The pelvic floor is one of the most overlooked structures in the body. It is a group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that form the base of the pelvis, from the pubic bone at the front to the tailbone at the back. These muscles support the bladder, bowel and, in women, the uterus. They control the opening and closing of the urethra and anus, and play a central role in sexual function, core stability and breathing.
When they stop working properly, whether too weak, too tight or simply uncoordinated, the effects reach into almost every part of daily life. Many people live with symptoms for years because they feel embarrassed or think nothing can be done. Pelvic floor physiotherapy exists to change that. At Teamwork Physiotherapy Centre International it is private, respectful and non-judgemental, and it begins with a conversation.
Women's pelvic health
- Stress urinary incontinence: leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise
- Urgency, frequency and getting up at night to pass urine
- Pelvic organ prolapse: heaviness, pressure or a bulge
- Pain during or after intercourse, vulvodynia and pelvic pain linked to endometriosis
- Pelvic girdle and low back pain in pregnancy
- Recovery after vaginal or caesarean birth, including diastasis recti
- Pelvic floor changes around menopause
Men's pelvic health
Men's pelvic health problems are less talked about but equally real and equally treatable.
- Urinary leakage after prostate surgery (radical prostatectomy or TURP)
- Urgency, frequency and post-void dribble
- Chronic pelvic pain and chronic prostatitis linked to tight pelvic floor muscles
- Erectile problems related to pelvic floor dysfunction
Bowel health
- Constipation, straining and difficulty emptying the bowel
- Faecal leakage after childbirth injury, surgery or with ageing
- Dyssynergia: when the pelvic floor does not relax properly to open the bowels
What your first appointment involves
The first session is unhurried. We talk through your symptoms, medical, surgical and obstetric history, and how the problem affects your work, relationships and wellbeing. A physical assessment follows, looking at posture, breathing, the hips, abdominal muscles and lower back.
An internal examination (vaginal or rectal) gives the most accurate information about muscle strength, tone and coordination. It is always explained first and only done with your full, ongoing consent. You can stop at any time, and treatment can still go ahead without it.
Treatment is matched to the problem
- Progressive strengthening for a weak pelvic floor
- Down-training and relaxation for a tight, overactive pelvic floor
- Biofeedback so you can see your muscles working and learn control
- Bladder and bowel retraining programmes
- Manual therapy and trigger point release for pelvic pain
- Advice on fluids, diet, toilet position and lifting
- Coordination with our psychologist where pain has become persistent
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: frequently asked questions
Is leaking urine after childbirth or with age normal?
It is common, but it is not normal and you do not have to live with it. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the recommended first treatment for stress urinary incontinence and helps most women improve.
Do I need an internal examination?
It gives the most accurate assessment, but it is always your choice. We explain everything first, and treatment can still go ahead without it.
Do you treat men?
Yes. We treat men with leakage after prostate surgery, urgency, pelvic pain and related problems. Starting pelvic floor exercises soon after prostate surgery can shorten recovery.
Is the service confidential? Do I need a referral?
Yes, it is completely confidential, and you can book directly without a referral. Sessions take place in a private room.