In the most basic sense, it is physiotherapy for the pelvic floor! Pelvic health issues are frequently encountered, yet they are rarely ever publicly acknowledged. Many women and men suffer in silence because they are unaware that there are efficient and scientifically supported therapeutic options.
Pelvic floor physiotherapists have specialized postgraduate training which includes using internal and external “hands-on” or manual techniques to evaluate the function of the pelvic floor muscles. Those muscles are located between the hip bones and the sacrum, and they serve as a bowl to support the pelvic organs including the bladder, colon, and uterus. Pelvic physiotherapists assess your ability to contract and relax these muscles as well as also assessing the joints and muscles of your lower back, hips and sacroiliac (SI) joints since problems here can stress your pelvic floor muscles.
Every treatment is tailored to your individual needs as a patient. There is an external examination component where the skin, fascia, and muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and inner thighs are assessed. There is also an internal component to the exam which is done via a digital (finger) vaginal and/or rectal exam.
An internal exam is not necessary, but it is encouraged to get a full picture of the issues you may have. It also adds valuable insight to better enhance your treatment plan and reach the best outcomes possible, in the shortest amount of time.
Other aspects of your treatment may include in-clinic exercises, education, a plan of care, and a list of exercises to do at home.
Pelvic physiotherapy has been established, through research, as a first line of defense against incontinence and pelvic pain in both women and men. Beyond that, pelvic physiotherapy helps address various concerns including urological pain, bowel disorders, co-morbidities in pelvic pain, painful intercourse, vulvar and gynecological pain, pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy related pain, postpartum recovery and postpartum related disorders, and persistent low back pain. This is just a small sample of what pelvic physiotherapists can help treat; for more information, please reach out to the clinic!
The pelvic floor is made up of muscles, ligaments, nerves, and connective tissues and is an essential component of your “core” muscles. These muscles help to support your lower back (preventing low back pain with function), maintain continence of the bowel/bladder, allow for sexual function and pleasure, and provide support for internal organs (bowel, bladder, uterus, etc.). Understanding what these muscles do and how we can make them do it better has HUGE rewards. The muscles of the pelvic floor have several important functions such as Maintaining continence in the bladder and bowel, Supporting the internal organs, Stabilizing the lower back and pelvis, Improving sexual function, Helping the lymphatic and circulatory systems pump fluid from the legs back to the rest of the body, Pelvic floor physical therapy intends to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to treat pelvic floor dysfunction for patients experiencing a range of symptoms.
Enjoy hassle-free healthcare with our insurance-covered physiotherapy, chiropractic, and massage therapy services, complemented by convenient Direct Billing. Prioritize your well-being and choose a seamless, stress-free path to recovery with us!
Our patients come from all across Niagara including:
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The amount of sessions required will depend on your condition and its complexity. In general, for simple incontinence or prolapse (without any exacerbating factors), you will require 6-12 treatments. If you have a complex pain issue or an issue that has been a long-term problem, this will likely take longer.The amount of sessions required will be something that the pelvic physiotherapist can discuss with you during your appointment.
Treatment may not be as frequent as with physiotherapy for other issues, with appointments being booked every few weeks or monthly in order to give patients time to practice their exercises.
An internal examination is not required for an initial pelvic physiotherapy assessment but it is highly recommended. An internal examination is the “gold standard” for assessment and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic floor and will give your physiotherapist the most comprehensive overview of the function of the pelvic floor and help guide treatment. Without feeling the muscles, your pelvic floor physiotherapist will be unable to identify if you have trigger points or if you can contract your pelvic floor effectively. That being said, there are generally many parts of the assessment and treatment that can take place without an internal exam. Though the most benefit will be derived if your pelvic floor physiotherapist completes an internal exam, it is always your choice when it comes to your health. You and your pelvic floor physiotherapist will discuss the reason(s) for your visit, the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, and what the assessment/treatment options may entail. After this, if you remain uncomfortable with having a pelvic exam, alternative options will be considered and discussed. Similarly, if at any point during the pelvic exam or subsequent pelvic floor treatments you wish to withdraw your consent, that is no problem. Simply let your therapist know that you do not wish to continue, and you can discuss alternative options.You will still benefit from coming if you are uncomfortable with or unable to have an internal exam!
Yes, you can still come for treatment during your cycle. It is something that happens quite often and extra protection can be used during the internal exam to make the patient more comfortable. In some cases it may be beneficial for your physiotherapist to assess the effect of menstruation on your symptoms, especially if you’ve noticed a correlation/cyclical relationship between your symptoms and your menstrual cycle. Pelvic floor muscles and pelvic organs can be affected by the hormonal fluctuations that occur during your period which can give your physiotherapist more insight. However, if you feel uncomfortable having an internal exam during this time, there are other treatment techniques that can be used during that session (such as external treatment) or you can reschedule your appointment.
Internal examinations and treatments should be avoided if you have:
You can discuss any concerns with your pelvic physiotherapist and if possible, external treatment can be provided.
No, physiotherapy services are direct access in Ontario, meaning you can see us without a referral from a physician or other healthcare provider. However, some insurance companies require a physician’s note for coverage so please check with your insurance provider before coming in for your appointment.
Please complete all intake paperwork online, prior to the appointment, and bring with you any reports from your doctor or any testing that has been completed. Please also wear loose and comfortable clothing. You will be asked to undress from the waist down, for the internal assessment, and will always be draped to your comfort level. Other than this, there are no expectations and preparation for your appointment is completely up to you.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy falls under the domain of physiotherapy, regardless of the area being treated. If you have insurance coverage for physiotherapy then pelvic floor physiotherapy will be included, but we encourage you to follow up with your insurance provider to confirm coverage. Please note that some insurance plans require a physician prescription in order to be reimbursed for physiotherapy services, even though you do not need a referral to see the physiotherapist.
Yes! Starting pelvic floor physiotherapy while pregnant is a great way to be proactive and help prepare for labour and delivery as well as manage symptoms during pregnancy. General pain or discomfort can be addressed at any point in pregnancy. Internal pelvic floor exams can be performed after your first trimester after screening for safety. Postpartum pelvic floor assessments are done after the 6-week check with your doctor/midwife. If you have urgent concerns postpartum, you can begin physiotherapy sooner and your physiotherapist will use external assessment and treatment methods to help address your concerns (internal vaginal exams are done after your 6 week doctor/midwife check and once full healing has occurred).
Insurance Covered physiotherapy, chiropractor, massage therapy. Extended Health Coverage Direct Billing Available.
Clinic Hours:
Monday 8a.m.–7p.m.
Tuesday 8a.m.–7p.m.
Wednesday 8a.m.–7p.m.
Thursday 8a.m.–7p.m.
Friday 8a.m.–6:30p.m.
Saturday 8a.m.–2p.m.
Sunday Closed
