Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is focused on the muscles of the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that extend from the pubic bone to the tailbone and form a sling between the legs and are responsible for supporting the low back, hip joints and pelvic organs (bladder, rectum, and uterus in women). They play a very important role in urination, bowel function and sexual function. Just like other muscles, they can become weak, overactive or injured.
A Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist can treat:
Urinary Frequency & Urgency
Diastasis Recti
Pelvic organ prolapse
Constipation
Low back pain
Tailbone pain
Pelvic girdle pain
Musculoskeletal Pain
Pregnancy related pain
We also treat and educate those that are preparing for pregnancy, delivery and postpartum recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT TRAINING DOES A PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPIST HAVE?
To become a pelvic health physiotherapist, one must earn a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy from an accredited university and then obtain additional post-graduate training in assessing and treating the pelvic floor and its interactions with the rest of the body. Finally, they need to be approved by their Provincial College of Physiotherapy to work in this specialized field.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE AN INTERNAL EXAM?
An internal exam is not mandatory.
If you do choose to have an internal exam your pelvic health physiotherapist will first take a very detailed history and will ask for your consent. You can revoke your consent at any time.
WHAT DOES AN INTERNAL EXAM CONSIST OF?
After receiving consent for an internal exam, the physiotherapist will leave the room. You will disrobe from the waist down and place a towel over your knees. When the PT re-enters the room they will begin the exam using a clean technique (single use gloves and lubricant).
The therapist will assess first the external structures, and then the internal structures by inserting one or two fingers (gloved) into the vaginal opening. Sometimes the pelvic health Physiotherapist will do an internal rectal exam as well, again, with your consent.
Your Physiotherapist is assessing strength, endurance, tone, laxity, coordination, and integrity of the tissue.
You are allowed to withdraw your consent and stop the exam at any time.
CAN I HAVE SOMEONE WITH ME DURING AN ASSESSMENT AND CAN I BRING MY BABY TO MY APPOINTMENTS?
YES! Having a person of your choosing attend an appointment is completely up to you. Our goal is to make all our patients feel safe and heard. If bringing a trusted person to your appointments helps you achieve this, we fully support that decision.
YES! Many patients choose to leave their child(ren) in the care of others during appointments because it allows them to focus on the treatment. However, we realize that daytime childcare is not always accessible. Therefore, you are more than welcome to bring your baby with you.
CAN I COME TO MY APPOINTMENT WHILE ON MY PERIOD?
YES!
WHY DOES PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY COST MORE?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy has a higher cost than typical orthopaedic physiotherapy due to the length of the one-on-one sessions, the detailed charting done after a patient leaves, and the amount of training required.