Many women experience symptoms of pelvic floor weakness—yet too often, these go undiagnosed or untreated. Common signs include:
Urgency and frequent urination
Urinary leakage (stress or urge incontinence)
Pelvic or lower back pain
A heavy or dragging sensation in the abdomen or pelvic area
Pain during intercourse, often related to tight or overactive muscles
In some rare cases, loss of bowel control
Whether symptoms are mild or more severe, a thorough assessment by a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist can help identify the cause and start your recovery journey.
📅 Meet our Pelvic Health Team below to book a confidential assessment today to take the first step toward relief and recovery. If you're unsure, please call our friendly reception team on 09 3664480 or book a complimentary call with one of Physiotherapists below.
You are not alone—1 in 3 women experience urinary incontinence post-partum. Still, many delay seeking help due to embarrassment or time constraints.
Pelvic floor issues can develop silently and worsen over time. Evidence-based guidelines (such as from NICE) recommend pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy and after birth to both prevent and treat these concerns.
Early intervention leads to better outcomes—don’t wait for symptoms to get worse.
At Auckland Physiotherapy, we offer a comprehensive approach to Women’s Health including:
Pelvic floor retraining & internal manual therapy
Bladder retraining for overactive bladder
Rehabilitation after pelvic surgery or C-section
Relief from back, neck, or pelvic pain (PGP/SPD)
Dry needling & postnatal massage
Clinical Pilates & pregnancy-safe strength training
Labour preparation & return-to-sport planning
Running assessments & strength conditioning
💡 Your treatment is personalised and designed to restore function, reduce pain, and support long-term wellness.
An internal examination is often a valuable part of your care. With your full consent, this private and respectful assessment allows your physiotherapist to:
Assess your pelvic floor strength and function
Ensure correct muscle activation
Identify trigger points, scarring, or dysfunction
Tailor a specific treatment plan
🛑 You may opt out at any stage of the exam—your comfort and consent are our top priority. If you do not want an internal examination, we can assess with external palpation or using our real-time ultrasound
Please inform your physiotherapist if:
You may be pregnant or recently gave birth
You have a current infection or have undergone recent pelvic surgery
You are menstruating or have religious or cultural preferences around examinations
You have any allergies to latex or gels
We would love to see you at any age. If you're pregnant we recommend booking an assessment any time you have symptoms or concerns, even if it’s before your 6-week postnatal check.
Typically, we reassess pelvic floor function every 4–6 weeks, especially when addressing weakness, overactivity, or post-operative recovery. Evidence tells us that a pelvic floor strengthening program is more effective when done supervised by a Physiotherapist.
Safe, guided exercise can make a big difference in preventing and managing pelvic floor dysfunction:
Pilates-based rehab or yoga
Cardiovascular and strength training tailored to pregnancy
Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, when appropriate
It’s crucial to perform these exercises correctly and under guidance, especially since overactive muscles can worsen symptoms. The key is making sure you can correctly activate your pelvic floor which we can show you.
A proper contraction should feel like a lift and squeeze, as if stopping urination and wind. We’ll teach you how to integrate this into your daily movements—before coughing, sneezing, or lifting.
Every woman’s journey is different. That’s why we offer individualised support, evidence-based treatment, and a compassionate approach to your care.
💬 Have questions? Our team is happy to talk you through the process.
📅 Ready to take control of your pelvic health? Book your assessment now.
DSA pelvic floor treatment can help with a wide range of pelvic health problems in women and men, from mild leakage through to more complex pain or prolapse symptoms. It is suitable whether your issues started gradually, after pregnancy or birth, following surgery, or around menopause.
Common problems pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with include urinary leakage (when you cough, laugh, jump or run), urgency and frequency, difficulty emptying the bladder, or feeling like you “just don’t make it in time”. It can also support people with bowel control problems such as constipation, urgency or accidental leakage, as well as pelvic organ prolapse symptoms like heaviness or dragging in the vagina.
Pain conditions are another key area, including pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, tailbone pain, abdominal or hip discomfort linked to the pelvic floor, and post-surgical pain. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are appropriate for pelvic floor physio, the team can guide you and, where needed, help you connect with your GP or specialist.
A DSA pelvic floor assessment at Auckland Physiotherapy is a one‑on‑one appointment in a private room where your physiotherapist takes time to understand your concerns, goals and daily life. You will be asked about your bladder and bowel habits, pain, pregnancies or surgeries, exercise, work, and what you most want to change.
The physio will then assess how you move, including your posture, breathing, abdominal and hip strength, and any movements that reproduce your symptoms. With your full consent, they may offer an internal vaginal or rectal examination to accurately assess your pelvic floor muscle strength, coordination and endurance; this is always optional, explained in advance, and you can stop at any time.
Based on the findings, your physio will explain what is happening in clear language, outline a diagnosis, and agree a treatment plan with you. You will usually leave the first session with specific exercises, practical tips to use at home or work, and a clear idea of the next steps.
The number of DSA pelvic floor sessions you need depends on your symptoms, how long you have had them, your goals, and how often you can work on your exercises at home. Many people start with an initial assessment followed by a short block of follow‑up sessions to build skills, check technique and progress the programme.
Milder issues, such as small leaks with exercise or early prolapse symptoms, may improve over a few months with consistent exercises and occasional reviews. More long‑standing problems, complex pain, or post‑surgical conditions often require a longer period of rehab because muscles and tissues need time to adapt.
Your physiotherapist will discuss a realistic plan at your first appointment, review your progress regularly, and adjust the frequency of sessions as you improve. The aim is to give you the tools and confidence to self‑manage while knowing you have expert support when you need it.
Fees for DSA pelvic floor treatment at Auckland Physiotherapy vary depending on the type and length of appointment, whether it is an initial assessment or follow‑up, and whether it is funded through ACC or privately. As a guide, pelvic health appointments are typically priced similarly to other specialist physiotherapy sessions at the clinic, and the team can confirm current fees when you book.
Some pelvic floor conditions may be covered by ACC, especially when related to injuries or certain birth‑related issues that meet ACC criteria; this will affect the portion you pay. Private health insurers may also contribute to physiotherapy costs, depending on your policy and any referral requirements.
If you are unsure about funding, it is best to contact the reception team with a brief description of your situation. They can advise what type of appointment to book, give you up‑to‑date fee information, and help you understand whether ACC or your insurer may be able to assist.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is generally considered safe and beneficial during pregnancy and after birth when it is tailored to your stage and any medical considerations. It can help manage common issues such as leakage, pelvic or low back pain, pelvic pressure, and difficulty returning to exercise, while also supporting you to prepare for birth or recovery.
During pregnancy, your physio will focus on comfortable positions, safe exercise intensity, and strategies that reduce strain on the pelvic floor and abdomen. After birth, the timing and type of assessment will depend on factors such as your delivery method, tears or stitches, caesarean section, and how you are feeling day‑to‑day.
Your physiotherapist will always check in with you about pain, bleeding and healing, and may suggest coordinating care with your midwife, GP or specialist if needed. If you have had a complex birth or surgery, or are unsure when to start pelvic floor rehab, booking an assessment allows the physio to give you individualised advice that fits with your recovery and goals.
