Physiotherapy and Pelvic Health

What is Pelvic health physiotherapy?

Pelvic health physiotherapy involves a full body approach.  The assessment includes a detailed verbal history, looking at your overall movement— both upper and lower extremity, strength, function and an internal pelvic floor examination.  Assessment of the internal structures of the pelvic floor muscles is the gold standard to determine the function of the muscles.

Research has concluded that Physiotherapists who specialize in pelvic floor rehabilitation, should use internal examination to teach exercises and behavioural strategies to treat bladder leakage before considering surgery.

Pelvic health physiotherapists provide specialized care for the following:

Prenatal/Postnatal Moms

• Assessment for those with pelvic girdle pain, pelvic pain, low back/hip pain and core weakness. Bladder, bowel and sexual health also addressed.
• Birth preparation is important in pregnancy to learn birth positions breathing strategies, how to and where to push. Birth prep can help improve pushing in labour, reduce labour time and the chance of a pelvic floor injury.
• I encourage a 6 week post partum check in! Assessing how your pelvic floor and core have healed will reduce the likelihood of pelvic floor dysfunction in the future.  Supporting you to return you to normal bladder, bowel and sexual function is key!  We will discuss any concerns you are having and set goals for you to return safely to activity/sport and thrive in motherhood.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Assessment and treatment for bladder concerns (leaking urine, overactive bladder), bowel concerns, pelvic organ prolapse, a variety of pelvic pain conditions such as dyspareunia (painful sex), endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, tailbone pain, pre/post c-section/abdominal/vaginal surgery and SIJ dysfunction.  Special care for female athletes who struggle with core/hip/pelvic floor concerns.

Virtual Post Partum care

This is a new service to provide support in those early days/weeks for mamas and her family.   This service is for mamas who are currently receiving physiotherapy care.

Non-pelvic health concerns

For all your non pelvic concerns! All parts of you need extra special care too- neck, wrist, shoulder, hand, knees, ankle and feet!

Pediatric Pelvic Floor Concerns

Physiotherapy for kids struggling with with bowel and bladder concerns.  It is common for pelvic floor disorders to begin in childhood. Coming in early for support is important in the management of these symptoms and can help to prevent long term issues.  The appointment will be carried out in an educational way and parents will be involved in putting the treatment strategies into place- at home and school.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I come for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy during my pregnancy?

Yes! 3 visits prior to birth are recommended.   The Birth Prep Program schedule will be at 28, 32 and 36 weeks gestation.

Many pregnant women are undertreated in pregnancy and left to struggle with dysfunction (bladder, bowel, painful sex, pelvic pain).  I welcome mamas to come in any point during their pregnancy for their pregnancy related concerns!!

2. When should I come to physiotherapy after my baby is born?

I recommend all moms have a pelvic health assessment following the birth of their baby at 6 weeks post partum.   Women can access care earlier if they have specific concerns they want to address.

3. How many visits will I need?

This will vary for each patient.

Committing to 4-6 visits is a good start to see an improvement in your symptoms. Once your symptoms have improved/resolved, coming in 2-3 times in a year is recommended to maintain your pelvic health and function.

Consistency to a program is what will produce long term results!

4. What type of treatment will I receive?

Treatment plans are customized for each patient focusing on retraining the pelvic floor muscles as well as working on the rest of your improving movement patterns.   Treatment includes education, breathing techniques, birth prep, postpartum care, postural retraining, manual therapy, exercise programs, behavioral training and acupuncture.

DID YOU KNOW????

There is a great treatment strategy to help you if you are struggling with pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy or after your baby is born.

I use an assessment/treatment method called Röst Therapy to give you pain relief and keep you moving!  Pelvic girdle pain whether you are pregnant or not CAN respond well to this therapy!

Treatment includes; hands on treatment to improve pelvic girdle symmetry and muscle function, followed by a home exercise program to balance joints and muscle patterns.  It is an active approach where women learn how their posture and movements can manage their symptoms and function.  Röst therapy is effective, with quick and lasting results!!!

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