Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Specialized physiotherapy to improve pelvic floor function, addressing issues like incontinence, pain, and postpartum recovery for both men and women.

What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Pelvic health physiotherapy, a vital yet often overlooked area of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic region. Whether you are experiencing discomfort, dysfunction, or seeking preventive care, our compassionate and highly trained physiotherapist is here to help you regain comfort, confidence, and control and empower you with the tools to prevent further concerns.

Pelvic health physiotherapy addresses issues involving the muscles, joints, and connective tissues of the pelvic region, including the pelvic floor. These structures play a crucial role in supporting your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs, as well as contributing to core stability, posture, and overall physical well-being. Dysfunction in this area can lead to a range of symptoms that affect daily life, yet these issues are often very treatable with physiotherapy and sometimes lifestyle modifications.

Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Pelvic health physiotherapy is more encompassing than you may think. It is suitable for individuals of all genders and ages. Common reasons people seek pelvic health physiotherapy include:

  • Pregnancy and Postpartum Care: Preparing your body for childbirth and addressing postpartum concerns such as pelvic pain, diastasis recti, or incontinence.

  • Pelvic Pain: Managing chronic conditions such as endometriosis, interstitial cystitis,
    or pain following surgery.

  • Incontinence and Bladder Issues: Addressing urinary urgency, frequency, leakage,

    or difficulty emptying the bladder.

  • Bowel Dysfunction: Improving issues like constipation, fecal incontinence, or painful
    bowel movements.

  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Helping to manage and improve symptoms of prolapse.

  • Sexual Dysfunction: Alleviating discomfort or pain during intimacy.

  • Menopause-Related Changes: Supporting physical changes related to menopause that affect the pelvic floor.

  • Post-surgical Pelvic Rehabilitation: Supporting healing and recovery after pelvic surgery (ie. after prostatectomy or hysterectomy).

What to Expect During Your Pelvic Health Treatment Journey

You first session is a detailed assessment to gain a thorough understanding of your symptoms and/or condition and learn more about you and your goals. We also include an initial treatment and lots of education regarding pelvic health wellness. This session will include:

  • Comprehensive and Personalized Assessment:

    • A detailed discussion about your medical history, current symptoms, and goals.

    • A physical examination, which may include an external and internal assessment of the pelvic floor (with your informed consent) to evaluate pelvic floor muscle strength, coordination, and tension.

  • Personalized Treatment Plan:

    • Hands-on therapy, including manual techniques to address muscle tension and alignment.

    • Tailored exercises to strengthen, relax, or coordinate pelvic floor muscles, depending on your needs.

    • Education on lifestyle modifications, posture, and ergonomics.

    3. Ongoing Support:

    • Regular follow-ups to track your progress.

    • Tweaks to your treatment plan as needed.

    • Maintenance program to continue treatment on your own.

  • An internal exam is highly recommended as it provides the most accurate and thorough assessment of your pelvic floor muscles. Without it, we are creating a plan without all of the helpful information.

    However, it is always done with your full consent, and alternative assessment methods are available if you are uncomfortable.

  • Treatment is always tailored to you and your unique needs. It may include: pelvic floor muscle training, breathing and relaxation techniques, manual therapy for muscle tension release, biofeedback and electrical stimulation, lifestyle and bladder/bowel retraining strategies, exercise programs to improve core and pelvic stability.

  • No, not at all! Men can also experience pelvic floor dysfunction, which can lead to issues such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and chronic pelvic pain. Pelvic physiotherapy can help address these concerns effectively.

  • The number of sessions needed will vary depending on the severity of your condition and your progress. Some patients see improvements within just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing treatment over several months. Your physiotherapist will discuss an estimated timeline in your initial visit based on your specific needs.

  • If your insurer covers physiotherapy, you can claim pelvic physiotherapy under your physiotherapy benefits.

  • A referral is not required to see a pelvic physiotherapist. However, check with your specific insurance provider, as some companies require one for reimbursement.

  • Pelvic physiotherapy should not be painful, but some techniques may cause temporary discomfort, especially if you have tight or sensitive pelvic muscles. Your physiotherapist will work within your comfort level and adjust treatment as needed. Open communication is encouraged to ensure a positive and effective experience.

FAQ’s