Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Physiotherapy in Norwich
Pelvic floor dysfunction is an umbrella term for pelvic floor muscles that are weak, overactive, painful, poorly coordinated, or unable to relax when needed. It can affect people of any sex and may contribute to bladder, bowel, prolapse, sexual, or pelvic pain symptoms.
The right treatment depends on how your muscles are functioning. Pelvic floor exercises are not automatically about squeezing harder; some people first need relaxation, coordination, and confidence with movement.
Which Cliniko appointment should I book?
If this is your first appointment for this concern, choose Initial Pelvic Health – 60 mins (for women and men) or Initial Pelvic Health – 45 min Express Check (for women and men). If Ellie has already assessed you for this concern, choose Follow-up Pelvic Health – 45 mins or Follow-up Pelvic Health – 60 mins.
Symptoms can include
- Urinary or faecal leakage.
- Urgency, frequency, or difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel.
- Pelvic pressure or prolapse symptoms.
- Constipation, straining, or incomplete emptying.
- Pelvic, genital, anal, or lower abdominal pain.
- Pain with intimacy, tampons, or examinations.
- Difficulty finding, contracting, or relaxing the pelvic floor.
How physiotherapy can help
Ellie will discuss your symptoms, medical history, activity, and goals before assessing movement, breathing, abdominal function, and the pelvic floor where appropriate. An internal examination is optional and only performed with your consent.
Treatment may include:
- Pelvic floor strengthening when weakness is relevant.
- Relaxation and “down-training” for overactive or painful muscles.
- Coordination with breathing, lifting, coughing, exercise, and toileting.
- Bladder or bowel retraining.
- Advice about pressure management, fluid, habits, and activity.
- Consent-led external or internal soft-tissue release, myofascial or trigger-point techniques, scar work, and gentle pelvic, hip, or spinal mobilisation where relevant; acupuncture or dry needling may also be considered alongside movement rehabilitation and a tailored home programme.
When to seek medical advice
Blood in urine or stool, unexplained bleeding, recurrent infection, new loss of bladder or bowel control, saddle numbness, progressive weakness, fever, or sudden severe pelvic pain requires medical assessment.
FAQ
How do I know whether my pelvic floor is weak or tight? Symptoms can overlap. A specialist assessment is more reliable than guessing or following a generic exercise programme.
Will I need an internal examination? No. It may be offered when useful, but you remain in control and can decline or stop at any time.
Can men have pelvic floor dysfunction? Yes. It may contribute to urinary, bowel, sexual, prostate-related, or pelvic pain symptoms.
Should I start doing Kegels? Not until you know what your pelvic floor needs. Repeated strengthening may aggravate symptoms when the muscles are already overactive.
Further information
For an individual assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all programme, view appointments and book.