Pelvic Organ Prolapse Physiotherapy (POPPY)

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: 5 appointments with a physiotherapist over 16 weeks, supplemented by a daily program of 3 exercise sessions. Adjunctive therapies such as electrical stimulation and biofeedback may be used as required. In addition, lifestyle advice (weight loss, chronic cough, heavy lifting and general exercise) will be provided. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The physiotherapy appointments involve subjective and objective assessment and an individualised treatment program. The physiotherapist will ask the patient questions about her pelvic floor symptoms (bladder, bowel, sexual and prolapse), and perform an internal vaginal examination to assess pelvic floor muscle function. Based on the findings of the muscle assessment, the home exercise program will be formulated and the patient will practise a set of these exercises, with feedback from the physiotherapist. The exercises will be practised at home, either spread throughout the day, or done all together, depending on patient lifestyle and exercise ability.