Why Pelvic Health Should Be on Every Allied Health Professional’s Radar

Pelvic health is often the missing piece in musculoskeletal care. Despite its critical role in overall function and well-being, it remains under-discussed and under-treated. The numbers are staggering: over 75% of Australian women and more than 10% of Australian men experience pelvic health issues—yet many suffer in silence.

A study by Pitts et al. revealed that among Australian women aged 16-49:

• 71% reported painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
• 14% experienced painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
• 21% had chronic pelvic pain
• Yet, only one-third sought treatment.

And pelvic health isn’t just about pain. Urinary incontinence affects 50% of Australian women—half of whom are under 50 years old—and 10% of Australian men.

What About Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is another highly prevalent yet under-recognized pelvic health condition. 9% of Australian women experience symptomatic prolapse, which occurs when the pelvic organs—such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum—descend into or out of the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic support.

Despite the significant impact on quality of life, many women don’t seek treatment, either because they believe it’s a normal part of aging or don’t know that help is available. As clinicians, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to educate, screen, and guide patients toward effective management options.

With so many people affected, it’s time we, as allied health professionals, step up.

How Can Allied Health Professionals Help?

One of the biggest opportunities we have is simply starting the conversation. Many patients never bring up their pelvic health concerns—due to stigma, embarrassment, or simply not knowing help exists. As clinicians, we need to ask the right questions and provide the education and treatment these patients desperately need.

But to truly help, we need to take a whole-person approach.

Pelvic Health Is More Than Just the Pelvis

Pelvic health is influenced by biomechanics, neurology, and psychosocial factors—which means it’s relevant to every allied health professional, not just those focusing on pelvic care.

Here are some key factors to consider in clinical practice:

• Foot Mechanics Matter: Research shows a link between foot arch flexibility and urinary incontinence in athletes. Dysfunctional foot mechanics can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction by increasing the load onto the pelvic floor!
• Breathing and Pressure Systems: The diaphragm and pelvic floor work together. Poor breathing mechanics can create excessive intra-abdominal pressure, exacerbating pelvic floor symptoms.
• Core and Pelvic Floor Connection: A weak or dysfunctional core can directly impact pelvic floor function, affecting stability, continence, and overall movement.

The Hidden Link Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Low Back Pain

Have you ever treated a chronic low back pain patient who never fully improves? The missing link might be pelvic floor dysfunction.

Many of these patients have underlying pelvic health issues—but if we don’t ask, we don’t find out. Simple screening questions about urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and bowel habits can help identify those who need further assessment and targeted care.

Lifestyle Factors That Influence Pelvic Health

Beyond biomechanics, lifestyle and behaviour play a significant role in pelvic health:

• Toileting Habits & Constipation: Chronic straining can indicate pelvic floor dysfunction and contribute to worsening symptoms.
• Stress & Trauma: High stress levels, anxiety, and past trauma (including birth or surgical trauma) can manifest as pelvic floor tension, pain, and dysfunction.

Understanding these factors allows us to provide more comprehensive care—beyond just treating the symptoms.

Ready to Expand Your Skills?

With pelvic health concerns affecting millions of Australians, it’s essential that allied health professionals step up their knowledge in this space.

That’s why the Osteopathic Pelvic Health Institute of Australia has designed a Pelvic Health Course specifically for osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and myotherapists. This course will provide you with evidence-based assessment and treatment strategies so you can confidently integrate pelvic health into your clinical practice. (Note: This course involves external assessments and treatments only)

By broadening our understanding and applying a holistic, whole-body approach, we can make a real difference in our patients’ lives.

Don’t miss out—join us for an essential learning experience this August on the Gold Coast!

BOOKINGS: pelvichealthinstitute.com.au 

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2013. Incontinence in Australia. Cat. no. DIS 61. Canberra: AIHW
2. Pitts MK, Ferris JA, Smith AM, Shelley JM, Richters J. Prevalence and correlates of three types of pelvic pain in a nationally representative sample of Australian women. Med J Aust. 2008 Aug 4;189(3):138-43. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2008.tb01945.x. PMID: 18673099.
3. MacLennan AH, Taylor AW, Wilson DH, Wilson D. The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders and their relationship to gender, age, parity and mode of delivery. BJOG 2000; 107: 1460–1470.
4. Nygaard, I. E., Glowacki, C., & Saltzman, C. L. (1996). Relationship between foot flexibility and urinary incontinence in nulliparous varsity athletes. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 87(6), 1049-1051. https://doi.org/10.1016/0029-7844(96)00079-8