This workshop proved very popular. Delivered via Zoom, Louisa Djuric of LKD Physio introduced the fundamentals of pelvic floor health, bladder incontinence, and women’s health physiotherapy. It highlighted that 40–60% of women experience bladder incontinence, yet only a small proportion seek help. The two main types—stress incontinence (leakage during coughing, laughing, jumping) and urge incontinence (sudden, strong need to urinate)—were described as common but not normal. Other bladder issues include incomplete emptying, high frequency and nocturia (waking during the night to urinate).
Louisa explained the functions of the pelvic floor, which include bladder and bowel control, sexual function, pelvic organ support, and roles in labour. She outlined common challenges to pelvic floor health such as pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, sudden increases in load, obesity, chronic constipation, coughing, smoking and trauma or anxiety.
Key strategies for maintaining a healthy pelvic floor include pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, good toilet habits, proper breathing mechanics, avoiding overload, moderating caffeine and seeking professional assessment when needed. The workshop emphasised the link between breathing and pelvic floor movement, showing how the diaphragm and pelvic floor work together during inhalation and exhalation.
Louisa gave us a step‑by‑step guide to performing correct pelvic floor exercises, stressing full relaxation between repetitions and coordination with breath. The presentation also noted that pelvic floor dysfunction can present beyond incontinence, including heaviness, bulging, constipation, sexual pain, pelvic pain, and incomplete emptying—reminding participants that not all dysfunction is due to weakness.
Finally, Louisa outlined what a Women’s Health Assessment at her clinic would include: a detailed discussion of symptoms, pelvic floor examination, breathing and abdominal assessment, postural check, diagnosis, and a personalised rehabilitation plan, with a discount for Lee Green WI members. A link to the slides from the talk was sent with our November meeting email.