By Libby Borman

Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapist at Life Ready Physio + Pilates Yokine

My girlfriends and I were having a chat at the park this week, and I was surprised at how many women were avoiding exercise because they are worried about that embarrassing “little problem” – urine leakage. Many women will experience urinary incontinence at some point of their life, and some will take up to seven years to seek help for it. Our women’s health physiotherapists have special skills to diagnose the cause of urinary incontinence and can provide you with advice and exercises to help improve your symptoms. 

That little leak from jumping during netball or with a heavy deadlift at the gym can be a warning sign that your pelvic floor muscles need some help. 

When should you see a women’s health physio? 

• If you leak urine when you exercise, play sport, cough, sneeze or laugh
• If you have trouble getting to the toilet in time and leak on the way, even when rushing
• If you are suffering from haemorrhoids or anal pain and have trouble controlling your bowel or wind
• If you have recently been pregnant and are recovering from childbirth
• If you are aware of any heaviness, pain, discomfort or bulges in the vagina or perineum
• If you experience any pain, muscle spasm or tightness during intercourse or when inserting something into the vagina
• When you have persistent low back, pelvis or coccyx pain
• When you have any breastfeeding issues such as mastitis, blocked milk ducts or cracked nipples
• When you are experiencing menopause symptoms and wish for advice on how to exercise for optimal cardiovascular and bone health in the future

A women’s health physio will do a thorough assessment by asking many questions about your symptoms and history. They will also often use a real time ultrasound machine and/or internal vaginal examination to help diagnose the cause of your symptoms. The women’s health physio will then provide you with relevant advice and exercises to help improve your symptoms or cure the problem. 

Every woman needs a strong pelvic floor that can match her daily activities and exercise choices, and this can prevent many problems such as urine or faecal leakage and pelvic organ prolapse in the future. 

If you need help with any of the symptoms listed above, and wish for a confidential discussion with an experienced practitioner who will guide you to recovery, then contact our Life Ready Physio women’s health team.