Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
We have two Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists, Maura & Kara, and they are both taking on new clients at our clinic locations!
Wondering what may bring you in to see a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist?
Pregnancy and post-partum related pain, leakage or pressure
Urinary or fecal leakage (with coughing, sneezing, running, jumping etc)
Pelvic pain
Pain during intercourse
Back, hip, SI joint pain
Pelvic organ prolapse
Push/birth preparation
Constipation
Tailbone pain
Nocturia
What is your pelvic floor?
Everyone has a pelvic floor! It is a group of muscles and connective tissue that spans the underside of your pelvis. Think pubic bone to tailbone, and in between both sit bones. It’s like a sling of muscles in between these bony points.
Our pelvic floor has 5 main functions:
It’s the bottom part of our core system. It helps to stabilize our core and lumbo-pelvic area.
The pelvic floor muscles support our pelvic organs (bladder, bowel, uterus)
Our pelvic floor plays an integral role in maintaining proper bowel and bladder function.
Plays a large role in sexual function
Aids with blood flow, circulation in the area and lymphatic drainage.
Just like any other group of muscles, if there is weakness, tightness, uncoordinated movement or function in the area, dysfunction or pain can be the result. Issues, abnormalities or trouble with peeing, pooping, sexual intercourse, core and back strength can all be the result of pelvic floor dysfunction.
These issues are “common, but not normal” as we pelvic floor physios like to say. If you see yourself having issues with one of these pelvic floor functions, book your appointment today to come chat about it!
What can I expect at my first Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy appointment?
Pelvic Health appointments run similarly to orthopedic physiotherapy appointments - we start off by chatting about the issues that you’re having, and why specifically you’re looking for help.
Our conversations may look a little bit different, talking about things like:
Bladder & bowel habits
Sex & intimacy
Pelvic Pain
Pregnancy & labour
Previous injuries and treatments
Movement & exercise
Goals and what YOU want to achieve
Depending on what your symptoms are, we may need to do an internal assessment.
A Registered Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist has done extra training and been certified in performing assessments and treatments internally - either vaginal or rectal. Internal assessments give us an accurate read and feel of how your pelvic floor muscles are functioning, as we can palpate and assess them directly in that way. Even so, if you are not comfortable with an internal assessment - we don’t need to do one! It is a tool that we can use to put together your story, but not necessary if that’s not what you would like.
Like any other physio appointment, a treatment plan will be put together based on your goals, what we find on assessment and what motivates you to get better. Physiotherapy services provided by a Registered Physiotherapist are covered with most insurance plans.