When To Refer to Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Physicians:

• patients with urinary incontinence

  • The Cochrane Collaboration 2010 concluded that Physiotherapists with specialized training in pelvic floor rehabilitation (using internal examination to teach the exercises) should be the first line of defence, before surgical consultation, for stress, urge and mixed incontinence in women.

• patients with pelvic pain, dyspareunia, pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis rectus, C-section and/or perineal scars, chronic low back and/or pelvic pain that is unresponsive to other treatments
• any woman who is considering pregnancy, is currently pregnant, or has been pregnant
  

Orthopaedic Practitioners (Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, RMTs, Athletic Therapists, Personal Trainers):

• clients who report being unable to connect with the pelvic floor muscles with verbal cueing
• clients with urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, sensations of pressure/sagging/heaviness in the pelvic floor, diastasis rectus, C-section scars
• clients with chronic lumbo-pelvic pain who are not responding to traditional manual therapies
• clients with breathing dysfunction, postural dysfunction, load transfer dysfunction
• clients interested/who would benefit from comprehensive core muscle training
• clients who are interested in pelvic health and prevention

Midwives, Doulas, Public Health Nurses, NDs and other Health Practitioners involved in perinatal care:

• clients with C-section scars and/or perineal scars
• clients with urinary incontinence, chronic constipation, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis rectus
• clients who are interested/who would benefit from comprehensive core muscle training
• clients who are interested in pelvic health and prevention