PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY

It’s never too early or too late to work towards being the healthiest you.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is heavily under-reported as so many people don’t feel comfortable speaking up about it. Many people find talking about pelvic health to be a difficult conversation to bring up.

Pelvic floor disorders can have a significant impact, not only on the physical aspect of a person, but also the mental, emotional, social, and overall well being of an individual.  Canadian statistics have indicated 25-50% of all women will develop some degree of pelvic floor support issue in their lifetime and 10% of the Canadian population are living with some form of urinary incontinence (Canadian Continence Foundation, 2020). Pelvic floor dysfunction is not limited to women. Statistics show that 10% of men; that is over 3.5 million Canadian men suffer from some form of urinary incontinence and up to 10% of men will develop some form of pelvic pain in their lifetime.

Physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals play an important role in helping individuals understand and manage their pelvic floor condition.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that involves the rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles. The goal of pelvic floor physiotherapy is to improve and restore pelvic floor function through exercise, lifestyle modifications, education and hands-on treatment to decrease and eliminate unwanted symptoms.

Pelvic Physiotherapy

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor muscles are located between the tailbone (coccyx) and the pubic bone within the pelvis. They support the bowel and bladder (as well as uterus and vagina in females). These muscles, when working optimally, help prevent incontinence of bladder, bowel and prolapse. The pelvic floor muscles are also a major player in sexual function.

The pelvic floor is also comprised of nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons and they all serve a purpose to ensure good bowel, bladder and sexual health.

The pelvic floor can be affected by pregnancy, childbirth, prostate cancer treatment, obesity and straining with chronic constipation to name a few.

Like any other muscle in the body, the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures can be dysfunctional. We often do not even pay attention to our pelvic floor muscles until something goes sideways!

Symptoms of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction:

  • Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or running
  • Failing to reach the toilet in time
  • Passing wind from either the anus or vagina when bending over or lifting
  • Reduced sensation in the vagina
  • Tampons that dislodge or fall out
  • A distinct bulge at the vaginal opening
  • A sensation of heaviness in the vagina
  • A heaviness or dragging in the pelvis or back
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections, or recurrent thrush
  • Pain with sex, inability to orgasm or pain with orgasm

Causes of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction:

  • Pregnancy
  • Vaginal childbirth
  • Excess body weight: obesity
  • Chronic constipation and straining to poo
  • Excessive coughing
  • Surgery: prostatectomy, C section, hysterectomy, vasectomy
  • Hormonal causes: menopause, long-term birth control use
  • Painful periods, endometriosis causing excessive pelvic floor muscle tension

To learn more about pelvic floor physiotherapy, please pick from the following links:

 

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

CLIENT REVIEWS

what clients are saying...

Chantale is a super physiotherapist. She encouraged me to get an x-ray. The end result was exactly what she told me my issue was. So glad someone has finally figured out what I have. It has taken years! She is a very calm person, and so easy to talk to. She makes you feel very comfortable while giving treatments.
Elizabeth
I saw Chantale for pelvic floor physiotherapy throughout my pregnancy. I was worried about asking for help as I'm a bit shy and self-conscious, especially given the nature of this conversation. Chantale is not only professional and knowledgeable, but she also makes you feel comfortable, she offers great explanations and supporting material. I really felt she cared about my well-being and success. I strongly recommend her services.
Isabelle

information

SERVICES

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Newsletter

HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday 9am-7pm • Tuesday 8am-4pm • Wednesday 8am-4pm • Thursdays 8am-8pm • Fridays 8am -3:30pm

All rights reserved. © Content The Physio Space. © Design Amanda Anderson using Elementor.