A pelvic floor physiotherapist is a must-see if you’re experiencing pelvic floor symptoms. You may also find it useful to see how you are healing after giving birth, hysterectomy, or prolapse surgery.
They have many, many talents but I’m going to focus on 3 reasons why seeing a pelvic floor physio is an awesome thing to do. Plus how to find a pelvic floor physio near you.
In this blog, I will cover:
- Assessment of your pelvic floor and core muscles
- Reassurance if you are experiencing pelvic floor symptoms
- An action plan for your pelvic health
- How to find a women’s health physiotherapist
- Resources – Instagram lives with women’s health physiotherapists
Assessment of your core and pelvic floor muscles
In this Instagram Live, Sundeep Watkins (a women’s health physiotherapist in Leamington Spa) talks about a pelvic floor assessment. She talks you through what she is observing and assessing. Sundeep talks about the importance of breathing and reconnecting to your pelvic floor and core muscles. She also tests for pelvic stability and control (particularly if you are postnatal). An internal examination is always an option rather than compulsory and Sundeep uses questioning to predict what may be happening with the pelvic floor. She is able to perform an external assessment by looking at any movement in the perineum.
Click on the link here to access the Instagram Live with Sundeep Watkins
Reassurance if you experiencing pelvic floor symptoms
Do you have any of the following pelvic health symptoms? If so, seeing a pelvic health physio can be super useful in finding out what might be going on.
These can include:
- Leaking (whether during exercise or any other time)
- Heaviness in the pelvis can sometimes be associated with pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain or back pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Vaginismus (a tightening of the pelvic floor muscles prior to penetration)
- Diastasis (a thinning and stretching of the linea alba – often referred to as ab separation
- Pain, tingling or numbness in a scar, such as an episiotomy, cesarean section or hysterectomy, vaginal tears during birth
An exercise programme for your pelvic floor
Depending on your assessment, a pelvic floor physiotherapist will suggest a plan of action.
This may include some or one of the following pelvic floor activities:
- Relaxation work especially if your pelvic floor muscles are a little tight (this may be referred to as a hypertonic pelvic floor. Click here to read a blog about tight pelvic floor muscles )
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Breathing exercises
- Tweaks to your posture or the way you stand
- Exercises to help you connect to your pelvic floor muscles
- Strength exercises for your body
- Exercises to help improve pelvic stability
- Exercises to prepare you for a particular kind of training e.g. getting back to running post-baby
- Massage techniques for c-section, episiotomy, or hysterectomy scar
How to find a local women's health physio
I’ve included links to the pelvic health physiotherapists I recommend in Warwickshire:
Sundeep Watkins http://sundeepwatkins.com/
Fiona Mitchell https://fionamitchellphysio.com/
Deborah Thomas Physiotherapist | Deborah Thomas Physiotherapy | Kenilworth
Nicola Mulkeen (works in NHA and privately) – here’s a link to an awesome podcast she did with Dr. Louise Newson https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/023-menopause-the-pelvic-floor-nicola-mulkeen-dr-louise-newson/
You can also find a women’s health physiotherapist by searching on the Squeezy app directory https://www.squeezyapp.com/directory/
Another great resource is the Mummy MOT website. A Mummy MOT is a specially packaged Postnatal Physiotherapy program and Consultation delivered by a highly trained Practitioner.
Helen Keeble and Clare Bourne are 2 pelvic health physio’s who create fantastic content. Worth a follow on Insta!
Instagram Lives with pelvic health physiotherapists
I have a number of Instagram Lives with pelvic health physiotherapists which you can find linked below:
Pelvic health and postnatal health with Sundeep Watkins
Pessaries with Anastasia Uvarova
Back to running with pelvic organ prolapse with Anastasia Uvarova
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