Frequently Asked Questions

The first session is a detailed assessment. I look at your pelvic floor muscles, breathing pattern, posture, and bowel and bladder habits. In the following sessions, physiotherapy methods such as pelvic floor and breathing training, core exercises, manual therapy, relaxation work, body awareness therapy and, when needed, biofeedback are used.

No. Because every person's needs, symptoms and body are different, every program is planned individually. The main goal is to restore function.

No, no special preparation is needed. You can come in everyday clothes and bring any previous test results you have (MRI, ultrasound, urology/gynecology reports).

Sessions usually last 50 minutes. The length can be adjusted as needed.

Usually 6–10 sessions are recommended. However, this can vary depending on how long you have had symptoms, how severe they are and how actively you take part.

Yes, in some cases online assessment and exercise consultations are possible. However, in some situations an in-person session may be preferable.

You can contact me for many conditions, including urinary incontinence, bedwetting, constipation, bowel problems, painful intercourse, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain and postpartum recovery.

Absolutely. In men, pelvic floor physiotherapy is very effective for conditions such as urinary incontinence after prostate surgery, chronic pelvic pain (chronic prostatitis) and constipation.

Yes. For conditions such as bedwetting and daytime wetting, constipation, soiling and sensory-based toilet problems, I use a gentle, play-based physiotherapy approach with children.

No, urinary incontinence is not normal. Although it is often seen as a natural part of aging, in most cases it is a preventable and treatable health problem.

The main causes of urinary incontinence in women are:
Pregnancy and childbirth: weakening of the pelvic floor muscles
Menopause: weaker support of the bladder and urethra as estrogen levels fall
Obesity: increased intra-abdominal pressure
Chronic constipation: excess strain on the pelvic muscles
Urinary tract infections

Conditions that can cause urinary incontinence in men include:
Enlarged prostate (BPH): it can press on the bladder and make urinary control harder.
Prostate surgery: the ability to hold urine may be reduced after surgery.
Neurological conditions: bladder control can be impaired by Parkinson's disease, MS or after a stroke.
Diabetes: it can affect bladder function through nerve damage.

Urinary incontinence can take different forms:
Stress incontinence: leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or lift something heavy.
Urge incontinence (overactive bladder): leaking urine together with a sudden feeling that you won't make it to the bathroom in time.
Mixed incontinence: stress and urge incontinence occurring together.
Overflow incontinence: leaking or dribbling because the bladder does not empty completely.

Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the cause:
Holistic pelvic floor therapy: personalized exercises to restore muscle function and improve control.
Body awareness and bladder training: regulating your toilet habits and learning to control your bladder.
Diet and lifestyle changes: adjusting fluid intake and avoiding foods and drinks that irritate the bladder.
Medical treatment or surgery: medication or an operation when necessary, on a doctor's recommendation.

Yes. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and restoring their function is a highly effective approach for women and men with urinary incontinence. However, it is important to work the right muscles; when the exercises are done incorrectly, they may be less effective.

During childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles, nerves and connective tissues are put under strain. Many women experience urinary incontinence after giving birth, including women who had a C-section. With postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation, this can be brought under control.

Yes! Excess weight increases intra-abdominal pressure and puts extra load on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. Research shows that losing weight can reduce urinary incontinence symptoms by up to 50%.

No! If you feel as though you can't empty your bladder completely, this may be related to overflow incontinence or bladder dysfunction. It is important to talk to a pelvic floor physiotherapist about it.

Yes! For most people, urinary incontinence can be treated without surgery. It can be brought under control with pelvic floor therapy, bladder training, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.

These products may offer short-term relief, but they do not solve the underlying pelvic floor dysfunction. A lasting solution requires the muscles to regain their function, and that is possible with the right exercises, breathing and awareness.

Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine at moments when intra-abdominal pressure rises, such as when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump or lift something heavy. It is usually linked to weak pelvic floor muscles.

Yes, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken after childbirth. But instead of accepting it as "normal" and putting up with it, you can restore the function of these muscles with the right physiotherapy.

Stress urinary incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles weaken or can no longer support the bladder neck well enough. At moments when intra-abdominal pressure rises, such as coughing, sneezing or laughing, the bladder leaks urine involuntarily.

• Leaking urine when you laugh, cough or sneeze

• Leaking when you climb stairs, run or jump

• Feeling that you are leaking when you lift something heavy

• Leaking that happens only with physical strain, without any difficulty getting to the bathroom in time

Estrogen levels drop with menopause. This weakens the pelvic floor tissues and can reduce the support of the bladder neck. That is why urinary incontinence complaints may increase after menopause.

Yes. Excess weight puts constant pressure on the pelvic floor, which can weaken the muscles over time. Weakened muscles struggle to cope with sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure.

Some women have genetically less elastic connective tissue. This can increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.

Frequently urinating “just in case” can gradually reduce your bladder capacity and become a habit. This has a negative effect on bladder awareness. Ideally, you should go to the bathroom when your bladder signals that it is full. With physiotherapy, we can rebuild this awareness.

