Applying theory to practice

Women’s health knowledge is presented as essential for all physiotherapists, not only pelvic health specialists. The lecture applies earlier theory to clinical practice and shows how pelvic floor function affects far more than continence, including lumbopelvic stability, core function, pain, exercise tolerance, and psychosocial wellbeing. A major focus is musculoskeletal practice. Learners are shown why pelvic floor dysfunction should be considered in patients with low back, pelvic, or hip pain, how to ask sensitive screening questions about bladder, bowel, and sexual symptoms, and when to prescribe pelvic floor strengthening versus relaxation work. The importance of referral to pelvic health specialists for complex cases or internal assessment is also emphasized. The lecture also covers antenatal and postnatal rehabilitation, including exercise adaptation, healing timelines, functional rehab, and graded return to activity after vaginal birth or caesarean section. Menopause is linked to reduced muscle, tendon, and bone health, with resistance training highlighted as a key intervention. For sports physiotherapists, the teaching addresses pelvic floor issues in female athletes, menstrual cycle considerations, RED-S/female athlete triad screening, and exercise management during pregnancy and postpartum.