Your Pelvic Health Is Our Priority
Expert pelvic floor physiotherapy by Paula Duarte — over 10 years of international experience helping you restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
About Paula
Passionate about restoring your pelvic health
Paula Andrea Riveros Duarte
MSc. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
BIG registration: 04122432
I enjoy helping patients with complaints that, for many, are still seen as a taboo. Many pelvic health conditions can have a profound impact on quality of life, affecting intimacy, self-confidence, and overall wellbeing. Yet pelvic floor symptoms are often still considered a taboo subject, making them difficult for many people to discuss and seek help for.
I am passionate about helping people feel comfortable talking about these concerns and empowering them to better understand and connect with their bodies. My goal is to provide the knowledge, guidance, and support patients need to regain confidence and improve their quality of life at every stage. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from Saxion University of Applied Sciences in 2010. After working as a general physiotherapist in various countries and healthcare settings, I developed a particular interest in pregnancy-related conditions. As I worked with more women during pregnancy and postpartum, I realized that additional specialized knowledge was needed to provide the best possible care. This led me to discover pelvic physiotherapy and pursue further specialization at SOMT University in Amersfoort, the Netherlands.
Since 2014, I have been treating patients with pelvic health conditions in both the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates. I remain fascinated by the complex relationship between the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic organs, and the rest of the body. What I find most rewarding is helping people overcome symptoms that are often suffered in silence, enabling them to return to the activities and quality of life that matter most to them.
Education
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Bekkenfysiotherapie)
SOMt Universiteit · 2013 – 2016
Pre-master Health Sciences
University of Twente · 2010 – 2011
Bachelor Physiotherapy
Saxion University of Applied Sciences · 2006 – 2010
Work Experience
Pelvic Physiotherapist
Mar 2023 – PresentPelviCentrum (Leiden) · Leiden, NL
Pelvic Physiotherapist
Feb 2023 – PresentDaCosta Fysio (Amsterdam) · Amsterdam, NL
Physical Therapist / Men's & Women's Health
2021 – 2022Novomed · Dubai, UAE
Pelvic Physiotherapist
2019 – 2021Physical Health & Healing Center · Dubai, UAE
Physiotherapist
2018Canadian Specialist Hospital · Dubai, UAE
Pelvic Physiotherapist
2016 – 2017Fysiotherapie Soestdijk · Netherlands
Our Services
Comprehensive pelvic floor physiotherapy for every stage of life
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Treatment for incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic organ dysfunction using hands-on therapy and tailored exercises.
Pre- & Postnatal Care
Support throughout pregnancy and recovery after birth, including diastasis recti treatment and postpartum rehabilitation.
Pelvic Girdle Pain
Relief from pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP/SPD) through targeted manual therapy and movement guidance.
Sexual Health & Pain
Compassionate treatment for vaginismus, dyspareunia, and other sexual pain conditions affecting quality of life.
Men's Pelvic Health
Specialized care for men dealing with post-prostate surgery issues, bladder control problems, and pelvic pain syndromes.
Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain
Physiotherapy support for endometriosis-related pain and chronic pelvic pain syndromes, integrated with your medical care.
Postpartum Recovery
Guided recovery after childbirth including scar treatment, abdominal rehabilitation, and return-to-activity programs.
Diastasis Recti
Assessment and treatment of abdominal separation (diastasis recti) that often occurs during and after pregnancy.
Bladder & Bowel Health
Treatment for urinary urgency, frequency, constipation, and other bladder and bowel dysfunctions affecting daily life.
Our Locations
Accessible specialist care across the western Netherlands
PelviCentrum Leiden
DaCosta Fysio Amsterdam
Utrecht Location
Contact us at paula@fysioduarte.nl for exact addresses and directions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first appointment
Pelvic physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy focused on the muscles, connective tissues, and nerves of the pelvic floor — the group of muscles that form the base of the pelvis. These muscles support the bladder, bowel, and uterus (in women), and play a vital role in continence, sexual function, and stability. A pelvic physiotherapist uses a combination of internal and external assessment and treatment techniques to address a wide range of pelvic health issues.
Still have questions? Contact Paula directly
Tips & Tricks
Practical advice for your pelvic health journey
Beyond Kegels: Real Pelvic Floor Exercises
While Kegel exercises are well-known, pelvic floor health requires a balance of strength and relaxation. Exercises like deep squats, hip hinges, and diaphragmatic breathing are often just as important. Doing Kegels incorrectly or too often can actually worsen symptoms — always consult a specialist for a personalized program.
Bladder Training: Regain Control
If you experience urgency or frequent trips to the toilet, bladder training can help. Start by noting how often you urinate and gradually increase the interval between visits. Avoid 'just in case' toilet trips. Drink 1.5–2 liters of water per day — dehydration actually irritates the bladder. Reduce caffeine and alcohol, which are bladder irritants.
Posture & Breathing for Pelvic Health
Your posture and breathing pattern directly affect your pelvic floor. Sitting in a slouched position increases pressure on the pelvic organs. Practice sitting upright on your sitting bones, and use diaphragmatic (belly) breathing — when you inhale, your belly and pelvic floor should gently lower; when you exhale, they lift. This is the foundation of healthy pelvic function.
Pelvic Floor During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor bears increased load as your baby grows. Regular gentle exercise, optimal posture, and avoiding heavy straining (on the toilet, lifting) protects your pelvic floor. It is normal to experience some symptoms, but they should not be ignored — early physiotherapy can prevent long-term issues. Start pelvic floor exercises in the first trimester with professional guidance.
What Our Patients Say
Real stories from people who restored their pelvic health
“After my second birth I was embarrassed to talk about leaking urine when I sneezed or jumped. Paula made me feel completely at ease from the first session. Within 8 sessions I had regained full control. I only wish I had come sooner instead of thinking it was just something I had to live with!”
Sophie van der Berg
Mother of two, Amsterdam
“I was in so much pain with my hips and pelvis that I could barely walk up the stairs by week 20. A colleague recommended Paula and it changed everything. She taught me how to move safely, gave me exercises and a support belt recommendation. The pain went from an 8 to a 2 in just three weeks. Incredible.”
Mariam Al-Hassan
28 weeks pregnant, Leiden
“After my prostate surgery I was told incontinence was normal, but no one told me physiotherapy could help. Paula explained exactly which muscles to work and how. After 10 sessions I had regained continence almost completely. She treated me with great professionalism and without any awkwardness. Highly recommended to any man in this situation.”
Peter Jansen
Post-prostatectomy, Utrecht