Assessing and treating the function of the pelvic floor and its surrounding structures

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Both in-home and in-office appointments available.

Pelvic health physiotherapy assesses and treats the function of the pelvic floor and its surrounding structures. A physiotherapist trained in pelvic health can help treat a range of conditions, including, but not limited to: 

  • Urinary incontinence (leaking during coughing, sneezing, laughing or during strenuous activity). 

  • Frequent urination or strong urge to pee 

  • Pain during or after intercourse (including: vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vaginismus, and clitordynia).

  • Dysmenorrhea (pain before or during menstrual periods)

  • Pelvic, hip, low back, pubic symphysis and/or tailbone pain

  • Vaginal prolapse

  • Constipation

  • Preparation for labour and delivery

  • Postpartum pelvic floor and core rehabilitation 

  • Diastasis Recti (separation of the abdominal muscles)

What is the role of the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is made up of muscles, ligaments, nerves and connective tissues that extend from the pubic bone to the tailbone. These muscles form a sling, which are responsible for maintaining continence, providing trunk stability, supporting the internal organs, and improving sexual function. These can all be impacted by weakness and/or tightness of the musculature within your pelvis. 

What to expect during a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment?

Prior to your appointment you will be asked to fill out a health intake form and Mama Wellness Co’s consent form. This will provide a better understanding of your health history before we begin your 1-on-1 75-90 minute assessment. Here, I will take a detailed subjective history where I will review your goals, explain pelvic health anatomy so you have a better understanding of your own body, and describe each of the assessment options available and why they are important. I will take a look at functional movement and look closely at the spine, pelvis, hips, and abdominal muscles to get an overall picture of what is going on. I may recommend an internal and/or external examination. During the internal exam the strength, tone and coordination of the pelvic floor will be assessed. Based on our findings, we will develop a treatment plan together to work toward your goals. 

  • If you’ve booked an in-home pelvic floor physiotherapy session, I will bring a portable table and ask that you have two sheets and a pillow available for yourself. I will also need access to a sink for handwashing and an open garbage can to dispose of any materials used during your session.

  • If you’ve booked an in-office pelvic floor physiotherapy session, all you need to bring is yourself!

Pelvic health physiotherapy for pregnancy can help you:

  • Improve your breathing mechanics to decrease the stress placed on the abdominal wall and throughout the pelvic floor. 

  • Prepare for the challenges that arise during pregnancy.

  • Prepare for labour and delivery through breathing techniques, labouring positions, and perineal care.

  • Manage and improve your pelvic girdle pain.

  • Provide guidance for activity and exercise modification to help keep you active throughout your pregnancy. 

Postpartum pelvic health physiotherapy can help you: 

  • Rehabilitate the pelvic floor’s strength and function. Remember, whether you’ve delivered vaginally or via caesarean, your pelvic floor carried the weight of your baby, amniotic sac filled with fluid, and placenta for a long 9 months. 

  • Restore your core and help with muscle recruitment strategies to improve diastasis rectus abdominus and strength. 

  • Mobilise scar tissue present as a result of perineal tearing, episiotomies, and caesarean sections. 

  • Safely guide your return to exercise and provide modifications as needed to get you back to doing the things you love!