Breastfeeding – Positions and Support

The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. While much attention is given to strengthening these muscles, it’s just as important to understand when they are overactive —meaning they have difficulty relaxing or letting go. Overactivity in the pelvic floor can contribute to a wide range of symptoms, often overlooked or misdiagnosed. What Are Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscles? Overactive pelvic floor muscles are muscles that remain tense or tight when they should be able to relax. This tension may be constant or triggered by certain activities, positions, or stressors. Some common causes include: Ongoing pelvic, hip, or lower back pain Chronic conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, or bladder/urethral pain Recurrent vaginal infections (e.g., thrush or UTIs) or vulval skin disorders Holding stress or anxiety in the abdomen or pelvis High-intensity or repetitive exercise Past trauma, including childbirth or emotional/sexual experiences Even athletes or those who do frequent pelvic floor exercises may develop tightness—sometimes without realizing it. Signs and Symptoms of Overactivity Symptoms can vary, but people with overactive pelvic floor muscles often report: Bladder symptoms: Difficulty starting urination Slow or interrupted urine stream A feeling of incomplete emptying Bowel symptoms: Thin or pellet-like stools Incomplete evacuation Difficulty releasing wind Intimacy-related symptoms: Pain with penetration or deep intercourse Discomfort or pain during tampon use or pap smears Vaginal burning, aching, spasms, or tenderness Difficulty achieving orgasm These symptoms are not “just in your head”—they are often signs that your pelvic floor may be holding more tension than it should. Treatment Options If you suspect your pelvic floor muscles may be overactive, a pelvic health physiotherapist can help. At Pelvic Health Melbourne , our team is trained to assess your pelvic floor function and tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. Treatment may include: Manual therapy to release tight pelvic floor muscles Pelvic floor downtraining and stretches to improve relaxation Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, gentle movement, or listening to calming music Use of heat packs to reduce muscle tension and pain We’ll also help you explore lifestyle changes and emotional support to address any underlying contributors to pelvic tension. You Don’t Have to Live With Discomfort. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek support. Many people live with pelvic floor dysfunction for years without realising the cause of their discomfort. Early assessment and treatment can make a significant difference. Book an appointment with our team at Pelvic Health Melbourne and take the first step toward feeling better in your body.

Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, particularly for men over 50, arising when abnormal cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia , with over 26,000 cases in 2024 and a lifetime risk of 1 in 6 by age 85 . Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, but advanced cases may involve urinary frequency, pain during urination, blood in urine/semen, or bone pain. Risk factors include age, family history (especially BRCA gene mutations), and elevated testosterone levels. How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed? There’s no single test for prostate cancer. Diagnosis usually involves: PSA Blood Test: Measures a protein made by the prostate. High PSA can mean cancer, but also other prostate issues. PSA testing can help catch cancer early, but it’s not perfect-sometimes it leads to unnecessary worry or treatment. Talk to your GP about the pros and cons for you. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) : Your doctor feels the prostate for lumps. This is quick and safe, but not always needed-especially if your PSA is normal. Imaging & Biopsy: If cancer is suspected, scans and a biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample) confirm the diagnosis. Your Role in Care Decisions A prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Pelvic Health Melbourne, we encourage you to: Ask questions and take notes. Bring a support person to appointments. Discuss all your options. Your treatment will depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and what matters most to you. Options may include: Active surveillance (monitoring the cancer closely) Surgery to remove the prostate Radiation therapy Hormone therapy Chemotherapy or participation in clinical trials Take your time. Most prostate cancers grow slowly. You usually have time to consider, seek a second opinion, and decide what’s right for you. Access support . Emotional and practical support-through family, friends, counsellors, or support groups-can make a big difference. The Importance of Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is a key part of prostate cancer care-before and after treatment . Our team at Pelvic Health Melbourne works closely with you and your doctors and specialists to help you achieve the best possible recovery. Goals of Physiotherapy in Prostate Cancer Care Restore and Maintain Bladder Control: Regain continence and reduce urinary leakage with targeted pelvic floor muscle training and education. Enhance Pelvic Floor and Sexual Function: Strengthen and retrain pelvic floor muscles to support continence and sexual health, especially after surgery. Reduce and Manage Pain: Ease pelvic or post-surgical pain with evidence-based techniques. Support Physical Recovery: Improve strength, flexibility, and stamina to help you return to daily life. Promote Safe, Effective Exercise: Tailored activity helps manage fatigue and maintain muscle and bone health. Educate and Empower: Learn correct pelvic floor activation, self-management strategies, and lifestyle tips to support your recovery. Support Emotional Well-being: Address psychological impacts and help you return to the activities you value. Prevent and Manage Complications: Reduce risks like falls or bone loss, especially if you’re on hormone therapy. Coordinate Care: We work with your broader medical team and refer to other specialists as needed. What Can You Expect from Pelvic Health Physiotherapy? Faster recovery of bladder control and reduced urinary leakage Improved pelvic floor strength and function, supporting continence and sexual health Reduced pelvic pain and discomfort Better understanding of your body and how to manage symptoms Support in returning to daily activities, work, and exercise Improved confidence and quality of life Early referral to physiotherapy-ideally before surgery-can maximize your recovery. Research shows up to 94% of men regain bladder control within three to six months after prostate surgery with physiotherapy support. At Pelvic Health Melbourne, we’re here to help you take an active role in your prostate cancer journey. If you have questions about pelvic health, continence, or recovery, our team is ready to support you every step of the way. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us today.

