Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

I am a Registered Physiotherapist with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and I am rostered to perform pelvic internal exams (this includes putting an instrument, hand or finger, beyond the labia majora, or beyond the anal verge).

 

My Pelvic Floor Education:

  • Level 1: The Physical Therapy Approach to Anyone with Urinary Incontinence
  • Level 2: The Physical Therapy Approach to Anyone with Pelvic Pain
  • Level 3: Clinical Skills for Treating Pain
  • The Female Athlete by Antony Lo
  • The Fitness Athlete: Pregnancy & Postpartum by the Institute of Clinical Excellence

What can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy help with?

  • Bladder Issues (Urinary Frequency, Urinary Urgency, Urinary Retention, Recurrent Symptoms of a UTI)
  • Urinary Leakage
  • Fecal Leakage
  • Bowel Issues (Constipation, Incomplete Emptying, Frequent Bowel Movements)
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Cystocele, Rectocele, Uterocele)
  • Pregnancy (Education, Prevention, Pelvic Girdle Pain)
  • Post Partum (Education, Assistance with Return to Exercise, Diastasis Recti)
  • Pain with Sex
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Hip Pain
  • Post Operative (C-Section, Hysterectomy, DNC, Prostatectomy)

What does Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy involve?

There are a wide variety of treatment strategies involved with Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. I have a listed some of options for treatment below. The treatment selected is dependent on the individual and their goals. Some of the treatments listed below are specific to certain symptoms and diagnoses.

 

  • Exercise! This may be breathing exercises, mobility work of the low back and hips, and strengthening. We can strengthen the lower body, the core, and of course, the pelvic floor.
  • Bladder Training
  • Education: bladder irritants, bowel irritants, fiber considerations, fluid intake, strategies to delay the urge to pee, how to effectively relax the pelvic floor while peeing or having a bowel movement
  • Pressure Management (how to minimize the chance of leaking or experiencing prolapse with movement)
  • Internal Work
  • Perineal Massage
  • Movement modification and variability
  • Scar Massage
  • How to relax the pelvic floor
  • Pelvic Floor Anatomy and Function

What will happen at my Initial Assessment?

We first start off by having an in depth conversation. I will ask you about your symptoms, your goals, bladder habits, bowel habits, medical history, diet, fluid intake, gynecological or andrological history, and what you like to do for exercise.

This is followed by an objective assessment. This may or may not include an internal exam. Internal exams aren’t necessary for every pelvic floor case. Additionally, an internal exam requires your informed consent. They are useful examinations, but they will not be performed if you chose not to do so.

Your low back mobility, hip mobility, breathing patterns, and strength are all additional areas that can be assessed.

Lastly, we discuss the action plan. Together, we make a structured plan for you to follow to achieve your goals. The plan may or may not include some of the treatments listed above.