PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY

Some common issues that require an assessment:

• Increased frequency of going to the bathroom

• Increased urgency and inability to hold your bladder 

• Any sort of leakage when laughing, coughing, sneezing, on the way to the bathroom

• Leakage with strenuous activities such as running, biking, and weightlifting

• Straining to urinate or to have a bowel movement

• Heaviness and pressure in the pelvic floor

• Persistent or occasional pain around the vulva, vaginal opening, perineum, or anus

• Pain with insertion a tampon/diva cup

• Pain or any discomfort with penetration

• Chronic low back and hip dysfunction that is not resolved by traditional therapies 

 

Is pelvic floor therapy just for people who are pregnant or post partum?

 

Our therapist can help any pregnant or post partum person who wants to know how to properly engage and support their pelvic floor during pregnancy or after birth. Much of the information provided these days about pelvic floor focuses on pregnant and post partum people. However, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help a variety of clients. Pain, bladder and bowel issues are present at any age and many different people suffer with various pelvic floor issues. 

 

Pelvic floor issues are incredibly common in weight lifters, long distance runners/cyclists, gymnast and trampoline athletes, dancers, and many post menopausal people.

 

Does there always need to be an internal exam?

 

The gold standard for pelvic floor assessment involves an internal exam of the pelvic floor muscles. This is done with insertion of a gloved finger into the vagina without use of a speculum. This is needed so we can properly assess pelvic floor muscle tone, strength, and activation. However, this is only performed with expressed consent from our clients. Pelvic floor therapy involves the assessment of many joints and structures around the pelvic floor and much of the education can help without an internal assessment. 

 

I do Kegels already, do I need to come in?

 

Social media has done an amazing job at highlighting women’s health issues and to bring awareness of pelvic floor dysfunction. However, many clients do not need to do kegels and this can make their dysfunction worse. This is because many are not aware what a proper pelvic floor muscle contraction is, how to relax, or sometimes they have too much tension in their pelvic floor. This is why a proper assessment is critical in determining the root cause of your dysfunction and to create a personalized exercise program.

 

What can I expect from a pelvic floor initial assessment?

 

You will fill out a comprehensive intake form that will help our therapist better understand your condition. Our treatments are always one on one in a private treatment room. You then will have ample time to discuss your concerns and our therapist will take a detailed history. Depending on the findings of your history, an external orthopaedic and internal assessment of your pelvic floor will be completed. This is sometimes all occurs on the first session or is done over a series of treatments if needed. 

 

I am on my period, do I need to cancel my appointment?

​

You do not need to cancel your appointment if you feel comfortable coming in. Some clients have very painful periods and those clients can cancel if needed. Most clients can come in during their periods and in some cases it can be a more comfortable experience due to increased lubrication and relaxation of the pelvic floor. 

 

If you have any questions about whether pelvic floor physiotherapy is right for you, please contact us.