Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that assesses and treats both women and men with problems in and around the pelvis. 

Part of this includes the pelvic floor, which is made up of joints, ligaments, nerves, and muscles. The muscles attach to the front, back and sides of our pelvic bone and sacrum.

Pelvic Health physiotherapy is for anyone experiencing: 

• Stress / Urge Incontinence
• Constipation 
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (‘sense of heaviness’ in vagina or rectum)
• Painful intercourse (Dyspareunia) 
• Vulvodynia / Vaginismus
• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
• Endometriosis 
• Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome
• Pudendal Neuralgia
• Pregnancy and Postpartum related concerns (pain, leakage, scarring) 
• Diastasis Recti 
• Low back and hip related to pelvic floor dysfunction

What To Expect When Getting Started…

• A review of your medical history and a thorough discussion about your symptoms, problems, and goals
• An assessment of the lower back, pelvis, hip and core function 
• An external and internal examination of the pelvic floor musculature will be conducted. With an internal exam, a full and proper assessment can be made of the muscles of the pelvic floor since they are located internally
• A customized treatment plan specific to your condition and goals 

Research has shown that the treatments carried out by a physiotherapist for pelvic floor problems are highly successful for both pelvic pain and incontinence. 

Treatment

Treatment varies from person to person. It can include: 

• Connective tissue massage, gentle trigger point release to normalize tight & painful muscles 
• Scar tissue mobilization 
• Strengthening exercises
• Bladder and bowel re-training
• Manual therapy techniques to joints        
• Alignment and posture awareness / breathing mechanics
• Home exercise program
• Nervous system re-training (examples: for muscle coordination, reducing pain, stress management)