Understanding Pelvic Floor Health
A Conversation with Chloe, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
When most people think about pelvic floor health, they automatically associate it with pregnancy, birth, or aging. But as pelvic floor physiotherapist Chloe explains in this episode, your pelvic floor deserves attention much earlier-and for reasons you might not expect.
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Chloe has been a physiotherapist for nine years, specialising in pelvic floor health for the past four to five years. Pelvic floor physiotherapy addresses the muscles underneath your pelvis that play crucial roles in:
Continence (preventing bladder and bowel leakage)
Sexual function
Managing pelvic pain and conditions like endometriosis
Overall quality of life
Why You Should Care About Your Pelvic Floor Before Pregnancy
While many women first see a pelvic floor physio during pregnancy, Chloe emphasises the importance of preventative care. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and other life stages put significant strain on the pelvic floor. Issues that could have been prevented with early intervention may become lifelong conditions requiring ongoing management.
When Should You See a Pelvic Floor Physio?
Anyone can benefit, even without symptoms. Ideal times include:
When planning to have children
If you're preparing for pregnancy or starting to try
If you experience any bladder or bowel symptoms
Before symptoms become more serious problems
The Gut-Pelvic Floor Connection
One of the most fascinating aspects is the connection to digestive issues. Constipation isn't always about diet—it can be related to difficulty relaxing your pelvic floor.
Signs your constipation might be pelvic floor-related:
Normal stool consistency but difficulty emptying
Straining despite going relatively regularly
Taking more than five minutes to empty your bowels
Feeling of incomplete evacuation
The Surprising Link to Exercise and Sports
Many people associate pelvic floor issues with weakness, especially if they leak during gym workouts. However, Chloe reveals that the problem often isn't weakness-it's that the pelvic floor can't relax. Certain activities from childhood-gymnastics, dancing, horse riding, ballet-can train your pelvic floor to be constantly "on."
Pelvic Floor Health During Pregnancy
Doing pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy can:
Significantly reduce the risk of tears during birth
Lead to less severe tears and better healing
Reduce postpartum pain and leaking
Prevent long-term issues
Beyond Kegels: What Pelvic Floor Care Actually Involves
Addressing constipation and bowel habits
Individualized exercise programs
Perineal massage
Can reduce the risk of severe tears by 50%
Education about birth interventions
Key Takeaways
Start early: Don't wait for pregnancy or symptoms
It's not just about weakness: Many issues stem from inability to relax
The connections are real: Your pelvic floor affects gut health, pain levels, and quality of life
One size doesn't fit all: Individualized assessment is crucial
Prevention is easier than treatment
Connect with Chloe: Find her at @the.lady.physio on Instagram and TikTok