My name is Emma Brockwell and I am a Women’s Health (WH) Physiotherapist (sometimes known as a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist). I spend a lot of my time assessing ‘vulvas and vaginas’ but there is much more to my job than this. So, what exactly do I do? Why do I do it?! And more importantly, how can I help you or someone you know?
What are pelvic health conditions?
Pelvic health conditions can affect young girls and women of all ages. It is a common myth that pelvic floor issues like urinary leakage only occur once you have had a baby. This is not necessarily the case. Did you know that exercising women have three times the risk of experiencing urinary incontinence ( Bo et al 2020) even if they haven’t had a baby!!!
I specialise in the assessment and treatment of all things related to the female athlete’s pelvic health and of course the pregnant, postnatal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal female.
What are the symptoms?
The most common but not normal symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are urinary and / or faecal incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Diastasis Recti (tummy separation), pelvic and back pain and painful sex. I hear so many mothers tell me that whenever they jump on the trampoline with their toddler that they ‘wet themselves’ so now they just watch through the netting and accept that ‘its just part of motherhood.’ Some women tell me that they can no longer run because ‘when I run, I wet myself’ (women also tell me that they also carry on running despite weeing and just wear a pad in case of an accident!) Some younger women leak urine when they pay netball or do gymnastics. I really could go on but ultimately, I wonder why women rarely address these issues. In truth, many women are embarrassed so don’t talk about it, some don’t prioritise themselves and many don’t realise that it doesn’t have to be this way.
How can I help you?
I am passionate that all women who suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction see a WH physiotherapist Why? Because ALL of these symptoms are treatable and shouldn’t be accepted as the ‘norm’. I can help you stop leaking urine, if you if have difficulty controlling your bowel movements or if you have heaviness or a bulge in your vagina (common but not absolute signs of prolapse). I can help you have pain free sex again. HURRAH! I can help you if you have pelvic or low back pain. I can help you strengthen your tummy if you have a tummy gap (diastasis recti). I can advise you how best to maintain (or start exercise) during pregnancy and of course help you return to the exercise you love safely and effectively postpartum! I would love to help you if you are peri or post-menopausal.
Future proofing your pelvic health
One of the most important parts of my job is the prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction. As we get older, we are more susceptible to pelvic floor dysfunction and if we adopt a proactive approach to your pelvic health we can future proof it for the future.
Make a change...
Ladies, I will say it again…and again…and, well, again. It IS common but it is NOT ok to leak urine, have painful sex, put up with a prolapse or have a tummy gap. These symptoms need not be embarrassing, and with time and guidance can get better. If you or anyone you know is struggling with these issues, please please come and see me in clinic.
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