HEALTH PROFESSIONALS' KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTIONS

Abstract

This article aimed to investigate the level of knowledge among primary health care professionals regarding physical therapy as a treatment option for pelvic floor dysfunctions. This was a quantitative, exploratory, cross-sectional study involving nine health professionals, including nursing technicians, nurses, physicians, and physical therapists. Data were collected via an in-person, semi-structured questionnaire, and results were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The sample consisted of professionals of both genders, aged between 25 and 35 years. The results showed that 66.66% of participants rated their knowledge regarding the importance of physical therapy in women's health as "good," and all held a positive perception of the physical therapist's role in treating pelvic floor dysfunctions. It is concluded that, although most professionals recognize the relevance of physical therapy in this context, there are still gaps in knowledge and referral practices, highlighting the need for continuing education initiatives to strengthen the care provided in primary health care.