No! Exercise should not disappear from your life. However, it is very important to adapt your workouts so they support your body, to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and to move with the right breathing and posture. I give you personalized guidance on this.

Constipation means bowel movements become less frequent or more difficult. It usually shows up as having fewer than three bowel movements a week, straining during bowel movements or feeling that you haven't emptied completely. Even if you have a bowel movement every day, straining and hard stools also count as constipation.

When the pelvic floor muscles are too tense or too weak, the bowels may not empty completely. Pain and straining during bowel movements are often caused by pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

Physiotherapy aims to get the pelvic floor muscles working correctly. Pelvic floor muscles that work correctly allow for adequate emptying. Methods such as pelvic muscle relaxation exercises, biofeedback, abdominal massage and breathing techniques in particular help relax the bowel movements and the pelvic floor muscles.

Occasional constipation can be temporary. However, once constipation has become chronic, your pelvic floor function and lifestyle need to be assessed and treated with professional support.

Continuous use of medication can make your bowels sluggish and, in the long run, make the problem worse instead of solving it. It is healthier to correct your bowel habits with natural methods and find lasting solutions such as physiotherapy.

Yes, constipation is very common during pregnancy because of hormonal changes, pressure from the growing uterus on the bowels and iron supplements. It can be brought under control with nutrition and pelvic floor exercises.

Constant straining because of constipation increases the pressure on the pelvic floor over time and can lead to prolapse of the pelvic organs (bowel, bladder and uterus). That is why it is important to manage constipation early.

Yes, constipation can put pressure on the pelvic floor and affect the bladder. It can trigger bladder problems such as urinary incontinence and frequent urination.

Fecal incontinence is when a child involuntarily passes stool into their underwear. It usually happens without the child noticing, and the underlying cause is most often chronic constipation.

No, children usually don't notice that they are soiling. Hard stool that builds up in the bowel desensitizes the bowel wall, and the child can no longer feel the signal to go to the bathroom.

Because the bowel may not be emptying completely. We often see this when a child cannot use their pelvic floor muscles effectively. Stool stays in the bowel, and leakage occurs around it.

Yes, with the right treatment, fecal incontinence can be brought under control in most children. This requires an individual assessment and regular follow-up.

It may resolve in some mild cases, but in most cases it becomes chronic and gets worse. With early support it is much easier to solve, while waiting too long can make the process longer.

Listening without blaming, explaining that this is a temporary and manageable health condition, and telling your child that you will get help all build trust. If needed, combining pelvic floor rehabilitation with psychological support is also very valuable.

If fecal incontinence has been going on for more than 1 month or is affecting your child's social life, you should definitely seek professional help.

IBS is a condition that disrupts how the bowels work, without any structural damage, and causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and/or constipation. Stress, diet, the way the pelvic floor muscles work and the nervous system all influence it.

IBS is not a structural disease, but it is not purely psychological either. When the gut-brain axis is disrupted, both the neuromuscular system and the digestive system are affected together.

It can cause either. Some people mainly have constipation (IBS-C), some mainly have diarrhea (IBS-D), and others alternate between the two (IBS-M).

Although it does not always go away completely, the symptoms can become manageable. With the right diet, stress management and pelvic floor physiotherapy, significant relief is possible. It may even resolve completely.

The muscles and nerves that control bowel movements are located in the pelvic floor. Physiotherapy increases awareness of these muscles, reduces spasms and retrains the defecation reflex.

Yes, it could be. Abdominal bloating is one of the most common symptoms of IBS. It is especially common in people who have difficulty passing gas and whose pelvic muscles are tense.

Vaginismus is a condition in which a woman involuntarily tightens the muscles around the vagina, making intercourse either very difficult or impossible. It can be challenging not only physically but also emotionally and psychologically.

It is estimated that 1 in 10 women experience vaginismus at some point in their lives. However, the actual rates may be higher, because many women are reluctant to talk about it.

• Inaccurate information about sex in childhood or adolescence
• Traumatic experiences (sexual abuse, a difficult exam, etc.)
• Anticipation of pain and anxiety
• Strict religious/cultural taboos
• In some cases, underlying physical problems

It is usually a combination of psychological and physical causes. While the mind produces anxiety and fear, the pelvic floor muscles contract reflexively.

Yes, vaginismus is a treatable condition. Success rates with a holistic treatment approach are very high. Lasting solutions are possible with physiotherapy, body awareness work, breathing exercises, sex therapy and, when needed, psychological support.

No. For most women, the condition can persist for years. Without professional support, the chance of it resolving on its own is low.

It depends on your history, your partner's support and how consistently you practice. On average, positive results can be achieved within 6–12 weeks.

• Pelvic floor physiotherapy and exercises
• Body awareness work
• Breathing and relaxation techniques
• Cognitive behavioral approaches

A woman's sex life, relationship and mental health are negatively affected. Couples may grow apart, and plans to have children may be postponed.

