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A Referral Guide for Non-Invasive Pelvic Floor Therapy for GPs
Pelvic floor dysfunction is one of the most under-diagnosed and under-referred conditions in South African primary care.
Patients frequently normalise symptoms such as stress incontinence, urgency, or postpartum weakness, mentioning them only in passing, if at all. For GPs and gynaecologists, having a clear, non-invasive referral pathway can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes and quality of life.
Why Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Is So Common
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects a broad range of patients: postpartum women, perimenopausal and menopausal women, patients with chronic constipation, and those with mild to moderate pelvic organ prolapse.
Many patients assume leaking when they cough, sneeze, or exercise is simply "part of getting older" or "normal after childbirth." This means the true prevalence in your patient base is very likely higher than what presents in consultations.
Where Non-Invasive Pelvic Floor Therapy Fits Clinically
Electromagnetic pelvic floor chair therapy offers a non-surgical, non-pharmacological option that sits well as either a first-line conservative intervention or an adjunct to existing management.
The treatment uses focused electromagnetic stimulation to produce repeated, involuntary pelvic floor muscle contractions. Effectively delivering a high volume of "supramaximal" Kegel-equivalent contractions per session, which many patients are unable to achieve through voluntary pelvic floor exercises alone.
Because the treatment is non-invasive, requires no downtime, and is performed fully clothed, it is a low-friction referral for patients who may be hesitant about internal examinations, surgery, or more invasive interventions.
Presentations That May Warrant Referral
Consider a referral for patients presenting with:
- Postpartum pelvic floor weakness, regardless of delivery mode
- Mild to moderate pelvic organ prolapse symptoms
- Pelvic or lower back discomfort linked to core/pelvic floor weakness
- Stress or urge urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder symptoms
- Constipation with a suspected bowel coordination component
- Patient-reported reduced sexual sensation or comfort
What the Referral Pathway Looks Like
Every client at Pelvic Care begins with a consultation and screening before any treatment starts. This includes a review of symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals, and a safety screen for contraindications such as pacemakers, hip implants, pregnancy, active malignancies, or copper IUDs (hormonal IUDs are not a contraindication).
No formal referral letter is required, though practitioners are welcome to send through relevant clinical notes or reports.
A typical treatment plan involves one session per week for approximately six weeks, with some patients with more severe prolapse or post-prostatectomy patients, requiring an extended programme.
Sessions run around 30 minutes, and many patients report early improvements in urgency and leakage within two to three sessions, though completing the full treatment programme is associated with better, longer-lasting results.
A Low-Risk Option for Conservative Management
For GPs managing patients who are not yet candidates for surgical solutions, non-invasive pelvic floor therapy offers a low-risk, evidence-informed conservative option that can be introduced early.
It does not replace specialist management where indicated, particularly for more advanced prolapse, but it can be a valuable part of a stepped-care approach.
Partnering With Pelvic Care
Pelvic Care operates branches across South Africa, including the Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State, and Eastern Cape, with several branches staffed by physiotherapists, biokineticists, or doctors.
If you would like to discuss a referral pathway for your practice, or want more detail on screening criteria and outcomes reporting, reach out to your nearest Pelvic Care branch via WhatsApp, phone, or email.
*This article is intended as general clinical information for referring practitioners and does not constitute medical advice for individual patients.*
