“If we always do what we always did, we always get what we always got”.
The members of all the forums promoting pelvic health physios are aware of the importance of the Pelvic Health Physio in Pelvic Health!
Perhaps we need to change our approach. If 81% of women do not perceive UI as abnormal. If women still believe that pelvic floor problems are part of ageing and that it is expected they will experience pelvic floor problems after childbirth, we still need to change our approach. This information is from the study; Knowledge of pelvic floor disorders in women seeking primary care: a cross-sectional study 2019.
My clinical experience exposes that every woman I have treated or seen in my classes is unaware of the pelvic health physio! Yep, that is the reality. I can’t put my finger on the research article about the length of time before women seek help, and I think the average is around seven years from what I recall.
I aim to spark difficult and important conversations. For example, if we go into schools and educate the kids on anatomy and sexual health, could we also help them open discussions with parents and peers about pelvic floor disorders.
Perhaps we also need to educate the educators. Has anyone been to the entry-level fitness training programmes? It is common for pads to be handed out at certain fitness classes involving jumping. It is also common for the off the cuff remark from some fitness professionals to normalise leaking with comments like, “It’s ok I leak a bit”. A paragraph talking about the pelvic floor and that, like any weak muscle, it might need time to strengthen. However, if this is not improving after a few classes, you may need to seek more help. Refer to specialist classes to see if this helps. Let people know it is common, it is not normal and that help is available.
It also appears many people will look for group-led classes before looking further. If people then come to a course set up to work with this population, they have the next level of knowledge and approach. These therapists will immediately pick up someone needing specialist help and refer to GP and Pelvic Health Physio. These courses spark more open conversations and have several sessions to promote pelvic health. At the end of a programme, anyone still not finding an improvement is guided towards the next level of expertise, the Pelvic Health Physio.
My thoughts from clinical practice as a Pilates practitioner, pelvic floor exercise teacher, hypopressive coach, manual therapist. If we want to highlight pelvic health specialists, let us educate the educators about them.
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