Pelvic pain physiotherapy in Drummoyne
Tight, overactive pelvic floor muscles can contribute to pelvic pain, painful sex and bladder or bowel problems. We help women across the Inner West learn to relax and retrain these muscles through private, one-on-one physiotherapy.
When muscles can't switch off, they can't do their job.
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports your bladder, bowel and uterus, and plays a role in sexual function. Like any muscle, it can be weak, but it can also be too tight.
With an overactive (or hypertonic) pelvic floor, the muscles stay switched on, struggle to relax, or tighten into spasm.
That constant tension can cause pain and make it harder for your bladder, bowel and pelvic muscles to work smoothly. It also means the usual advice to do more pelvic floor exercises can make symptoms worse.
For many people, learning to relax these muscles comes first, and strengthening comes later. Tension can build in response to ongoing pain, such as endometriosis, and can also be influenced by stress, anxiety, poor sleep, recurring bladder or bowel problems, or a habit of gripping your core muscles.
Common signs of an overactive pelvic floor
These symptoms can have other causes, so it's worth getting them checked.
Relax first. Then rebuild.
Treatment is built around what your muscles actually need. For an overactive pelvic floor, that usually means learning to let go before you strengthen.
Downtraining
Guided techniques that help overactive muscles release tension, so they can contract and relax properly.
Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing retrains how your diaphragm and pelvic floor work together, which can help calm pelvic tension.
Manual therapy
Gentle hands-on techniques for the muscles around your pelvis, hips and lower back, used where appropriate and with your consent.
Stretching & mobility
Gentle stretches and movement for your hips, lower back and pelvis to ease the load on your pelvic floor.
Pain education
Understanding why pelvic pain persists can help calm an over-sensitive system and rebuild confidence in your body.
Graded exercise
When you're ready, we rebuild strength and control with progressive exercise and Clinical Pilates.
Four steps to feeling better.
We take the time to understand your symptoms, explain your options and develop a plan that works for you.
Book
Book online or call. A women's and pelvic health initial consultation is 60 minutes, and no referral is needed.
Talk it through
We listen to your symptoms, history and goals, in private and without rushing.
Assess
We assess your posture, breathing, movement and muscle tension. An internal pelvic floor exam is always optional and only ever done with your consent.
Treat & progress
You leave with a plan, treatment and simple exercises to do at home. We adjust your plan as you improve.
Private, unhurried, at your pace.
Pelvic pain is personal, and it can take courage to talk about. Our appointments are one-on-one and private.
We explain what we are doing and why, check in as we go, and you can pause or stop at any time.
Many people have been told it's stress, or have tried strengthening exercises that made things worse. We take your symptoms seriously and look for what is driving them.
Women's & pelvic healthPelvic pain physio for Drummoyne and the Inner West.
Base Physiotherapy & Pilates is located in Drummoyne, in the Odeon Building on Lyons Road. We see women from across Sydney's Inner West with pelvic pain and tight pelvic floor muscles.
Searching for a pelvic pain physio near you? We're an easy trip from surrounding suburbs, with nearby parking at 2 Marlborough Street.
Get directionsAreas we see patients from
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Physio works best alongside your doctor.
See your GP promptly if you have pelvic pain with a fever, unexplained bleeding, blood in your urine or stool, or pain that is severe or getting worse quickly.
Pelvic pain lasting three months or more is also worth having checked. With your consent, we can work alongside your GP and share what we find.
Claim on the spot.
Private health rebates are available at your appointment. A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan may unlock Medicare rebates for eligible chronic and complex conditions.
See all fees and consultation prices on our prices page.
View pricesCommon questions about pelvic pain.
Learn more about pelvic floor tension, treatment and what to expect from your first appointment.
All FAQsWhat is an overactive pelvic floor?
It means your pelvic floor muscles are too tight and struggle to relax. This can cause pelvic pain, pain during sex, and bladder or bowel difficulties. It is sometimes called a hypertonic pelvic floor or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
Is a tight pelvic floor the same as a weak one?
No. A weak pelvic floor can't contract well, while a tight one can't relax well. They can feel similar, but they are treated differently, which is why an assessment matters.
Should I do Kegels if my pelvic floor is tight?
Not until you have been assessed. If your muscles are already too tight, Kegels and other strengthening exercises can make symptoms worse. We will tell you whether relaxing, strengthening or both is right for you, and in what order.
Can physio help with painful sex?
Often, yes, when the pain is linked to tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles. Pain during sex can have other causes too, so we may work alongside your GP or another specialist.
Is an internal exam compulsory for pelvic pain?
No. An internal pelvic floor exam is always optional and only ever done with your consent. You stay in control of every part of your appointment, and we can start with a conversation and assess your posture, breathing and movement.
Do I need a referral for pelvic pain physio?
No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by phone. A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan may unlock Medicare rebates for eligible chronic and complex conditions.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your symptoms and how long you have had them. After your first assessment we will give you an estimate and a plan. Most plans combine treatment in the clinic with simple exercises at home, and we review your progress as we go.
Is there a pelvic pain physio near me in the Inner West?
Yes. Base Physiotherapy & Pilates is in Drummoyne, and we see women from Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord, Rozelle, Balmain, Leichhardt, Haberfield and surrounding Inner West suburbs.
Where is the clinic, and is there parking?
We are at C1.02/50-52 Lyons Rd, Drummoyne, on Level 1 of the Odeon Building. Parking is nearby at 2 Marlborough Street.
Book your pelvic health consultation.
Private, one-on-one and no referral needed. Our team is here to help you understand your symptoms and take the next step.
Visit us in Drummoyne
Level 1, Suite C1.02, Odeon Building
50–52 Lyons Road, Drummoyne NSW 2047