Not always. Some patients make progress with body awareness, breathing and relaxation exercises alone. A dilator is a tool that is used only when needed.

When treated with the right methods, the chance of recurrence is very low. However, if treatment is stopped halfway or only temporary fixes are used, the problem can return.

Painful intercourse is pain or discomfort felt in the vaginal, pelvic or genital area during or after sex. It can be caused by physical factors, emotional factors or a combination of both.

No, feeling pain during sex is not normal. If you regularly experience pain, you should see a specialist to identify the underlying cause.

• Excessive tension in the pelvic floor muscles (hypertonicity)
• Vaginal dryness
• Hormonal changes (especially during menopause, after childbirth or while breastfeeding)
• Vaginismus (involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles)
• Gynecological conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease
• Scar tissue from a previous birth, surgery or trauma
• Psychological factors (stress, anxiety, a history of trauma)

Excessive contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (hypertonicity) can prevent the vagina and surrounding muscles from relaxing. This leads to a feeling of pressure and pain during sex.

Yes, pelvic floor physiotherapy is an effective way to relax the pelvic muscles, improve flexibility and build muscle awareness. Rehabilitation may include techniques such as exercises, manual therapy and biofeedback.

• Dyspareunia: Pain felt during intercourse.
• Vaginismus: Intercourse becomes impossible or very painful because of involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles.

After birth, pain can occur due to hormonal changes, stitches and scars, or weakened or overly tight pelvic floor muscles. This can be managed with pelvic floor physiotherapy.

After menopause, falling estrogen levels lead to vaginal dryness, loss of elasticity and thinning of the vaginal tissue. This can cause pain during sex. Hormone support and pelvic floor exercises can help.

No. It may be common, but it is not normal. Leaking urine when you laugh, cough or stand up is called “stress urinary incontinence” and is linked to weakened pelvic floor muscles. With early intervention, it can be brought under control.

During birth, the pelvic floor muscles, nerves or supporting tissues can be strained or injured. This can impair the structures that support the bladder neck. Hormonal changes after birth can also affect bladder control.

Some women are unable to urinate after giving birth even though their bladder is full. This is called “postpartum urinary retention.” It can be caused by temporary weakness of the bladder muscle, nerve involvement or fear of pain.

In this case, the bladder needs to be retrained and coordinated with the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor physiotherapy and bladder emptying training are effective during this process. It may also be temporary, but an assessment is essential.

Yes. Some women experience both incomplete emptying and leakage in the form of dribbling. This can happen when the pelvic floor is both weak and poorly coordinated.

Absolutely. Whatever the type of bladder problem (leaking or being unable to urinate), assessing the pelvic floor muscles, training them consciously and coordinating them with the bladder are key to treatment.

Medically, intercourse is allowed 6 weeks after birth. However, this does not mean everyone will be ready by then. Many factors, such as physical healing, hormonal balance, emotional state and pelvic floor health, vary from person to person.

Mild tenderness may occur in the first few weeks, but persistent pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) is not normal. Scars from stitches, vaginal dryness or tight pelvic floor muscles may be the cause. This can often be resolved with pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Yes, estrogen levels drop, especially while breastfeeding. This can cause vaginal dryness, tenderness and low desire. Fatigue, lack of sleep and changes in body image can also play a role.

Scar tissue (stitch scars) in the perineal area can make the area sensitive to touch or cause a feeling of tightness. This can lead to pain during intercourse and avoidance of sex. Special techniques such as scar tissue mobilization can reduce this sensitivity.

Your relationship with your body can change after childbirth. Changes you notice in your abdomen, breasts and vagina can affect how you approach sexuality. These feelings are very common and can come back into balance through body awareness, physical support and psychological awareness.

This may be involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. Tight pelvic floor muscles lead to both pain and avoidance. A professional assessment is recommended so the muscles can relax and work properly. Breathing, relaxation exercises and physiotherapy are very effective for this.

Yes. Even without a vaginal birth, weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, abdominal tenderness or hormonal changes after a C-section can still affect your sex life.

If pain, dryness, low desire or avoidance of sex has lasted longer than 2–3 months and has started to affect your daily life, your relationship with your partner or your body image, it is recommended that you seek support from a specialist pelvic floor physiotherapist or another health professional.

A birth tear is a tear in the tissue of the perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus, during a vaginal birth. Not every birth causes a tear; the baby's weight, the speed of labor, the mother's birthing position and the elasticity of the perineal tissue all play a role.

Perineal tears are classified from 1 to 4.

• 1. First degree: Superficial, skin only

• 1. Second degree: Extends into the muscle tissue

• 1. Third degree: Extends into the anal sphincter muscles

• 1. Fourth degree: A serious tear that reaches the inner lining of the anus.

Yes, pain can last for weeks after birth, especially when sitting, having a bowel movement or during intercourse. In this case, pelvic floor physiotherapy is recommended to help the scar tissue heal and rebalance the pelvic floor muscles.

