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Pelvic Health and Osteopathy: What You Need to Know

Pelvic health issues are common yet often overlooked, affecting both women and men. At Northside Therapies, osteopaths take a whole-body, personalised approach to support conditions like bladder leakage, prolapse, and pelvic pain. With safe, effective techniques, treatment empowers recovery, confidence, and long-term wellbeing in a supportive environment.

Insights from Northside Therapies (conveniently located near North Lakes)

Pelvic health is something many people don’t talk about yet it plays a huge role in our comfort, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Problems such as bladder leakage, prolapse, pelvic pain, or discomfort with intimacy are very common, but often kept silent because of embarrassment or the belief that “it’s just part of getting older.”

At Northside Therapies, we want you to know that pelvic health issues can affect women and men of all ages, and that safe, effective treatment options are available.

How Common Are Pelvic Health Issues?

Pelvic health concerns are more common than most people realise:

· Around 3 in 4 Australian women experience pelvic health issues during their lifetime (1,2).
· 1 in 2 women report bladder leakage (urinary incontinence), and surprisingly, half of these women are under the age of 50 (1).
· About 1 in 10 men also live with bladder or pelvic floor problems (1).
· Pelvic organ prolapse affects nearly 1 in 10 women, with symptoms like heaviness, bulging, or bladder and bowel difficulties (3).
· In younger women, pelvic pain is also common – one large Australian study found that 71% had painful periods, 14% experienced pain with intercourse, and 21% had ongoing pelvic pain (2).

Despite these high numbers, only about one-third of women with pelvic pain seek treatment (2). That means many people are suffering in silence, often believing nothing can be done.

What Can Osteopaths Do to Help?

Osteopaths are trained to look at the whole body, including the muscles, joints, posture, breathing patterns, and lifestyle factors that all influence pelvic health.

At Northside Therapies, we take a personalised and gentle approach. Treatment may involve:
· External techniques only (such as postural assessment, soft tissue release, breathing mechanics, core support, and pelvic alignment).
· Combined external and internal approaches (where indicated and with your full consent). Internal assessment can provide valuable information and treatment for specific pelvic floor concerns, but it is always optional and guided by your comfort.

Conditions Osteopathy May Assist With
Pelvic health care at Northside Therapies may help with:
· Bladder leakage (urinary incontinence)
· Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms (heaviness, bulge, bladder or bowel difficulties)
· Pelvic pain (including pain with periods or intimacy)
· Low back, hip, or pelvic discomfort linked to pelvic floor dysfunction
· Recovery following pregnancy or birth

Why Choose a Whole-Body Approach?

Pelvic health is rarely just about the pelvis. Foot posture, breathing patterns, stress, and past injuries or trauma can all influence how the pelvic floor works. Osteopaths take the time to understand your full health picture, so that treatment goes beyond symptoms to support your long-term wellbeing.

Your Care, Your Choice

We understand that seeking help for pelvic health can feel daunting. At Northside Therapies, we provide a supportive, respectful, and private environment where your needs and comfort always come first. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms for the first time, managing long-term issues, or recovering after childbirth, we are here to help you regain confidence and quality of life.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward better pelvic health, contact Northside Therapies – North Brisbane Osteopathy today.

References

References

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. (2008). Prevalence and correlates of three types of pelvic pain in a nationally representative sample of Australian women. Med J Aust. 189(3):138-43. doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2008.tb01945.x

3. MacLennan AH, Taylor AW, Wilson DH, Wilson D. (2000). The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders and their relationship to gender, age, parity and mode of delivery. BJOG. 107:1460–1470.

luke osteo

Northside Therapies

Book an appointment today

At Northside Therapies, we are passionate about providing gentle and effective osteopathic care for babies and children. We aim to support your child’s healthy development by addressing structural imbalances early and promoting overall well-being. We believe in a whole-person approach, and work in partnership with you to ensure the best care for your child. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are located in Kallangur, on the Northside of Brisbane. We look forward to helping your family thrive.