The Vital Link in Fitness: Embracing Pelvic Health

Forget the unsung; it's time pelvic health physios took centre stage in the fitness world. Think of them as the backbone to your training program, pivotal in ensuring that physical health is not just about muscle and might, but also about the intricate balance down under. Whether you're a seasoned fitness pro or just kicking off your journey, the expertise of a pelvic health physio can revolutionise the way you approach overall wellness.

Pelvic Health vs. Women's Health Physio: What's the Difference?

It's easy to confuse a pelvic health physio with a women's health physiotherapist, but there's a critical distinction. While women's health physiotherapy primarily focuses on issues affecting women, such as pregnancy-related changes, pelvic health physiotherapy is broader. It encompasses both men and women, addressing issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and post-surgical recovery related to the pelvic area.

Why Inclusivity Matters

Using the term' pelvic health physio' isn't just about semantics. It's about being inclusive and recognising that pelvic health concerns aren't exclusive to women. And not all people identify as being female. This inclusivity encourages a broader demographic to seek help, ensuring everyone gets the support they need.

Building a Productive Relationship

So, how can fitness professionals and pelvic health physios work together?

Here's the lowdown:

Understanding Each Other's Roles: Both professionals need to clearly understand what each brings to the table. For a fitness pro, it's about crafting effective fitness programs. In contrast, for a pelvic health physio, it's about addressing specific health concerns and advising. 

Communication is Key: Regular catchups, sharing updates, and discussing client progress are vital. This ensures both parties are on the same page.

Client-Centred Approach: Ultimately, it's about the client's wellbeing. Joint sessions or consultations can help tailor a fitness plan that considers the client's pelvic health.

Taking the First Step: Building That Connection

It might feel awkward initially, reaching out to a pelvic health physio. But remember, it's a professional relationship that benefits both parties and, most importantly, your clients. Shop your physio by asking to go along with your clients to their initial consult. Find a physio who shares your values that exercise is good and also sees the benefit in working with you. 

The Perks of This Partnership

So, why bother? Here are some benefits:

1. Enhanced Client Care: With a pelvic health physio, you can offer more comprehensive care to your clients. You'll be equipped to handle a broader range of health concerns, improving client satisfaction.

2. Increased Knowledge and Skills: Collaboration means learning from each other. This can broaden your understanding of the human body, particularly the complexities of pelvic health.

3. Networking and Growth: Forming this relationship isn't just about client care. It's also about professional growth and networking, which can open doors to new opportunities.

Meet Alex Lopes: The Heart and Humour of Pelvic Health

In a riveting session on the Women's Fitness Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Alex Lopes, a force of nature in pelvic health physiotherapy. With a stellar career spanning over 28 years, Alex stands out not only as the Director of Pelvic Health Melbourne and Symmetry Physiotherapy but also as the former National Chair of the APA's Women's, Men's, and Pelvic Health Group.

Alex's journey was sparked by her personal birth trauma, igniting a fierce resolve to enhance pelvic health for every Australian. Her mission is to dismantle barriers and broaden the conversation around pelvic health through her extensive involvement in both national and international education and advocacy. She's a champion of inclusivity, offering empathetic care to diverse clients — women, men, children, and transgender individuals alike.

Yet, beyond her accolades and official roles, Alex brings an infectious zest to her work. She's the physio with a punchline, infusing her education and therapy with a dose of humour that resonates deeply with her clients. Famous for her "nuts to guts" catchphrase, she makes pelvic floor exercises memorable for men and invites openness in conversations often shrouded in unnecessary secrecy.

Her belief in the symbiotic relationship between physiotherapy and fitness is unwavering. Alex tirelessly promotes a collaborative approach, ensuring pelvic health is a standard, normalised part of discussions in fitness environments and beyond.

Key Insights from Our Podcast with Alex Lopes

In our engaging conversation with Alex Lopes, several crucial aspects of pelvic health in the fitness industry were brought to light. These insights are vital for fitness professionals looking to enhance their understanding and approach to pelvic health.

Pelvic Health: A Cornerstone of Women's Fitness

Alex emphasised that pelvic health is an adjunct and a cornerstone of women's fitness. Incorporating pelvic health into training programs is crucial for overall wellbeing and fitness effectiveness. This is not just about cueing the pelvic floor to turn on – but also to turn off.

Down training the pelvic floor

Personal trainers play a pivotal role in pelvic health. Alex highlighted the importance of trainers knowing pelvic floor activation and relaxation techniques. Yes, it is great to include pelvic floor activation cues – but don’t forget the down training cues too. These can be included during stretching time. Using words like “open”, “melt” and “soften” the pelvic floor can help remind clients that relaxing their pelvic floor is as important as strengthening.

Understanding Prolapse in Fitness Settings

A significant point of discussion was prolapse, a common yet often misunderstood condition. Alex pointed out that while not all prolapse cases are symptomatic (this means that a person can feel the prolapse), fitness professionals should be aware of the risk factors. Providing appropriate guidance and support to clients who might be at risk or are experiencing prolapse

is essential. Providing this guidance is much easier with a Pelvic Health Physio in your pocket!

Normalising Pelvic Floor Education in Fitness Training

One of Alex's key messages was the importance of normalising conversations around pelvic health. Including pelvic floor education in fitness training empowers clients and helps break the stigma and silence around pelvic health issues.

Alex likes the phrase “Core and floor” – reminding everyone that the pelvic floor is part of the core muscles.

Final Thoughts

Having a pelvic health physio in your professional circle is more than a nice-to-have; it's a game-changer. It reflects a commitment to comprehensive health and inclusivity, elevating the standard of care you provide.

Listen to Mish’s interview with Alex here on Spotify and here on Apple.

PS: If you're thinking of becoming a Personal Trainer - check our Certificate III and IV in Fitness!

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