Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a specialized form of therapy designed to assess and treat the tissues, nerves, and muscles of the pelvic region. Pregnancy, childbirth, hysterectomies, and many other conditions can affect the strength, flexibility, and function of this part of the body. The results can include pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.

Did you know?

1 in 3 women experience urinary incontinence.
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30-50% of women have a minor pelvic organ prolapse after a vaginal delivery.
Over 30% of women perform Kegel exercises incorrectly.
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What to expect during your assessment/treatment.

The specialized pelvic health physiotherapist will begin by thoroughly discussing your symptoms and past medical history, including previous births, surgeries, and bladder/bowel habits. Next, an in-depth exam will be completed. Depending on your symptoms and level of comfort, an external and/or internal vaginal or rectal exam may be performed. Once completed, your physiotherapist will discuss her findings and establish a treatment plan with specific goals.
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All treatments are performed in a quiet, private room to ensure maximum comfort and privacy.

Who is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for?

Pelvic Floor physiotherapy may be right for you if you are experiencing any of the following:
  • Urinating when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or performing exercise.
  • Pain in the pelvic area, perineum, or tailbone.
  • Visiting the bathroom more often than normal.
  • ​Unable to make it to the bathroom in time.
  • Having genital pain.
  • Struggling with constipation/difficult bowel movements.

Frequently asked questions

IsN’T some INCONTINENCE NORMAL AFTER CHILDBIRTH AND AS WE AGE?
Though this is commonly seen as the case, it is not true! There’s no need to restrict your activities and limit your social interactions due to pelvic floor conditions.
As women get older, pelvic floor disorders can become more common, but should not be accepted and affect quality of life. Fortunately, these disorders often can be reversed with pelvic floor physiotherapy treatment. 
When should I seek help for pelvic floor disorders?
Many people don’t feel comfortable talking about personal troubles like pelvic floor disorders and symptoms such as a leaky bladder. However, these are very common medical problems that can be treated successfully through physiotherapy. Millions of people have the same issues, but many don’t seek treatment and compromise their quality of life.
If you have a pelvic health issue, don’t hesitate to learn more about your treatment options. If your doctor doesn’t treat these issues regularly, seek out an expert who can make a difference in your quality of life. 
Is pelvic physiotherapy just for women?
No. Though less frequent, men can also receive pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments depending on their needs. Some conditions men experience can be incontinence post urological surgery, erectile dysfunction, chronic constipation, and pelvic pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapy has been popularly linked more so to women because of the trauma of childbirth, but it is important to remember that men have pelvic floors, and therefore can experience pelvic floor dysfunctions as well!
Why do I ​have pain during intercourse or when using tampons?
Pelvic floor muscles are quite sensitive and can build tension related to stress, similar to your shoulders. This can become the new 'normal' routine for your pelvic floor over time, and the muscles can then become painful when stretched by either type of vaginal penetration. Training these muscles to relax and release can eliminate the hypersensitivity and pain.
Can I receive pelvic floor physio while I am pregnant?
Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy has been shown to be very helpful during pregnancy to help limit and remove pelvic girdle, pubic bone, groin, coccyx and low back pain, as well as aiding to open the pelvic floor and prepare it for labour and delivery. This can limit the possibility of tearing, or the need for an episiotomy.
There are no risks to the mother or baby with an internal pelvic assessment or treatment with a healthy and normal pregnancy. If, however you are a high-risk pregnancy and have been placed under medical precautions such as abstaining from intercourse and/or bed rest, then an internal pelvic floor assessment or treatment would not be advisable. 
CAN I RECEIVE TREATMENT AND/OR ASSESSMENT DURING MY CYCLE?
Yes, you can still receive an internal pelvic assessment or treatment while menstruating. Proper hygienic protocols are used and being on your cycle does not interfere with assessment or treatment.
How soon can I receive pelvic floor physio postpartum?
As soon as possible is best but depending on your concerns as well as the type of birth (vaginal vs caesarian), a few weeks wait after birth may be necessary to allow for the healing in those areas. If a caesarian was performed, you may want to wait until the incision has healed (approximately 4-6 weeks) before having any treatment performed. If you had an episiotomy, again you may want to wait a few weeks to allow for incision healing before having internal pelvic floor assessment/treatment. 
Related services: See Pre/Postnatal Physiotherapy

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