Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

A Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist in gastroenterology is trained to assess the connection between pelvic floor function and complex bowel and anorectal conditions that overlap with gastroenterology and colorectal presentations. This includes symptoms such as:

Chronic constipation — especially when slow-transit constipation has been ruled out and there is evidence of pelvic floor dyssynergia or outlet obstruction.

Difficulty emptying the bowel — straining, incomplete emptying, or the need for digital evacuation.

Faecal incontinence or urgency — post-anal surgery, obstetric injury, or idiopathic.

Rectal prolapse or internal intussusception — conservative management or post-surgical rehabilitation.

Persistent anorectal pain — including levator ani syndrome, proctalgia fugax, or coccygodynia.

Functional bowel disorders — such as IBS-C or IBS-M, where pelvic floor dysfunction coexists.

Post-surgical rehabilitation — following haemorrhoidectomy, fissure surgery, fistulotomy, or colorectal resections.

Patients with these conditions often see multiple specialists before identifying that pelvic floor dysfunction is the underlying driver — and this is precisely where pelvic health physiotherapy bridges the gap.

How Does Pelvic Physiotherapy Help These Patients?

Pelvic health physiotherapists assess the coordination, tone, and strength of the pelvic floor muscles both externally and internally. We use many methods to achieve their goals including:

• Education

• Lifestyle strategies

• Stool manipulation

• Manual therapy

• Biofeedback

• Rectal balloon training

• EMG

• Pelvic floor retraining

This conservative approach can reduce medication reliance, improve surgical outcomes, and in some cases, prevent surgery altogether.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is available at Vermont South and Wonthaggi. With more locations to come soon.

Level 3, 645-647 Burwood Highway, VERMONT SOUTH 3133