Empowering Pelvic Health
Unlocking the Potential of Your Pelvic Floor
At Active Solutions Health + Sport, our physiotherapists create a safe, nurturing environment where individuals of all ages can regain control over their pelvic health.
The pelvic floor comprises crucial muscles that support vital organs like the bladder, rectum, and uterus. Its functions go beyond mere support, affecting bowel and bladder movements, sexual health, childbirth, and spinal stability.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is focused on optimizing this vital function. At Active Solutions, our compassionate therapists provide personalized assessments and treatments to improve your overall well-being.
Through a biopsychosocial approach and a trauma-informed perspective, we empower you with knowledge about your body and its capabilities, ultimately enhancing your quality of life.
Meet Your Practitioners
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is part of the Physiotherapy disclipline, offered by the following practitioners.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Similar to other forms of physiotherapy, pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on evaluating and treating the pelvic floor to improve its function. Our comprehensive assessment process is outlined below.
Assessment
To start, your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough evaluation, covering various aspects such as health history, gynecological health, bladder symptoms, digestion, and bowel function.
Examination
Next, your physiotherapist will perform an external examination, assessing muscle length, strength, and function of surrounding areas like hips, back, and abdomen. An internal* vaginal and/or rectal examination will provide a comprehensive evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function. *Alternatives to internal assessment are available.
Treatment Plan
Once the assessment identifies underlying issues, you will receive a personalized treatment plan to address contributing factors. This may include education, customized exercises, lifestyle adjustments, mindfulness practices, self-treatment techniques, and manual therapy.
Take a Step Towards Improved Pelvic Health
Many extended medical benefit plans cover the cost of visiting a registered physiotherapist, potentially including pelvic floor physiotherapy. Check your plan for coverage details under registered physiotherapy.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers numerous benefits which are supported by extensive research.
Labour Education and Delivery
Training on labour and delivery positioning to optimize the baby's passage through the pelvis can lead to decreased active labour time and a lower likelihood of interventions. Additionally, learning how to properly perform perineal massage and stretching correctly before delivery may reduce the risk of tearing.
Pelvic Floor and Core Training
The benefits of pelvic floor and core training include minimizing low back, hip, and pelvic pain, incontinence, and prolapse during and after pregnancy. It also promotes proper rehabilitation of the pelvic floor and core postpartum.
C-Section Rehabilitation
After a C-section, it is important to re-train the weakened core for improved strength, stability, return to activities, and decreased incident of hip and lower back pain. Learning scar mobilization and inner core training supports proper scar healing, reduces the risk of bladder adhesions, and minimizes numbness, tingling, or altered sensations around the scar.
Incontinence and Prolapse
Pelvic floor physiotherapy has strong Grade A and Level 1 research supporting its effectiveness in treating incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse through various educational methods and exercises.
Improved Posture and Stability
Engaging in pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve overall posture and stability by strengthening the core muscles and promoting proper alignment of the pelvis. This can contribute to better body mechanics, decreased risk of injuries, and enhanced overall physical well-being.
Enhanced Sexual Function
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can enhance sexual function by improving pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination, which can lead to increased sexual satisfaction and reduced discomfort during intercourse.
Issues Addressed by Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Urinary and Fecal Issues
Urinary and fecal incontinence – Inability to control urination or bowel movements.
Interstitial cystitis – A chronic bladder condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain.
Prostatectomy-related pain and dysfunction – Pain and issues with urination or sexual function following prostate surgery.
Pelvic Floor Disorders
Pelvic organ prolapse – When pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum drop or press against the vaginal wall.
Diastases recti – Separation of the abdominal muscles, often occurring during pregnancy.
Pudendal neuralgia – Chronic pain in the pelvic region caused by irritation or damage to the pudendal nerve.
Pelvic Pain
Pregnancy-related issues – Pelvic pain, discomfort, and other issues related to pregnancy.
Pelvic pain – Pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or perineum.
Dysmenorrhea – Painful menstruation.
Sexual Health Issues
Dyspareunia and vaginismus – Pain during sexual intercourse, often due to involuntary muscle spasms.
Pelvic pain – Can interfere with sexual function and cause discomfort during intercourse.
Pelvic Floor
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book a pelvic floor appointment for my postpartum recovery?
We recommend scheduling an assessment 6-8 weeks after childbirth to aid in your recovery.
Should I try kegel exercises to help with improve my pelvic floor?
Kegels may not be suitable for everyone, and their effectiveness depends on correct execution, which an internal exam helps determine.
Do I require an internal examination before receiving pelvic floor therapy?
While internal exams provide invaluable diagnostic information, we prioritize your comfort and offer alternatives if preferred.
Can I get an assessment for my pelvic floor if I am menstruating?
Yes, our facilities accommodate assessments during menstruation, ensuring continuity of care without discomfort.
What does the assessment process involve?
Our thorough assessment includes a detailed subjective history covering gynecological health, bladder symptoms, digestion, and bowel function. Additionally, it comprises an external examination to evaluate muscle length, strength, and function, as well as internal vaginal and/or rectal examinations to assess pelvic floor muscle function comprehensively.
What happens once the assessment identifies issues?
Once underlying issues are identified, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to address contributing factors. This may include education, exercises, lifestyle adjustments, mindfulness practices, self-treatment techniques, and manual therapy.
Find Relief and Support Through Specialized Pelvic Therapy
Improve your quality of life with our caring and effective pelvic therapy options, designed to meet your needs with sensitivity and respect.