Yes. Tightness in the stitched area, muscle spasm or fears related to the trauma can cause pain during intercourse. These complaints can largely be resolved with pelvic floor therapy.

Perineal massage is a soft tissue mobilization technique used to increase circulation in the perineum, support tissue elasticity and reduce adhesions. It is usually recommended before birth to prepare the perineum for delivery, but it can also be used during postpartum recovery under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

Yes, this feeling usually comes from scar tissue that has not yet fully healed. However, adhesions and tightness in this area do not always resolve on their own. With physiotherapy, these stiff areas can be mobilized and flexibility restored.

Every woman's needs are different, but at least one pelvic floor assessment after birth is recommended. Even if there is no obvious problem, this assessment is very valuable for helping your body adapt to postpartum changes and preventing problems that could develop later.

Diastasis recti is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles of the front abdominal wall along the midline. It usually develops when pressure inside the abdomen increases, such as during pregnancy or with significant weight gain.

No. Although it usually appears after pregnancy, factors such as significant weight gain, heavy exercise or a chronic cough can also lead to diastasis recti.

It occurs in about 60% of women after childbirth. In some women the separation resolves on its own, while in others it persists for a long time and needs professional support.

If you notice a distinct bulge in your abdomen, especially around your belly button, and a gap or ridge forms along the midline when you lie on your back and do a crunch-like movement, you may have diastasis recti. A physiotherapist can assess it and give you a definite answer.

No, it's not only cosmetic. Abdominal muscle separation causes low back pain, postural problems, pelvic floor dysfunction and weakness of the core muscles.

In some women, mild separations can recover within the first few months after birth. However, larger separations usually do not heal completely without appropriate exercise and physiotherapy.

A corset can give temporary support, but it is not a solution on its own. The muscles need to be strengthened with appropriate exercises.

Neurogenic bladder occurs when there is a problem in the nervous system that controls a child's bladder muscles. It causes the bladder either to contract too much or not to contract at all, which leads to problems such as urinary incontinence, urgency or being unable to empty the bladder.

It is more common in children with spina bifida (split spine), cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury or congenital nervous system disorders. However, in some rare cases the nervous system damage may go unnoticed.

Whether it resolves completely depends on the child's diagnosis and the level of nerve damage. However, with regular bladder training, physiotherapy and the right management, symptoms can be brought under control and quality of life improves significantly.

No. Some children leak without feeling anything, while others constantly feel an urgent need to go to the toilet. Some children cannot empty their bladder completely, while others may have both daytime and nighttime wetting.

Because some children cannot empty their bladder completely, they may need clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). This both lowers the risk of urinary tract infections and prevents damage to the bladder. This decision must always be made together with a specialist physician.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to teach the child to notice when the bladder is full and to hold and empty urine at the right time. By building the ability to relax the muscles and contract them at the right moment, it reduces problems such as leaking and incomplete emptying. In addition, manual techniques and exercises for the core muscles connected to the pelvic floor can help control associated problems such as infection risk and constipation.

Anal atresia is a condition in which the normal connection between the rectum and the anus is missing from birth. The rectum either ends blindly or opens elsewhere by forming a fistula with structures such as the bladder, vagina or urethra.

Anal atresia is suspected if a baby does not pass meconium (the first stool) within the first 24–48 hours, or if stool comes from somewhere other than the anus. The diagnosis is made with a physical exam and imaging.

Anal atresia occurs in about 1 in every 5,000 births. In 50–70% of cases, other congenital problems may also be present, such as heart, kidney, spine or urogenital anomalies.

Bowel function after surgery depends on the type of malformation, the development of the child's nerve and muscle structures and the rehabilitation that follows. Some children may have problems such as fecal incontinence or constipation. Techniques such as pelvic floor rehabilitation can reduce these problems as much as possible.

Physiotherapy is used after surgery to support pelvic floor muscle coordination, improve the reflex for holding stool and bring bowel movements under control. It has positive effects especially on constipation, fecal incontinence and toilet habits.

Without regular follow-up and support, it can lead to problems such as constipation, fecal incontinence, infections and social isolation. However, with a multidisciplinary approach, most children can achieve a good quality of life.

Yes. For most children, toilet training should be planned more carefully and patiently, usually with follow-up by a physiotherapist or pediatric surgeon. It is normal for it to start later than the standard age range.

It is pain in the lower abdomen, groin, anal area or genital area that has lasted longer than 6 months and affects daily life. It can originate from the muscles, nerves, bladder or bowel.

Yes, because the source of pain is not always structural. Functional problems related to the musculoskeletal system, nerve sensitivity and stress can also keep pain going.

Prostate tests usually come back clear, and most of the time there is no infection or inflammation. A diagnosis of “chronic prostatitis” or “chronic pelvic pain syndrome” is linked to pelvic floor muscle spasms and nerve sensitivity.

