Prolapse

Prolapse is having its “Instagram-versus-reality” moment. Except it’s waaaaay better in reality than the rep it gets online. There’s been so much fear around prolapse, and so much misinformation—about making it worse, having to limit yourself, and surgery being the only answer. So, PSA: there’s so much we can do to help you, and so much you can do, even with prolapse. Let us show you how!

What we treat

  • Feelings of heaviness or pressure 

  • A diagnosis of prolapse that you’re concerned about 

  • Preventing prolapse symptoms with proactive physio throughout pregnancy and postpartum rehab

We identify:

  • What exactly is causing the symptoms you’re having 

  • Whether or not there’s an anatomical prolapse, or just prolapse symptoms

We determine if your symptoms are part of a more complex picture, like pelvic floor tension; weakness; poor coordination; the way you move, breathe, or activate your core; and any protective (but possibly unhelpful) strategies from your nervous system.

We can also assess whether a pessary would be beneficial and fit one for you if needed. See our pessary service page for more details.

We find all the pieces of the puzzle and treat them, often helping you apply strategies to day-to-day tasks or workouts so you can minimize symptoms consciously, too. Yes, that means you it IS possible to run, lift, and have another birth with prolapse – we just need to get you the right treatment and support to work out how.

  • "I was well looked after. Every procedure was explained to me before it happened and I felt supported and cared for. My Physio offered her years of experience to diagnose my specific bladder and uterus prolapse, both standing and lying down, and then offered specific exercises that would support me to build strength in the areas that I needed too. I felt I was heard and understood through it all and examined thoughtfully and carefully to come up with a unique solution to move towards my healing. With appreciation."

    Cheerful Client

  • "A more aptly named business you will never find. The wonderful folks at the Cheerful Pelvis put you at instant ease and turn difficult and very personal issues into matter-of-fact medical correction. Love this place!"

    Cheerful Client

  • "Lily is an incredibly professional and knowledgeable physiotherapist. From the very beginning, she has been kind, supportive, and empathetic toward my concerns. Her expertise and compassionate approach made me feel comfortable and confident throughout my treatment. I’m amazed at the progress I’ve made in such a short period of time, something I truly couldn’t have achieved without her guidance and care."

    Cheerful Client

  • "I can't recommend the Cheerful Pelvis enough, they've taken such good care of me and helped me navigate some really complicated health issues with compassion and empathy."

    Cheerful Client

FAQ’s

  • The first line of treatment for prolapse is physiotherapy, not surgery. Prolapse is not a definitive diagnosis, like a broken bone. It’s actually diagnosed based on symptoms that may or may not relate to tissue stretching. This means that symptoms can be resolved without changes to the tissue, and if we can treat your symptoms, you don’t need surgery. 

    In the few cases where a gynecologist might recommend surgery,  preventative and post-surgical physio would help optimize and maintain surgical results, just like after a knee or hip operation.

  • The short answer: yes. 

    The long answer is that the focus on type and severity is a bit outdated. The current thinking is that there are two types of prolapse: anatomical and clinical:

    • Anatomical means that there are anatomical changes, and this can be with or without symptoms. 

    • Clinical means that there are symptoms, and this can be with or without anatomical changes. 

    Either way, we can absolutely assess and tell you what we find. 

    Anatomical changes without symptoms don’t necessarily need treatment. We would treat clinical prolapse the same, with or without anatomical changes. 

    The important takeaway here is that the traditional designations of “type” and “severity” are not significantly relevant to your treatment or prognosis.

  • Running or lifting can make symptoms feel worse, but that doesn’t mean it’s doing any harm or making the problem worse. Sometimes, changing the way you do things or learning to move in a slightly different way can make a huge difference in symptoms, so you can still work hard and do what you love.

  • We can tell you! And FYI, pessaries aren’t a big deal. They’re more like a sports bra than a hip replacement. You can pop them in for “bad” days, or just for a workout. You don’t have to wear them all the time. You can also just use one temporarily to get extra support while you rehab, and then drop it when you’re improved. We can assess if they’re a good idea for you, and help get you fitted if you choose to give it a go.

I want a cheerful pelvis!

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