The pelvic floor are small muscles that can have a big impact!
Pregnancy, Labour and Postpartum Support
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Frequency/Urgency
Bowel Dysfunction
Pelvic Pain/Sexual Dysfunction
Pre/Post Operative
What to Expect
Initial Assessment
During your initial assessment, we start with a conversation to get a better understanding of what brings you to pelvic physiotherapy and what your goals for treatment are. This includes
Detailed history about your current symptoms,
Current pelvic health (urinary, bowel, sexual history)
Past medical history
Discuss what you hope to gain from treatment, your specific and measurable treatment goals
Your initial assessment may also involve a physical exam. Although our focus is on pelvic health, the assessment looks at the whole person. Your exam may include
Assessment of the back, hips, pelvis and functional movements like walking and squatting.
Assessment of the pelvic floor muscles may include both an external and/or internal examination vaginally and/or rectally. Sometimes this exam is completed in the initial assessment but is always optional. Depending on your symptoms, comfort level and treatment goals any internal examination will be discussed thoroughly with you prior.
Treatment
Prior to leaving your initial assessment you’ll have a good understanding of our treatment plan, including the frequency of treatments and timing of treatment to achieve your goals.
Future treatment sessions may include:
Education: understanding your diagnosis, and how your lifestyle choices may be influencing your condition, is the first step to improving the function of your pelvic floor and managing your symptoms. Controlling your diet, monitoring your bowel and bladder habits and postural awareness can all contribute to your pelvic health.
Manual therapy: hands-on techniques may be used to stretch, mobilize and release tension in the soft tissue of the pelvic floor and surrounding tissue of the lower back, abdomen and lower extremities.
Exercise: exercises to strengthen, lengthen and improve the coordination of the pelvic floor and surrounding musculature to improve function. Internal examination and retraining of the pelvic floor is considered the gold standard in pelvic health.
Acupuncture: used to alleviate pain and improve neuromuscular function, your therapist can further discuss this option during your treatment if they feel it is appropriate for you.
The End Goal
With a commitment to our treatment plan the goal is to be able to discharge you with a better understanding of your condition and the tools to maintain your gains.
Whether your goal is to sneeze leak free, returning to running postpartum or playing a round of golf without having to hit the washroom, I’m confident we can help get you back to doing what you love with your best pelvic health!
Still not sure if pelvic physiotherapy is right for you?
Contact me, I’m always happy to answer any questions you might have
