What Is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Pelvic health physiotherapy is an evidence based approach to identify and manage a wide range of pelvic conditions. Similar to other areas of the body that need physiotherapy, your pelvic floor contains many muscles, joints, ligaments and connective tissue and the structures can cause problems, dysfunction and pain. These structures play a vital role in bladder, bowel, and core stability, as well as posture and movement. When the pelvic floor becomes weak, tight, or uncoordinated, it can lead to symptoms such as pain, leakage, or dysfunction that affect daily life and confidence.

Since many of these conditions can happen to anyone, it is best to have an assessment with a trained professional so you can start to address these issues. 

Our trained physiotherapists use a combination of manual therapy, individualized exercise programs, education, and lifestyle strategies to help you regain control, comfort, and strength.

Common Conditions 

Although the following list is not complete, these are the more common conditions treated by Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. 

• • Bladder control / incontinence problems 

• Bladder pain

• Interstitial cystitis 

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Pubic Symphysis dysfunction

• Persistent pelvic pain 

• Post Prostactectomy 

• Chronic Prostatitis

• Pregnancy and delivery concerns 

• Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder 

• Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS)

• Scar tissue restrictions (c-sections, vaginal delivery, lower abdominal surgeries – prostate, surgery, abdominal, bowel or bladder surgery)

• Constipation

• Fecal incontinence

• Rectal pain 

• Rectus diastasis 

• Coccydynia (Tail bone pain)

• Pudental neuralgia

• Low back, hip and SI Joint pain 

Factors That Can Make Pelvic Floor Problems More Likely

You may be more likely to experience pelvic floor issues if you:

• Have a history of back pain
  
• Have sustained an injury to the pelvic region
  
• Experience constipation or strain during bowel movements
  
• Have a chronic cough or frequently sneeze

How Can Pelvic Health Treatment Help?

Pelvic floor dysfunction is common, but it is highly treatable with evidence-based physiotherapy. Research indicates that targeted pelvic health interventions are the first-line treatment for urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, and functional pelvic floor disorders.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can result from muscle weakness, overactivity (tightness), poor coordination, or a combination of these factors. Incorrect exercise technique can sometimes exacerbate symptoms.

Pelvic health physiotherapists use comprehensive assessments and individualized treatment strategies, including external and internal manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and tailored exercise programs, to address the underlying causes of pelvic floor dysfunction. This evidence-based approach helps restore strength, coordination, and functional control, improving quality of life and daily function.

Our approach is holistic and tailored to your needs, ensuring that you feel empowered and supported on your journey to better pelvic health. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!

What to Expect At Your First Appointment

If you’ve ever wondered what happens at your first pelvic floor therapy session and want to better understand whats your first appointment might look like, here what to expect

You will fill in the forms and questionnaires ahead of time, and your physiotherapist will review them together with you. 

Our pelvic floor physio assessment and treatment take place in a quiet, private and comfortable environment. During your first session, we will gather your complete history and conduct a physical examination. A physical examination can include an evaluation of your abdomen, hips, back, pelvis, and/or the pelvic-floor region (which—only with your consent—may involve an external vulvar exam, an internal vaginal exam, and/or an internal rectal exam

Based on the results of your assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be devised to meet your unique needs. This may involve setting goals, educating you about your condition, therapeutic exercise, and in some instances, utilizing modalities 

If you’re seen virtually, the assessment will look a bit different. In a virtual session, we observe your posture (sitting or standing) and/or have you perform general movements (such as breathing, bending, balancing). We do not assess pelvic-floor related features during virtual visits, but we will walk you through key information and may provide verbal and visual cues. From that point, we’ll discuss further assessment and treatment options based on your specific needs.

Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a speciality in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. Assessing & treating pelvic floor problems is different than treating adults. No internal exam is required to treat children. 

Treatment includes combination of 

Education for both children and parents

Modalities like biofeedback

Exercises 

Conditions Treated but not limited to 

Enuresis – Night time incontinence

Day time incontinence

Fecal incontinence

Giggle incontinence

Overactive bladder

Constipation 

Vaginal reflux

Contact us today @ 519 200 7041