Yes, because the source of the pain is often pelvic floor muscles that stay contracted, or sensory hypersensitivity. Physiotherapy can help the muscles relax and regulate the nervous system.

This may be related to postural loading of the pelvic floor, muscle spasms or nerve compression. After an assessment, your symptoms are eased with appropriate exercises and manual therapy.

No, it is not purely psychological, but the nervous system and emotional stress can make the pain worse. By supporting the mind-body connection, physiotherapy provides both physical and emotional relief.

Manual therapy, breathing work, pelvic floor exercises, relaxation techniques and approaches that balance the nervous system are used. An individualized plan is created for each person.

Being strong doesn't always mean being functional. Muscles that stay overly contracted can also cause pain, which is why the focus is on “balance.” In other words, feeling that your muscles are strong doesn't mean they actually have enough strength.

No! With the right assessment and holistic therapy, it is possible to cope with this pain and even eliminate it completely.

The most common causes of tailbone pain include falls, childbirth, prolonged sitting, poor sitting habits and tension in the pelvic floor muscles. Sometimes it develops without any clear cause.

In some acute cases it can ease within a few days. However, pain that lasts for weeks and makes sitting difficult needs professional support. If you wait for it to go away on its own, it can become chronic.

If the pain has lasted longer than 1–2 weeks, becomes unbearable when you sit or affects your bowel habits, it's a good idea to see a physiotherapist.

A soft cushion provides temporary relief but doesn't solve the source of the pain. The underlying cause is usually related to the muscles, joints or posture.

The area around the tailbone is where the pelvic floor muscles attach. If these muscles are too tight, weak or uncoordinated, they can increase the pain. Treatment needs to address these muscles specifically.

It is common, but it is not “normal.” The tailbone can be strained or pushed out of alignment during birth. With proper assessment and physiotherapy, this pain usually improves.

Pelvic organ prolapse is when the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus or bowel) drop down and shift into the vaginal canal. It usually results from weakened pelvic floor muscles.

Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, aging, chronic coughing or constipation can weaken the pelvic floor, reduce the support of the organs and lead to prolapse.

The most common symptoms are a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the vaginal area, urinary incontinence, difficulty using the toilet and pain or discomfort during intercourse.

Pelvic floor exercises can reduce prolapse symptoms and stop it from progressing. They are usually effective for mild to moderate prolapse. Severe cases, however, may need additional intervention. When an intervention is needed, pelvic floor physiotherapy may be required afterward.

Physiotherapy consists of targeted exercises that improve pelvic floor muscle function, biofeedback methods and lifestyle advice. Rehabilitation is planned based on an individual assessment. The goal is to reduce symptoms.

Untreated prolapse usually gets worse over time, affects daily life and may require surgery in severe cases. That is why it helps to get physiotherapy support early on.

Prolapse can come back if the pelvic floor is not adequately supported or if lifestyle factors (such as heavy lifting, chronic constipation or obesity) do not change. Regular pelvic floor physiotherapy lowers the risk of recurrence.

You can start physiotherapy at any stage of pregnancy. Regular exercise and body awareness work are especially recommended from the second trimester (weeks 13–26). If complaints such as low back and pelvic pain, urinary incontinence or poor posture begin early, physiotherapy can start sooner.

Done with the correct technique, pelvic floor exercises improve bladder control, make birth easier and speed up postpartum recovery. However, because excessive contraction and tension can also cause problems, it is important to do them under a physiotherapist’s guidance.

Yes. With the right breathing techniques, pelvic floor awareness, relaxation work and suitable positions, labor can be more controlled and comfortable. Perineal massage can also reduce the risk of tearing and episiotomy during birth.

Yes. After a C-section, physiotherapy helps speed up tissue healing, strengthen the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor and restore postural balance. Rather than staying immobile after surgery, improving circulation with suitable exercises supports recovery.

Pain can be reduced with posture correction, suitable exercise (Pilates, aquatic therapy, etc.), breath awareness techniques and, when needed, manual therapy. In daily life, it is also important to avoid standing for too long and lifting heavy objects.

Proper breathing techniques help ensure your baby gets enough oxygen and help you relax during labor. They also maintain the balance between the diaphragm and pelvic floor, which can make birth more controlled.

Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, Pilates and pelvic floor awareness exercises are recommended safe activities. Still, you should get expert guidance to check whether each exercise is suitable for your pregnancy.

Groin pain can result from the growing uterus, loosening ligaments and the widening pelvis. Gentle stretching, rest, warm compresses and support belts can ease this pain.

No. Although it is common, it is not considered "normal." The underlying muscle dysfunction can be treated.

With menopause, estrogen levels drop, which weakens the tissues around the bladder and urethra. When the support from the pelvic floor muscles decreases, urinary incontinence can develop.

Yes. The hormonal changes of menopause can slow down bowel movements. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can also make emptying the bowels more difficult.

