Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

A personalised physiotherapy assessment for bladder, bowel, pelvic floor or pelvic pain concerns.

Suitable for women at different stages of life, whether your symptoms are new, longstanding, related to childbirth or changing around menopause. Pelvic health physiotherapy may involve strengthening or relaxing the pelvic floor, depending on your symptoms and assessment findings.

Note: The assessment and treatment described below are indicative. Your session will be tailored to your individual condition, needs and goals, and may be modified by your physiotherapist based on their clinical judgement.

Who is pelvic floor physiotherapy for?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy may be suitable if you:

• Experience urine leakage during coughing, sneezing, exercise or daily activities
• Have urinary urgency, frequency or difficulty emptying your bladder
• Experience constipation, straining or difficulty controlling your bowels
• Feel pelvic heaviness, pressure or symptoms of prolapse
• Experience pelvic, vaginal or tailbone pain, or pain during intimacy
• Find it difficult to contract or relax your pelvic floor
• Have symptoms following childbirth, pelvic surgery or changes around menopause
• Want guidance on returning to exercise with pelvic floor symptoms

Common pelvic health conditions and symptoms we assess

We assess and manage a range of pelvic health concerns, including:

• Bladder leakage, urinary urgency, frequency or difficulty emptying your bladder
• Constipation, straining or difficulty controlling your bowels or wind
• Pelvic heaviness, pressure or pelvic organ prolapse symptoms
• Pelvic, vaginal or tailbone pain, or pain during intimacy
• Pelvic girdle, hip or lower back pain
• Symptoms changing around perimenopause and menopause
• Pelvic floor weakness, tension or coordination difficulties

What happens during the appointment?

Your physiotherapist will first discuss your:

• Medical history
• Bladder, bowel and pelvic symptoms
• Daily routines
• Goals

This is followed by a physical assessment tailored to your concerns, which may include:

• Breathing, abdominal and movement assessment
• Assessment of the back, hips and pelvis
• Functional tasks such as lifting, squatting or impact movements
• Pelvic floor assessment via transabdominal ultrasound, external observation or internal vaginal examination, where relevant

An internal vaginal examination is always optional. Your physiotherapist will explain what it involves and why it may be helpful before asking for your consent. You can decline or stop the examination at any time without affecting your care. Rest assured that our physiotherapists are all female.

Treatment may begin during the same session and may include manual therapy, exercise, symptom management strategies, and guidance on returning to daily activities, exercise or sport.

What you will leave with

You will receive:

• A clear explanation of your assessment findings
• Guidance on whether your pelvic floor needs strengthening, relaxation or improved coordination
• Practical strategies for managing bladder, bowel or prolapse symptoms
• Advice on breathing, pressure management and daily movement
• A personalised exercise plan, where appropriate
• Guidance on returning to exercise, running or sport
• Recommendations for follow-up care

Your next steps

Depending on your assessment and goals, we may recommend:

• Pelvic Health Physiotherapy follow-up
• Clinical Pilates
• Strength and Conditioning
• Return-to-running or return-to-sport rehabilitation
• Referral to another healthcare professional, where appropriate

Part of our women’s health service

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of four appointment types in our women’s health physiotherapy in Singapore service, alongside prenatal, postpartum and Mummy and Baby care.

Frequently asked questions

What is pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of the muscles, nerves and connective tissue that support the bladder, bowel and pelvic organs. It is the first-line treatment recommended by international guidelines for common conditions such as urinary incontinence, and can help with prolapse symptoms, pelvic pain, bowel dysfunction and recovery after birth.

Does the assessment involve an internal examination?

An internal vaginal examination is the most accurate way to assess pelvic floor muscle function, but it is always optional and only ever performed with your informed consent. If you prefer not to have one, or it is not appropriate on the day, your physiotherapist will adapt the assessment using external and functional measures.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your symptoms, goals and starting point. After your first assessment your physiotherapist will explain what they found and recommend a plan, typically combining in-clinic sessions with a home programme. International guidelines for pelvic floor muscle training generally recommend a supervised programme of around three months before formally reassessing progress.

I gave birth years ago. Is it too late for pelvic floor physiotherapy?

No. Pelvic floor muscles respond to training at any age and any stage - whether you are newly postpartum, years past your last birth, or navigating perimenopause. Longstanding symptoms are still assessable and treatable.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly with us. If your assessment suggests input from a gynaecologist, colorectal specialist or other doctor would help, we will let you know and can work alongside them.