As a physiotherapist in private practice, Lori Forner has always contributed to the Physiotherapy Research Foundation.

Now a PhD student, she is delighted to be one of last year’s recipients of a PRF Seeding Grant for her research into whether heavy weightlifting is a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse in women who have given birth.

Who would benefit most from attending the ‘Oncology and the Pelvic Floor Masterclass’?

There is a gap in care when it comes to the rehabilitation of people undertaking cancer treatment, both during and after their medical interventions.

Up to 50 per cent of women are shown to have pelvic organ prolapse, defined as a downward displacement of the uterus, bladder or bowel, after a vaginal birth (Haylen et al 2016, MacLennan et al 2000).

Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms include a feeling of vaginal bulge or heaviness, the inability to effectively empty the bladder or bowel and impaired sexual function, all of which can contribute to reduction in self-confidence.

We hear a lot about physiotherapists’ involvement with women who have urinary incontinence. How common is incontinence among men and are the causes of incontinence the same?

#WithYourPhysio encourages Australians to seek out physiotherapy as part of their health journey, and get back to doing what they love.

The campaign commenced with a focus on common women’s health conditions, including sexual health, incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse and will run from May to August 2021.