It increases awareness of the pelvic floor muscles and makes them functional again. This brings relief from urinary incontinence, pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction.

The best time to seek help is as soon as symptoms begin. Getting support without delay speeds up treatment and improves your quality of life sooner. You can also seek preventive support at the start of menopause, before any symptoms appear.

Yes. Exercises that increase blood flow to the pelvic area and manual techniques for the tissues support the health of the vaginal tissues. Awareness work also has a positive effect on your sex life.

Absolutely not. These are solvable health problems that many women experience. Physiotherapy is provided with complete confidentiality and professionalism.

Lasting results are possible with regular exercise and the right habits. For long-term well-being, however, lifestyle changes also matter.

Yes. Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) is one of the key areas of pelvic floor physiotherapy. Treatment works on muscle spasms and gaps in body awareness.

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that support the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. They play an important role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function and body stability. A healthy pelvic floor must be able both to contract at the right time and to relax when needed.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is a physiotherapy approach that aims to restore correct function of the pelvic floor muscles. It develops not only muscle strength but also muscle coordination, the ability to relax and body awareness.

It can help people with urinary incontinence, bedwetting, neurogenic bladder, frequent urination, constipation, fecal incontinence, pelvic pain and sexual function problems. It is suitable for women, men and children. It can also be chosen during postpartum recovery or to protect pelvic floor health.

Treatment begins with a detailed assessment and is planned individually. Methods such as exercises, manual therapy techniques, breathing work and, when needed, biofeedback are used together. The goal is for the muscles to work correctly and in balance in daily life.

Not always. Pelvic floor problems are not caused only by muscle weakness; in some people, the muscles are already too tense or working incorrectly. That is why Kegel exercises may not suit everyone and can make complaints worse if done incorrectly. The right exercises can only be determined after a proper assessment.

No. Treatment is usually comfortable and carefully controlled. The aim is not to strain the body but to retrain the muscles to work correctly.

Yes. Men have pelvic floor muscles too! In men, it is an effective treatment especially for urinary incontinence after prostate surgery, pelvic pain and sexual function problems.

General exercises can be done at home, but the pelvic floor muscles are hard to feel correctly. Exercises done incorrectly may not help or may make complaints worse. That is why a professional assessment is recommended at the start.

It is best to start as early as possible once complaints begin. It can also be used preventively after childbirth or in high-risk situations.

Some mild cases may improve, but because the underlying mechanism often persists, complaints can return or become chronic. That is why getting assessed is important.

Most women return to exercise within 4-6 weeks after a vaginal birth, but this varies from person to person. Talk to your physiotherapist before you start exercising. It is best to begin with light activities to support your pelvic floor as it heals.

After a C-section (cesarean section), a return to exercise is usually recommended after 6-8 weeks, but you need your doctor’s approval. Because recovery can take longer, it is important to start with low-intensity activities such as gentle walks and to avoid straining your abdomen.

Physiotherapy offers personalized exercise programs to rebuild the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles. It also teaches you how to activate your pelvic floor muscles correctly. Techniques such as biofeedback make it easier to feel and control these muscles.

Pelvic pressure can come from the pelvic floor muscles being stretched or weakened during childbirth. Postpartum swelling or conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse can also cause this feeling. In that case, getting support from a physiotherapist is helpful.

Physiotherapy helps reduce adhesions around the C-section scar, strengthen the abdominal muscles and rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. It also supports posture correction and pain management.

C-section scar massage is a technique used to improve the flexibility of scar tissue, prevent adhesions and improve blood flow under the skin. It can speed up healing and reduce stiffness or discomfort around the scar.

You can usually start bending movements 4-8 weeks after a C-section, with your doctor’s approval. During this time, avoid straining your body and be careful when you bend. Your return to physical activity should be gradual.

Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles that develops during pregnancy. It can leave a gap in the middle of the abdomen and is usually noticed after birth. Weak abdominal muscles can lead to back pain and posture problems.

Removing the prostate during surgery can put strain on the bladder neck and sphincter muscles. When the pelvic floor muscles are not strong enough, urine can leak, especially when you cough, sneeze or lift something heavy.

In some patients, erectile dysfunction after surgery is temporary. If nerve-sparing surgery was performed, recovery can begin within a few months. Pelvic floor rehabilitation and some medical treatments support this process.

Rest is important in the first weeks after surgery. With your doctor’s approval, gentle pelvic floor exercises can usually begin a few weeks after the operation.

Yes, some patients have constipation or difficulty passing stool. This is usually caused by the effect on the pelvic floor muscles or by reduced activity after surgery.

This rehabilitation program includes methods such as exercises, biofeedback, manual therapy and bladder training. It is best done under the guidance of a professional physiotherapist.

If bedwetting continues after age 5, the underlying causes should be investigated and treated.

No, children usually do not do this on purpose. There may be several underlying causes. These causes should be assessed as a whole and a rehabilitation program tailored to them should be put in place.

If you are lucky, waking your child up to use the toilet may keep them dry that night. But this method does not solve the bedwetting problem.