Understanding the Pelvic Floor: What It Is and Why It Matters The pelvic floor is a vital yet often overlooked part of our body. It plays a significant role in supporting several important functions, from bladder control to sexual health. In this blog, we’ll explore what the pelvic floor is, its functions, and why it’s essential for overall well-being. What is the Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor refers to a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that stretch like a hammock across the bottom of the pelvis. It forms the base of the abdomen and supports the bladder, uterus, rectum, and small intestine. Think of it as a supportive structure that holds these organs in place, ensuring that they function properly. These muscles are responsible for several key functions, including: Supporting pelvic organs: The pelvic floor muscles help keep the bladder, uterus, rectum, and small intestine from sagging or shifting. Controlling urination and bowel movements: The pelvic floor muscles help control the release of urine and feces. When the muscles are healthy, they can help you hold and release waste at appropriate times. Sexual health: These muscles play a role in sexual arousal and orgasm. In both men and women, a strong pelvic floor can enhance sexual experience and satisfaction. Childbirth support: In women, the pelvic floor muscles help during childbirth by assisting in the delivery process. Why is the Pelvic Floor Important? The pelvic floor is crucial for maintaining proper function in several areas of life. When these muscles weaken or become damaged, it can lead to a variety of issues, such as: Urinary Incontinence: Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to difficulty controlling urination, causing leakage, especially when coughing, laughing, or exercising. Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): If the pelvic floor muscles are too weak to support the pelvic organs, they can slip out of place, leading to conditions like bladder prolapse or uterine prolapse. Constipation: A weak pelvic floor can make it harder to control bowel movements, potentially leading to constipation. Pain During Sex: A tense or weak pelvic floor can cause discomfort or pain during intercourse. Postpartum Recovery: After childbirth, the pelvic floor may be weakened, leading to issues with incontinence or prolapse symptoms. How to Keep Your Pelvic Floor Healthy Maintaining pelvic floor health is essential for both men and women, and there are several ways to strengthen and care for these muscles: Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel Exercises): Kegels are exercises that target and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. To perform them, simply contract the muscles you would use to stop urination and hold for a few seconds, then release. Regular practice can help improve muscle tone and control. Avoid Straining: Straining during bowel movements or lifting heavy objects can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Ensure you use proper technique when lifting, and try to prevent constipation by eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts added pressure on the pelvic floor, so maintaining a healthy weight can reduce strain and prevent weakening of the muscles. Stay Active: Regular exercise, including pelvic floor exercises, helps improve circulation and muscle tone. Yoga and Pilates can also be beneficial in strengthening these muscles. Posture Awareness: Maintaining good posture throughout daily activities can reduce strain on the pelvic floor and support proper muscle function. When to Seek Help If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consult a healthcare provider for an assessment of your pelvic floor health: Uncontrolled leakage of urine or feces A feeling of heaviness or bulging in the pelvic area Pain or discomfort during sex Difficulty with bowel movements Frequent urges to urinate, especially at night At Pelvic Health Melbourne, we can provide personalized exercises and treatment options to address your pelvic floor dysfunction. Conclusion The pelvic floor is a powerful yet delicate system that plays a key role in daily life, from maintaining organ function to supporting sexual health. By understanding its importance and taking steps to strengthen and care for these muscles, you can prevent and manage issues like incontinence, prolapse, and discomfort. Whether through pelvic floor exercises, weight management, or posture awareness, maintaining pelvic health is essential for overall well-being. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, don’t hesitate to contact us —early intervention can make a significant difference in managing these conditions and improving quality of life.