If you’ve ever noticed leaking when you cough or exercise, heaviness or pressure in the pelvis, pain with intimacy, or changes in bowel control, you’re not alone. These symptoms are common – but they’re not something you have to “just live with”.
At Whittlesea Physiotherapy & Clinical Pilates, we offer women’s and pelvic health physiotherapy with a calm, respectful, evidence-based approach. Our goal is simple: help you feel confident in your body again.
what Is The pelvic Floor?
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that sits like a supportive “sling” at the base of your pelvis. It helps:
- Support your bladder, bowel and uterus
- Maintain continence (bladder and bowel control)
- Contribute to sexual function
- Assist with core stability and breathing mechanics
Like any muscle group, the pelvic floor can become too weak, too tight, or poorly coordinated – and that’s when symptoms can start.
what is pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy focused on assessing and treating pelvic floor and pelvic girdle conditions.
Treatment is tailored to you and may include:
- Education about pelvic floor function (and what’s normal)
- Pelvic floor muscle training (strength, endurance and coordination)
- Strategies to reduce overactivity/tension (for “tight” pelvic floors)
- Breathing and core retraining
- Bladder and bowel habit coaching
- Pregnancy and postnatal rehabilitation guidance
- Return-to-exercise planning (including gym and running)
We take a whole-person approach – because pelvic floor symptoms are often influenced by stress, sleep, training load, hormones, constipation, and previous injuries.
what can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with?
Pelvic floor physio can help with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Urinary leakage (with coughing, sneezing, running, jumping)
- Urgency (rushing to the toilet, not making it in time)
- Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms (heaviness, dragging, bulging)
- Pregnancy-related pelvic pain (pelvic girdle pain, hip/groin pain)
- Postnatal recovery (returning to exercise safely, abdominal separation support)
- Pain with intercourse or pelvic pain
- Bowel issues (constipation, straining, incomplete emptying)
- Post-surgical rehab (including gynaecological surgery)
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms “count” – they do. A quick chat with a pelvic health physio can save months (or years) of frustration.
what to expect at your first appointment
It’s completely normal to feel nervous – pelvic health is personal. We’ll guide you through everything at a pace that feels comfortable.
before you come in: a short questionnaIre
To help your appointment run smoothly (and to make sure we’re focusing on what matters most to you), we’ll send you a questionnaire before your first women’s/pelvic health consultation.
This helps our Women’s Health Physiotherapist be well prepared and means you won’t have to remember everything on the spot. It also gives you time to share details privately and thoughtfully.
1) a thorough conversation
We’ll start by understanding:
- Your main symptoms and goals
- Pregnancy/birth history (if relevant)
- Bladder, bowel and sexual health concerns (only what you’re comfortable sharing)
- Medical history, surgeries, medications
- Exercise habits, work demands and lifestyle factors
2) ASSESSMENT (ALWAYS WITH CONSENT)
Depending on your symptoms, assessment may include:
- Posture, breathing and abdominal wall assessment
- Hip, back and pelvic joint screening
- Pelvic floor muscle assessment
A pelvic floor assessment may be internal (vaginal), but it is never mandatory. We will explain why it may help, discuss options, and only proceed with your clear consent. If you prefer not to have an internal exam, we can still begin treatment with education, external assessment and a tailored plan.
3) A CLEAR PLAN YOU CAN ACTUALLY FOLLOW
You’ll leave with:
- A simple explanation of what’s happening
- Practical strategies you can start right away
- A personalised rehab plan (not generic “just do Kegels” advice)
- A plan for follow-up and progression
whEN SHOULD YOU BOOK IN?
Consider booking a pelvic health appointment if:
- You’re leaking urine (even “just a little”)
- You feel heaviness/pressure or a bulge sensation
- You have pelvic pain, pain with intimacy, or persistent tailbone/hip/groin pain
- You’re pregnant and want to prepare your body for birth and recovery
- You’ve had a baby and want support returning to exercise safely
- You’ve been told “it’s normal after kids” but it doesn’t feel right for you
Early support can make a big difference – and it’s never too late to start.
Our Approach at Whittlesea Physiotherapy & Clinical Pilates
We know pelvic floor concerns can feel vulnerable. Our care is:
- Respectful and private – you’re in control at every step
- Evidence-based – treatment is guided by current best practice
- Whole-body focused – pelvic floor, breathing, core, hips and lifestyle all matter
- Practical – we build plans that fit real life (work, kids, sport)
Ready to take the next step?
If you’d like support with bladder control, pelvic pain, prolapse symptoms, pregnancy or postnatal recovery, we’re here to help.
- Women’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapy appointments available from 21 January 2026 (Wednesdays)
- Clinic location: 73 Church Street, Whittlesea VIC 3757
- Phone: (03) 9716 2250
You can book online via our website or call our team to find the right appointment type.
Related services you may find helpful
- Clinical Pilates (individualised, physio-led)
- Post-op rehabilitation
- Strength and balance programs
This article is general information and isn’t a substitute for individual assessment and advice.