Is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Calling You?
If you're looking for a rewarding physiotherapy career that spans client groups across the lifespan, pelvic health physio might be the perfect path for you!
Pelvic health physios work with women, men, and children to provide education and treatment for conditions affecting the bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor, such as urinary incontinence, constipation, and pelvic organ prolapse. They also often specialise in managing pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions, like pelvic girdle pain, offering vital support to women during this key stage of life.
Our work often involves collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team, including GPs, gynaecologists, obstetricians, urologists, urogynaecologists, pain specialists, psychologists, and sexual health practitioners. As pelvic health physios, we have the privilege of helping clients with conditions that can be deeply embarrassing or uncomfortable to live with. Overcoming life-changing symptoms such as bladder or bowel incontinence can not only transform a patient’s life but also bring immense satisfaction to us as therapists.
Pelvic health physiotherapists have typically undertaken further education after completing their physiotherapy degree. This advanced training equips them to treat a broad scope of conditions with specialised skills and knowledge.
Pursuing a Career in Pelvic Health Physio: How to Get Started
If pelvic health physiotherapy sounds like the right career for you, here are some tips to help you begin your journey:
1. Attend Relevant Professional Development (PD)
There are formal education pathways in pelvic health through universities and the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). Additionally, private providers offer shorter courses in pregnancy and pelvic health. A good strategy is to start with weekend courses and gain clinical experience, building a solid foundation before pursuing further formal qualifications. Many advanced degrees require prior clinical experience and professional development as prerequisites.
2. Find a Mentor
Mentorship is invaluable when transitioning into pelvic health physiotherapy. If your workplace doesn’t offer mentorship in this field, seek external support. Pregnancy and Pelvic Physio Mentor (PPPM), provides a comprehensive mentoring program for physios working in private practice, hospitals, or continence clinics. This program helps bridge the gap from professional development courses to becoming a confident clinician. For more information, visit www.pelvicphysiomentor.com.au. Many of our mentees are musculoskeletal physios who have completed introductory courses in pelvic health and have recognised the need for further support once back on the job.
3. Join Special Interest Groups (SIG)
Connecting with others in the field is a great way to stay informed and build your professional network. Check out local SIGs related to pelvic health, such as those linked to the APA, Continence Foundation of Australia (CFA), or Urogynaecology Society of Australia (UGSA). Facebook groups like ‘Pelvic Health Physiotherapy’ are also excellent resources for clinical discussions, PD opportunities, and networking.
4. Gain Practical Experience
Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience. In private practice, find a clinic with a pelvic health physio you can shadow. Start by taking pregnancy musculoskeletal clients onto your caseload. In the public sector, seek positions that offer rotations in women’s health. These rotations can be highly competitive, so make your interest known early and complete any necessary prerequisites.
Finding an opportunity to run pregnancy exercise or Pilates classes is another way to gain experience, particularly in specialty pregnancy or pelvic health clinics. Following these clinics on Instagram can also keep you informed of learning opportunities or job openings.
Pelvic health physiotherapy is a supportive and collaborative community. If this sounds like the career for you, we welcome you to join us! Feel free to reach out with any questions—we’re here to help guide you on your path.
Good luck on your journey to becoming a pelvic health physio!