Professional support is recommended if, after age 5, your child wets the bed 2 or more nights a week and it affects their emotional or social life.

Through pelvic floor awareness, healthier toilet habits, breathing techniques and sensory work, children begin to understand their bodies. As they learn to use their muscles, their bladder control improves too. In physiotherapy, every child should be assessed as a whole and followed with a personalized program.

Yes! When constipation causes stool to build up in the bowel, it can press on the bladder and make bladder control harder. That is why regular bowel habits are an important part of treatment for children who wet the bed.

A diaper can make a child feel more comfortable, but using one all the time can slow the development of body awareness. Depending on the stage of treatment, we may recommend stopping it or using it as support.

Yes, it often runs in families. If one parent wet the bed as a child, the chance that their child will too is about 40-50%. But this does not mean your child should go untreated.

You can explain that other children go through the same thing, use storybooks, or make it easier to talk about through therapeutic play.

Occasional accidents can happen around ages 4-5, but daytime wetting that continues after age 5 is usually linked to bladder maturation, sensory awareness or pelvic floor dysfunction.

No, this is not just “getting distracted.” Your child may not be able to notice the signals coming from their body or respond to them correctly.

Not the bladder itself, but some children have a functional bladder capacity that is smaller than expected for their age. This can lead to a more frequent and urgent need to pee.

They can have different mechanisms, but they may be connected. Children who have trouble with daytime control have a higher risk of bedwetting.

Yes! Building pelvic floor muscle awareness, teaching relaxation skills and improving toilet habits are at the core of physiotherapy. As your child learns to control the muscles that hold urine, the wetting will improve.

Absolutely! Constipation can press on the bladder and trigger wetting. That is why bowel habits should always be assessed.

The bladder starts to contract with a sudden urge before it has filled to its normal capacity, and the child feels the need to go to the toilet. This shows up as frequent urination, urgency and sometimes urinary leakage.

The exact cause is not always known, but factors such as nervous system development, lack of sensory awareness, pelvic floor dysfunction and stress may play a role.

In some children it resolves on its own, but in most children it will continue for a long time without the right support. Early intervention can greatly reduce symptoms.

Yes! Through pelvic floor awareness, bladder training, proper breathing and relaxation techniques, your child learns both to recognize bladder signals and to control the pelvic floor muscles.

If not making it to the toilet in time, frequent urination or leaks that affect social life have continued for more than 2-3 months, an assessment is strongly recommended.

Overactive bladder can occur both during the day and at night. However, if your child only wets at night, a different assessment may be needed.

Constipation means passing stool that is hard, infrequent (usually fewer than 2 times a week) and painful. If it lasts more than 2 weeks and affects your child’s quality of life, it is considered chronic constipation. In some cases, a child may have a bowel movement every day but still not empty their bowels completely. This is one of the things parents miss most often.

Besides low fiber and water intake, many factors can lead to constipation, including poor toilet habits, pelvic floor muscles that are not working properly, sensory sensitivity and fear of the toilet.

Diet is a very important factor, but in some cases it may not be enough on its own. Toilet habits, pelvic floor rehabilitation, bowel and bladder training and body awareness should also be part of treatment.

No. Withholding stool makes constipation more chronic and can progress along with symptoms such as tummy pain, gas and loss of appetite. Later on, it can get worse and lead to fecal and urinary incontinence.

Yes! Stool that builds up in the large intestine can press on the bladder and trigger both daytime and nighttime wetting. That is why regular bowel habits are so important for bladder health.

Yes, children who have had a traumatic toilet experience (for example, those who have had bowel problems since infancy or who struggle to poop in the toilet) may deliberately hold in their stool. Over time, however, this withholding turns into a physical problem. The muscles they use to hold in stool are the pelvic floor muscles, and this withholding can eventually lead to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

With the right toilet position, massage techniques, breathing, pelvic floor awareness and relaxation skills, your child relearns how to have a bowel movement. This breaks the cycle of withholding, straining and painful bowel movements.

Professional help is a must if your child has had constipation for more than 2 weeks, or has stool leakage, severe tummy pain, loss of appetite or problems that affect their social life.

It can usually be started between 18 months and 3 years of age. However, the best time should be based on your child's signs of readiness for toilet training. Your child's physiological, motor, and emotional development matter just as much as age.

Staying dry for longer stretches, a facial expression or signal before pooping or peeing, understanding simple instructions, and wanting to do things independently are important signs of readiness for toilet training.

Instead of forcing it, slow the process down, make it playful, and support your child's body awareness. Insisting and punishing can increase toilet-related anxiety and backfire.

No. Toilet training is a process, and accidents are a natural part of it. What matters is that your child learns to recognize their body's signals and keeps developing in a supportive environment.

Yes, nighttime control develops later than daytime control. Some children may have nighttime accidents until age 4–5. This is usually part of normal development, but if it happens often, an assessment may be needed.

