Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

A Pelvic Health Physiotherapist is a government regulated healthcare professional who has obtained a minimum four-year university trained Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy in addition to several post-graduate training certifications in pelvic health.

Treatments are scheduled for  30, 45, 90 or 120 minutes depending on your specific needs, treatment requirements or client goals. Treatments are often covered under most private health insurance plans.

Our experienced physiotherapists undergo extensive training to be specific to pelvic health, providing personalized care for a range of conditions affecting your pelvic floor and musculoskeletal issues. Pelvic floor dysfunction encompasses conditions including incontinence, prolapse, pain that can affect the pelvic floor muscles, nerves and connective tissues for all individuals.

Common Types of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:

1. Urinary Dysfunction

• Urinary Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine, may occur with activities such as coughing, sneezing or exercise
• Urinary Urgency and Frequency: Strong, sudden urges to urinate and increased frequency of urination

2. Bowel Dysfunction

• Fecal Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of stool, may range from mild leakage to complete loss of bowel control
• Constipation: Difficulty passing stool or infrequent bowel movements

3. Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Descent or bulging of pelvic organs (vagina, bladder, uterus, urethra or rectum) into the vaginal canal or through the pelvic floor muscles, often described as a sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis

1. Pelvic Pain Disorders

• Pelvic Pain: Chronic or acute pain in the pelvic region, may include the genitals, lower abdomen, or perineum
• Dyspareunia (Provoked Vestibulodynia PVD): Painful intercourse, can be associated with muscle spasms or tension in the pelvic floor
• Hypertonic Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Tightness or spasms from overactivity, increased muscle tone or tension in the pelvic floor muscles may lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty relaxing the muscles

5. Sexual Dysfunction

• Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction: Tightness or weakness in the pelvic floor muscles that can contribute to sexual dysfunction or painful intercourse

6. Musculoskeletal Dysfunction

• Pelvic Girdle Pain: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic joints and muscles, often associated with pregnancy, childbirth, or musculoskeletal imbalances
• Hip and Lower Back Pain: Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to pain in the hips and lower back due to compromised pelvic stability and muscle coordination

Strong Foundations: Pregnancy & Your Pelvic Floor

Pre-Natal

• Pelvic Floor Weakness: During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the increasing weight of the uterus can weaken the pelvic floor muscles
• Preparation for Labour: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can prepare the body for labour and delivery. Strong pelvic floor muscles can help support the uterus, reduce the risk of urinary incontinence during pregnancy, and facilitate a faster recovery postpartum

Post-Natal

• Perineal Tears and Episiotomy: Tears or surgical cuts (episiotomies) during childbirth can affect the pelvic floor muscles and require proper healing and rehabilitation
• Diastasis Recti: Separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) can affect core stability and pelvic floor function postpartum
• Caesarean Section (C-Section): Muscle weakness and healing, scar tissue management, core stability, return to activity
• Pelvic Pain: Postpartum pelvic pain may arise due to muscular tension, scar tissue, or pelvic floor dysfunction

Understanding Your Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Assessment:

• Assessment: Thorough assessment of pelvic floor muscle function and related musculoskeletal structures to identify areas of concern
• Medical History Review: Past injuries, surgeries, pregnancies, childbirth experiences, and current symptoms
• Physical Examination: May involve external palpation and internal assessment (with your consent) to evaluate muscle tone, tenderness and pelvic organ support
• Functional Assessment: Activities related to pelvic health, postural alignment, gait analysis and specific exercises to identify movement dysfunctions
• Biofeedback Assessment (Stella Roy): Provide real-time feedback on muscle activity and coordination. Improves awareness and control of muscles
• Symptom Assessment: Discussing symptoms to help provide guidance and create a personalized treatment plan
• Education and Goal Setting: Physiotherapist will educate and discuss the results, collaborating with you to set realistic goals
• Treatment Plan Development: Tailored plan to address your specific needs and goals. May include pelvic floor exercises, manual therapy techniques, behavioural strategies, lifestyle modifications, ongoing support and education.

Proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plans are essential to effectively manage pelvic floor dysfunction and improve your quality of life. Whether you are experiencing discomfort, recovering from childbirth, or seeking preventive care, our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists are here to support your journey to improved pelvic health and overall well-being.