Reflections from a pelvic floor physiotherapist

When I began my journey to become a pelvic floor physiotherapist, I was struck by how many women suffer in silence with these issues, often unaware that there is help out there. It makes me truly happy to see that  – even if there’s still a long way to go – pelvic floor physiotherapy and women’s health are on the rise, and more women than before understand the importance of prioritizing themselves and their (pelvic) health.

There are many reasons why people don’t seek help, but a common theme I see amongst women is the struggle to find time to prioritize their own health and wellbeing. Historically, women have been socialized to care for everyone else around them first; it often feels “in our nature.” In our busy everyday lives, our own needs just don’t make the top of the list. Even if pelvic floor issues impact us a lot, we can still show up for our family, for our kids. We brush off or minimize our struggles, or we wait for them to be “bad enough” to be worth getting help for.

What does wellness have to do with pelvic floor health?

Wellness, as defined by The Global Wellness Institute, is the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. This includes both physical and mental well-being. It’s not just about living healthily, but more importantly, about living fully.

Living fully despite having challenges. Improve what can be improved and make positive changes so you can still enjoy activities you might currently struggle with or avoid.

Pelvic floor issues can significantly impact a person’s wellness by limiting participation in daily life, sports and social activities as well as affecting sexual health and relationships.

Maybe it keeps you from participating in a sport you used to enjoy, not feeling comfortable running after your kids or being intimate with your partner – normal everyday activities we take for granted. Or perhaps you just push through the discomfort or pain every day.

As a pelvic floor physiotherapist, I want you to see the possibilities you have to get better. That “better” does not always mean “no issues at all” but rather building confidence in your body and its capabilities, and being able to participate in your life however you choose.

My main goal when you leave my office is that you feel empowered and confident to take charge of your own healing journey. I am here to support you, guide you, and provide the tools you need to continue making choices that support your progress long-term.

Trude Stjernen

Physiotherapist

Trude Stjernen is a physiotherapist from Norway. She graduated from Oslo Metropolitan University in 2008, and since then worked in multidisciplinary clinics first in Norway and then in Dubai after moving there in 2014. Her main knowledge and experience is within musculoskeletal issues, with a wide variety of cases, anything from acute injuries to more long term pains.

Trude strongly believes in movement as medicine and this is an important factor in her treatments alongside manual work. She is also passionate about helping people suffering from long term pain gaining back confidence in their bodies and returning to movements and activities they have been avoiding due to pain. She believes in adjusting or changing up training or activities rather than stopping movement.

Trude has a personal interest in training and staying active, and she also has done courses to enhance her knowledge when it comes to exercises and training. She completed a course in strength training/coaching and also uses her own experience with training when dealing with different clients.