Many people have heard of pelvic floor exercises (often called Kegels), but what exactly do these muscles do? And why does strengthening or relaxing them matter so much at different stages of life?
In this post, we’ll explore the role of the pelvic floor and how physiotherapy can support its function through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, menopause, and beyond.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that form a supportive “hammock” at the base of the pelvis. These muscles:
- Support the bladder, uterus, and bowel
- Help control continence (urine, bowel, and wind)
- Contribute to sexual function and sensation
- Work with your core and diaphragm to stabilise the spine and pelvis
Like any other muscle group, the pelvic floor can become weak, tight, overactive, or underactive — and this can lead to a range of issues like issues with going to the toilet, pelvic pain, prolapse, or discomfort during intimacy.
Why Are Pelvic Floor Exercises Important at Every Life Stage?
🧒 Young Adulthood:
Early education around pelvic health can promote better bladder and bowel habits and prevent problems later in life. Athletes, for example, may experience leaking during high impact exercise or experience pelvic tension and pain.
🤰 During Pregnancy:
The growing baby and uterus places added pressure on the pelvic floor. Gentle strengthening and learning correct activation can:
- Reduce risk of incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse
- Support more controlled pushing during labour
- Help with core stability and back pain
- Set up you well for a smoother post-partum recovery
👶 Postpartum Recovery:
After childbirth (vaginal or cesarean), the pelvic floor may be weakened or stretched. Targeted rehab helps:
- Restore muscle strength and coordination
- Improve bladder control and support healing
- Support a safe return to exercise, work, and daily activities
🔥 Perimenopause, Menopause, and later life:
Lower oestrogen levels can lead to tissue thinning and weakening of pelvic floor support. As we age, muscle strength and tissue elasticity also naturally declines. Physiotherapy can help:
- Prevent or manage urinary urgency, frequency, and leakage
- Manage early prolapse symptoms
- Maintain independence and quality of life
How Can We Help You at Recovery Physiotherapy, Rydalmere?
Pelvic floor issues are common, but they’re not something you have to live with. At Recovery Physiotherapy we can:
- Perform a thorough assessment
- Identify whether your pelvic floor is weak, tight, or uncoordinated
- Teach you how to properly activate and relax these muscles
- Create a tailored exercise plan suited to your body and goals
- Support you through major life transitions like pregnancy or menopause
Don’t Just Guess – Get Expert Support
Many women are unsure whether they’re doing pelvic floor exercises correctly — or whether they even should be doing them at all.
Working with a qualified physiotherapist takes the guesswork out. Whether you’re recovering from childbirth, preparing for menopause, or just want to future-proof your body, pelvic floor physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference.
👩⚕️ Want to learn more about your pelvic floor health?
Book a private consultation with our experienced women’s health physiotherapist today.
📞 0421 867 437
💻 book online here now
📍 7 Brodie St, Rydalmere NSW 2116
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy that focuses on assessing and treating dysfunctions of the pelvic floor muscles. This includes issues like incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and recovery from childbirth or surgery.
2. Do I need a referral to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist?
In most cases, no referral is needed. You can book directly with a women’s health physio. However, if you plan to claim through private health insurance or a Medicare care plan, a GP referral may be beneficial.
3. What happens during a pelvic floor physio appointment?
Your first appointment typically includes:
- A detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and goals
- Postural, breathing, and movement assessments
- A pelvic floor assessment, which may involve an internal examination (with your consent) to assess muscle function
If you’re uncomfortable with internal assessment, there are still many effective external methods we can use to support your care.
4. Do I need to be experiencing symptoms to benefit from pelvic floor physio?
Not at all! Many women come in for preventative care, especially during pregnancy, after childbirth, or during menopause. Learning how to correctly use your pelvic floor muscles can reduce your risk of problems later on.
5. I’m pregnant. Is pelvic floor physio safe for me and my baby?
Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is safe throughout pregnancy. It can help reduce discomfort, prepare your body for labour, and assist with a smoother postpartum recovery. Your treatment will always be tailored to your stage of pregnancy and individual needs.
6. What are signs I might need pelvic floor physio?
You may benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy if you:
- Leak urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise
- Feel heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area
- Experience pelvic or vaginal pain
- Have difficulty fully emptying your bladder or bowel
- Are recovering from childbirth or gynaecological surgery
- Want to return to exercise safely after pregnancy
7. How long will it take to see results?
Every person is different, but many women start noticing improvement within 3–6 sessions. Consistency with your exercises and following your physio’s advice are key to long-term success.
8. I’ve been doing Kegels on my own. Is that enough?
Maybe, but it depends on how you’re doing them and whether Kegels are even the right exercise for your pelvic floor. Some people need to strengthen, others need to relax or coordinate the muscles better. A pelvic floor physio can assess your technique and create a tailored plan.
9. Is pelvic floor physio just for postnatal women?
Not at all! While it’s very helpful postnatally, women of all ages benefit — including athletes, women approaching menopause, or anyone experiencing bladder, bowel, or pelvic symptoms.
10. Is pelvic floor physiotherapy covered by private health insurance?
Many private health insurance plans cover physiotherapy services. Check with your provider to confirm your level of cover. We can provide invoices or receipts for claiming.