Yes, some children hold in stool because of fear of the toilet, anxiety about control, or a change in routine. Because this can lead to chronic constipation and fecal incontinence (soiling), physiotherapy support is beneficial.

Physiotherapy increases your child's pelvic floor awareness and teaches bowel and bladder control using the right toilet posture and breathing. It is also very effective at spotting problems such as constipation, accidents, or withholding early.

If toilet training is still not complete after age 4, or if it is affecting your child's social life, there may be underlying pelvic floor dysfunction, reduced sensory awareness, or behavioral barriers. A developmental assessment and physiotherapy are recommended.

Anismus is when the pelvic floor muscles contract during a bowel movement instead of relaxing as they should. This makes it harder to empty the bowels and leads to constipation symptoms.

No. It can also cause a feeling of incomplete emptying, abdominal bloating, a frequent need to go to the toilet, and pain or a feeling of pressure in the anal area.

About half of people with chronic constipation have anismus. It is more common in women, but it can also occur in men.

No, it is not purely psychological. It is a complex condition involving the nervous system, the pelvic floor muscles, and toilet habits. However, stress and anxiety can make anismus symptoms worse.

Usually not, because the incorrect tightening and relaxing habits continue. It can be corrected with the right treatment.

My treatment approach includes pelvic floor awareness work, proper bearing-down training, biofeedback, manual therapy, breathing exercises, and adjusting toilet habits. The goal is to make bowel movements easier and help the muscles relax at the right moment.

The pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincters play an important role in holding in stool and releasing it at the right time. Even after Hirschsprung's disease has been treated surgically, some children may develop problems coordinating their pelvic floor muscles during bowel movements. This goes along with ongoing constipation, difficult bowel movements, or fecal incontinence.

Ongoing constipation after surgery can have different causes: anatomical, related to bowel motility, or functional. In some children, the pelvic floor muscles contract instead of relaxing during a bowel movement, meaning the coordination of defecation is impaired, and this can also cause constipation. That is why, when symptoms persist, a detailed assessment of how your child passes stool is important.

Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be used especially in children who still have problems such as constipation, difficulty passing stool, or fecal incontinence after surgery and who have been found to have pelvic floor dysfunction. The program is tailored to the child's age, symptoms, and assessment results.

Biofeedback helps the child learn how their pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles work through visual feedback. Depending on the child's needs, the work can focus on relaxing the muscles at the right time during bowel movements or on using the muscles needed for bowel control more effectively.

Yes. In suitable children, pelvic floor muscle training and biofeedback can be used to support bowel control. Treatment is a personalized program that takes into account the child's muscle function, coordination, and the underlying causes of the fecal incontinence.

In some children, the pelvic floor muscles cannot relax enough during a bowel movement, which can make it harder to pass stool. This is called dyssynergic defecation, and it can be one of the contributing causes of severe constipation that persists after Hirschsprung's surgery.

The child's bowel habits, toilet posture, coordination of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, and bowel control are assessed. Depending on needs, treatment includes pelvic floor training, EMG biofeedback, relaxation and coordination work for bowel movements, breathing exercises, correct toilet posture, and personalized exercises.

The timing of physiotherapy depends on the child's surgical course, age, ongoing bowel symptoms, and the doctor's assessment. Especially if constipation, difficulty passing stool, or fecal incontinence continue after surgery, a pelvic floor assessment should be considered.

The pelvic floor muscles need to relax during urination. When a child can't relax these muscles enough while peeing, the bladder may not empty completely and urine may be left behind. That is why the way a child pees and the coordination of the pelvic floor muscles are among the important factors to assess in recurrent urinary tract infections.

Recurrent urinary tract infections can go along with holding urine for long periods, putting off going to the toilet, constipation, incomplete bladder emptying, and functional voiding disorders. Especially when infections keep coming back, it is important to also assess the child's bladder and bowel habits.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be used especially in children whose recurrent infections are accompanied by voiding dysfunction or a pelvic floor coordination problem. It helps the child develop healthy toilet habits, relax the pelvic floor muscles while peeing, and empty the bladder more effectively.

Incomplete bladder emptying may come with straining while peeing, peeing in stops and starts, needing to go again shortly afterward, or urine left in the bladder after peeing. An appropriate program can be created by assessing the child's peeing habits and how their pelvic floor muscles work.

Pelvic floor EMG biofeedback helps the child see their pelvic floor muscles working on a screen. This way, the child learns when they are tightening and when they are relaxing their muscles, and can develop better muscle coordination while peeing.

Yes, constipation can affect bladder function and can occur together with voiding problems. That is why, in children with recurrent urinary tract infections, not only the bladder but also bowel habits and bowel function are assessed.

The child's peeing and bowel habits, toilet posture, urine-holding behaviors, and how the pelvic floor muscles work are assessed. Depending on needs, urotherapy, pelvic floor training, EMG biofeedback, relaxation work, healthy toilet habits, and personalized exercises may be used.