Women’s and Men’s Pelvic Health and Incontinence

Women’s and Men’s Pelvic Health and Incontinence

Does your bladder leak with physical exertion or a sudden sneeze or cough? Do you often have a strong sudden urge to go to the toilet? Do you go to the toilet more than eight times a day or twice at night? Do you need to strain to empty your bladder or bowel? Do you have recurrent bladder infections? Are you embarrassed to leave the house because of bladder leakage?

You may have a bladder or bowel control problem, the most common condition of which is urinary incontinence. One in three women who have had a baby experience incontinence. However urinary and faecal incontinence are not normal and you don’t have to put up with it! Book a consultation with a continence physiotherapist at Physio Group South West and see how we can help. We use real-time ultrasound (non-invasive) for a full assessment of your pelvic floor and can then give you the right advice and treatment to manage your incontinence.


Physiotherapy can also help for the following conditions:

  • bladder urgency (strong sensation to go to the toilet)
  • bladder frequency (going to the toilet more than eight times during the day or more than twice at night)
  • stress incontinence (bladder leaking with physical exertion such as coughing, sneezing or running)
  • symptoms of prolapse, such as vaginal dragging, heaviness or bulging
  • inability to control passing wind or bowel motions
  • pain with sexual activity
  • issues that may arise during pregnancy such as:
    • pelvic pain
    • lower back pain
    • rib pain
    • wrist pain
  • shoulder or back pain from breastfeeding
  • pain from a perineal tear or episiotomy
  • a gap between your stomach muscles after giving birth (called rectus abdominis diastasis)
  • advice for returning to exercise after pelvic organ or bladder surgeries such as hysterectomy or urethral sling
  • advice for returning to exercise after giving birth

What to expect from your visit:

  • a thorough assessment, which may include the use of real-time ultrasound, to establish your personal goals, pelvic floor requirements and tailored treatment plan with our Specialist Continence and Women’s Health Physiotherapist.
  • design of a personal pelvic floor muscle exercise program and/or abdominal muscle program
  • advice regarding proper toileting habits, bladder training, fluid intake and diet to improve bowel and bladder function
  • progression of your exercise program and advice about fitting it into your daily activities
  • liaison with a medical practitioner or specialist as needed
  • a supportive environment where all conversations are confidential