THE RECOVERY REPORT
As part of my NHS role, I recently attended a Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) Pelvic Health POGP certified workshop.
The primary reason for attending was to further develop my knowledge and understanding within my NHS role, where I support women experiencing a range of pelvic health conditions, including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction. However, what struck me throughout the day was just how much of the content overlaps with my work as a Sports Therapy Practitioner.
PELVIC HEALTH BEYOND SPECIALIST SERVICES
For many years, pelvic health has largely sat within specialist physiotherapy services. Yet increasing research is highlighting the significant impact pelvic floor dysfunction can have on active women and female athletes. Conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, pelvic pain and return-to-exercise concerns are not confined to postnatal populations. They are increasingly being recognised in runners, weightlifters, CrossFit athletes and recreational exercisers alike.
UNDERSTANDING THE BIGGER PICTURE
One of the key themes throughout the course was understanding normal anatomy and function before exploring what happens when things go wrong. We discussed the pelvic floor as part of a wider pressure management system involving the diaphragm, abdominal wall, spine and pelvis. This integrated approach felt particularly relevant from a sports therapy perspective, where movement, load management and exercise prescription are central to practice.
THE PREVALENCE OF PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION
The course also highlighted the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction. Research suggests that urinary incontinence affects a substantial proportion of women, with higher rates reported among physically active females and athletes (Bø and Nygaard, 2020). While many women assume leakage during exercise is normal, it should instead be viewed as a symptom that warrants assessment and appropriate management.
RELEVANCE IN SPORTS THERAPY
As sports therapy practitioners, we routinely work with women experiencing hip pain, low back pain, reduced training capacity, postnatal return-to-running concerns and strength training limitations. Increasingly, conversations around pelvic health are becoming part of those consultations. Understanding when pelvic floor symptoms may be contributing to an individual’s presentation, and when referral to a specialist pelvic health practitioner is appropriate, can significantly improve patient care.
EDUCATION AND SELF-MANAGEMENT
Another area I found particularly interesting was the emphasis on patient education and self-management. Much like musculoskeletal rehabilitation, successful pelvic health management often relies on behavioural change, exercise adherence and empowering patients with knowledge. The parallels between rehabilitation principles used in sports therapy and those used within pelvic health are far greater than many clinicians realise.
A WHOLE-PERSON APPROACH
The course reinforced something I have increasingly observed in practice: women rarely present with isolated issues. Hormonal changes, training load, stress, sleep, pelvic health symptoms and musculoskeletal pain often interact. Taking a whole-person approach allows us to better understand these complex presentations and provide more meaningful support.
LOOKING AHEAD
Whilst my attendance was primarily to support my NHS role, I left with a much reinforced appreciation of how relevant pelvic health knowledge is within sports therapy. As more women remain active throughout pregnancy, the postnatal period, perimenopause and beyond, clinicians working in sport and exercise settings will increasingly encounter pelvic health concerns. Having the confidence to recognise these issues, provide appropriate advice and know when to refer is becoming an essential clinical skill.
RECOVERY PRINCIPLE
Pelvic health is a specialist area of physiotherapy, but its relevance extends beyond specialist services. For active women, pelvic health is often closely linked with movement, exercise, training load and performance. The better we understand these connections, the better equipped we are to support women to remain active, manage symptoms effectively and perform at their best.
Expert Care For Your Recovery, Performance And Wellbeing
References
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2021) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Prevention and Non-surgical Management (NG210). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng210
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2019) Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Women: Management (NG123). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng123
Bø, K. and Nygaard, I.E. (2020) Is physical activity good or bad for the female pelvic floor? A narrative review. Sports Medicine, 50(3), pp. 471–484.
Tay Sports Therapy 
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