15/07/2025
Understanding the Pelvic Floor: Why Seeing an Osteopath Can Make a Difference
By Dr. Raniga (Osteopath) from Castle Hill Osteopathic Clinic
The pelvic floor is a key part of your core — a group of muscles and tissues that support the
bladder, bowel, uterus or prostate. Whether you’ve recently had a baby, experience leaking
when you laugh or sneeze, or feel pelvic discomfort, your pelvic floor could be involved.
(Houston Methodist, 2020)
Why See an Osteopath?
Osteopaths are trained to take a holistic view of the body. When it comes to pelvic floor
issues, we assess not just the pelvic region but also your spine, hips, posture, breathing, and
movement patterns. This helps us find the root causes behind common symptoms like:
● Urinary incontinence or urgency
● Pelvic or lower back pain
● Constipation or discomfort during bowel movements
● Pain during or after in*******se
● Postnatal recovery concerns
Osteopathic treatment may include gentle manual therapy, education on body mechanics,
breathing retraining, and exercises to support coordination between the pelvic floor and
surrounding muscles.
Pelvic Floor Exercises — More Than Just Kegels
While Kegels are widely recommended, they’re not always appropriate for everyone.
Overactive or tense pelvic floor muscles may actually need relaxation, not strengthening.
Your osteopath can guide you through the right type of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT),
such as:
● Diaphragmatic breathing to promote relaxation and core coordination
● Pelvic tilts or bridge lifts to gently engage the glutes and deep core
● Gentle stretches for hips and lower back
● Kegels (only when appropriate and correctly performed)
Prevention Is Powerful
Getting your pelvic floor assessed regularly — especially after childbirth, menopause, or
surgery — can help prevent future issues. Osteopathic care supports long-term pelvic health
by restoring function, improving mobility, and building awareness of how your body moves.
Want to make an appointment ? call on 9680 9940 or book an appointment online at
www.castlehillosteo.com.au
