Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers specialised treatment for bowel and bladder concerns that affect your daily life.
Our experienced pelvic floor physiotherapist works alongside our gastroenterology team to provide comprehensive care for conditions that may not respond to medical treatment alone.
When You Might Benefit from Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Constipation
If you experience ongoing constipation despite dietary changes and medication, pelvic floor dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms. Many people unknowingly tighten rather than relax their pelvic floor muscles during bowel movements, creating a functional obstruction that makes evacuation difficult.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you learn proper muscle coordination and relaxation techniques to facilitate easier, more comfortable bowel movements. Treatment may include biofeedback training, which helps you visualise and correct unhelpful muscle patterns, alongside strategies to establish healthy bowel habits.
Straining
Frequent or excessive straining during bowel movements can indicate poor pelvic floor coordination. This strain places unnecessary pressure on your pelvic organs and can worsen other pelvic floor conditions over time.
Through targeted physiotherapy, you can learn to properly coordinate your breathing, abdominal muscles, and pelvic floor to allow for effortless bowel movements. Your physiotherapist will assess your muscle function and teach you techniques to reduce or eliminate the need for straining.
Faecal Incontinence
Losing control of your bowel movements or experiencing leakage can be distressing and isolating. Faecal incontinence may occur due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, nerve damage, or coordination problems between your muscles and bowel.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers proven strategies to improve muscle strength and control. Your treatment may include specific exercises to strengthen your anal sphincter muscles, techniques to improve your awareness of the urge to go, and practical advice for managing episodes and preventing future occurrences.
Flatulence
While passing wind is normal, losing control of gas or being unable to differentiate between gas and stool can significantly impact your confidence and quality of life. This often relates to reduced sensation or control in your pelvic floor muscles.
Physiotherapy can help you regain better sensory awareness and muscular control, allowing you to distinguish between different sensations and better control the release of gas. Treatment focuses on improving muscle coordination and developing strategies to manage symptoms in social situations.
Incomplete Bowel Emptying
The persistent feeling that you haven't fully emptied your bowels can be uncomfortable and may lead you to spend excessive time on the toilet. This sensation often results from pelvic floor muscles that don't fully relax, preventing complete evacuation.
Your physiotherapist can assess your evacuation technique and teach you optimal positioning, breathing, and relaxation strategies to achieve complete emptying. Treatment may include hands-on assessment, biofeedback training, and education about proper toileting posture and habits.
What to Expect from Treatment
Your first appointment involves a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms, bowel habits, and pelvic floor function. This may include internal examination if appropriate and comfortable for you. Your physiotherapist will develop a personalised treatment plan that may include:
Pelvic floor muscle exercises tailored to your specific needs
Biofeedback training to improve muscle awareness and coordination
Manual therapy techniques to release tight muscles
Breathing and relaxation strategies
Education about bowel habits, diet, and lifestyle factors
Practical strategies to manage your symptoms
Treatment is conducted in a private, comfortable environment, and your physiotherapist will ensure you understand and consent to each aspect of your care.
Working with Your Gastroenterologist
Our pelvic floor physiotherapist works collaboratively with your gastroenterologist to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care. This integrated approach means your treatment addresses both the medical and functional aspects of your condition, giving you the best possible outcome.
Many bowel conditions benefit from combined medical and physiotherapy treatment, and your gastroenterologist may refer you for pelvic floor assessment as part of your overall management plan.
ABOUT YOUR PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Ms Isabella Lees-Trinca | Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
B Physio PG Cert Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Isabella completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Monash University in 2011 and has since completed her Post Graduate studies in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne in 2014. She has extensive experience in both pelvic floor physiotherapy and chronic pain management with a special interest in functional gut disorders and chronic pelvic pain. She is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Special Interest Group and is a member of the Continence Foundation of Australia Physiotherapy Group. Isabella is passionate about empowering patients through education and assisting with behavioural change, particularly for those patients suffering from bowel dysfunction.
Leonda Gastroenterology Melbourne
At Leonda Gastroenterology, we collaborate closely with all health professionals to deliver comprehensive, holistic care.