Osteopathy for Pelvic Health

As Osteopaths our belief and approach to treatment is to look and assess the whole person and this is also true when it comes to pelvic health and any concerns associated with it. Maddy Sherlock has completed further training for both internal and external assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor. Addressing pelvic health issues is an area that Maddy is passionate about and by gaining a thorough history she offers a sensitive and integrative approach to help you reach your goal of optimum health not only with the pelvic floor but looking holistically along with relevant lifestyle advice.

Most women tend to feel a little embarrassed when talking about their pelvic health concerns. The important thing to remember is that whatever the issue may be, it is more than likely quite common but that doesn’t have to mean that it is your ‘normal.’ Maddy ensures that you have the space and time to feel supported to talk openly about your pelvic function.

When might you need a pelvic health assessment?

• Pressure or pain in the pelvic region

• Urinary problems – incontinence such as leakage or urgency issues

• Constipation issues

• Pelvic girdle pain (not only limited to pregnancy)

• Post-partum check-up

• Pelvic organ prolapse (uterus, bowel or bladder can protrude in or out of the vaginal canal)

• General check to test the function of the pelvic floor and discuss personalised rehabilitation if required

How can a dysfunctional pelvic floor present?

A dysfunctional pelvic floor can look different in everybody, whether it’s getting up to go the toilet multiple times at night or crossing your legs when you feel a sneeze coming on.

Here are some common presentations:

• Urine leakage. That could occur when coughing, sneezing, laughing or running

• Incontinence that is urge related. Feeling like always needing to go or incomplete emptying

• Pelvic organ prolapse (uterus, bowel or bladder can protrude down). There may be a feeling of heaviness or dragging

• Lower back pain, pelvic pain, sacroiliac pain, and coccyx pain (tailbone). For

  example, experiencing discomfort from sitting for long periods in the tailbone.

• Pelvic girdle pain (not only limited to pregnancy). There may be difficulty going up and down stairs or standing on one leg.

• Pain during intercourse

What does a pelvic health assessment look like?

History -

A thorough medical history is obtained with questions about your main concern and any associated symptoms. We will often have you complete a pelvic health questionnaire before your appointment to gather detailed information about your bladder, bowel and sexual function.

Discussing your history can provide a good indication as to what examinations and treatment techniques may be helpful for your individual needs.

Assessment/Examination -

We will look for any potential imbalances within the musculoskeletal system so taking into account posture, movement and overall function with certain activities or exercises.

Assessment of the pelvic floor involves a group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue (fascia) involved with urinary, bowel and sexual function. Firstly, we talk about the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor and its different layers. After understanding the specifics, the following examination options can include:

• External vulva examination

• Internal vaginal palpation

• Measuring of pelvic floor activation and strength

Maddy will discuss internal assessment and treatment with you and make sure this is something you are comfortable with. Often the first consultation will be gaining a thorough history and understanding of your presentation before discussing if internal assessment is an option to consider at another time.

Treatment and Management Plan –

We educate to give you a better understanding so that you feel equipped with the knowledge of what treatment and management options may be best for you.

If deemed appropriate, hands-on treatment (both internal and external) can be performed with tension point release and general whole-body osteopathic techniques such as massage, articulation, stretching, and dry needling.

For further investigation, we may recommend using a bladder or bowel diary.

Recommendations for specific exercises, such as pelvic floor awareness, bladder training, breath work and whether the pelvic floor needs to be strengthened or lengthened.

For more information on pelvic health consultations or if you would like to make a booking to see Maddy please contact the clinic on (03) 5255 5040. Alternatively, click on the button below.