

• Assessment of surrounding areas (hips, spine, abdominal wall) which may influence symptoms

All assessments are done with trauma-informed care, ensuring you feel safe, empowered, and in control.

How Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Helps: Techniques and Interventions

A pelvic health physiotherapist uses hands-on techniques, movement training, and education to improve your function and quality of life.

Common treatment techniques include:

• Pelvic floor muscle retraining (strengthening or down-training)

• Manual therapy for scar tissue, trigger points, or myofascial restrictions

• Breath and pressure management to reduce strain on the pelvic organs

• Bladder retraining and toileting strategies

• Education on body mechanics, lifestyle, and habit change

• Pain management techniques for conditions like endometriosis, IC, or pelvic pain syndromes

• Support for pre- and postnatal recovery, including core rehab and perineal care

In many cases, these interventions are combined into a customized plan of care tailored to your specific condition and goals.

Does It Really Work? The Evidence Says Yes.

Pelvic health physiotherapy is strongly supported by research. In fact:

• Pelvic floor muscle training is considered the first-line treatment for urinary incontinence (NICE Guidelines, 2020).

• Studies show up to 80% of women with stress incontinence see improvement with pelvic floor physiotherapy.

• Physiotherapy is also effective in managing pelvic pain, including dyspareunia (painful sex), chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and endometriosis-related discomfort.

• Recent evidence also supports pelvic physiotherapy for men with post-prostatectomy incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.

In short: pelvic physiotherapy works. And for many people, it’s life-changing.

You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Just Live With It

At Betterform Physiotherapy, we believe pelvic health is a core part of your overall health. Whether you’re dealing with bladder leaks, pain, prolapse, or postpartum recovery, we offer compassionate, inclusive, and expert care to help you feel strong, confident, and in control again.

You don’t need a referral. You just need a team who gets it—and that’s where we come in.

If you’re struggling with a pelvic health concern, don’t wait. There is help. There is evidence. And there is a path forward.

Let’s break the silence.

Let’s rebuild with purpose.

Let’s stay Betterform.