A safe and evidence-based approach to the treatment of pelvic dysfunction that can greatly improve a woman’s quality of life and overall well-being
At The Pelvic Health Clinic, one-on-one compassionate and inclusive care is the standard. We are a body-positive clinic and believe that every body is deserving of care and clinical expertise. Movement and rehabilitation are for everyone!
Pelvic health physiotherapy can address many common concerns in women through all stages of their lives
Pelvic health physiotherapy, also known as pelvic floor physiotherapy, is a specialized area of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a supportive hammock-like structure at the base of the pelvis. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and are responsible for controlling bowel and bladder function, sexual function, and stability of the lower back. These muscles work in conjunction with the muscles of the deep core, hip girdle and low back to provide support and dynamic function for our bodies.
Physiotherapy for pelvic health concerns is an extremely helpful resource for all women across their lifespan:
- As early teens: for example, with painful periods, deep pelvic pain from endometriosis, and difficulty with tampon insertion.
- As late teens: for example, with pelvic pain, pain with sex or to help with IUD insertion preparation.
- For women in their 20s, 30s and 40s: for example, with painful intercourse, urinary dysfunction such as frequent urination or leakage, painful periods, deep pelvic pain from endometriosis, chronic constipation, and pelvic pain syndromes.
- For pregnant women: for example, pelvic girdle pain, symphysis pubis dysfunction, sciatica, vulvar varicosities, sciatica, and labour and delivery preparation, including perineal stretching.
- For post-partum women: for example, perineal tears or episiotomies, weak core strength, diastasis recti, low back pain, return to exercise, urinary dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse.
- For women at mid-life: for example, recurrent UTIs, urinary leakage or frequent urination, vulvar pain, pain with sex, pelvic organ prolapse, lichen sclerosus and recovery from cancer and other pelvic surgeries and treatments.
- For senior women: for example, nocturia (up at night to pee a lot), urinary leakage, fecal incontinence, pain w/ sex, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Pelvic health physiotherapy is provided by trained physiotherapists who have expertise and training in treating pelvic floor dysfunctions and related pelvic health concerns. Our clinic offers a comfortable, private environment for women seeking solutions to their pelvic dysfunction through evidence-based rehabilitation methods that include:
- Manual therapeutic techniques for core and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation
- Patient education and teaching that is kind, informed, and helpful
- Biofeedback training of pelvic floor muscles
- Individualized home exercise programmes
Pelvic health physiotherapy can help with so many conditions!
Urinary Incontinence
Loss of bladder control can arise for many different reasons. A physiotherapist with expertise in assessing the pelvic floor muscles and biomechanical activities of the deep core can treat the dysfunction and provide training on the appropriate exercises for the issue you are having.
Dyspareunia (pain w/intercourse)
Pain w/ vaginal penetration, be it with intercourse, during Paps, or with IUD insertions, can be effectively treated with pelvic health physiotherapy, using a variety of modalities and training.
Pelvic Pain Conditions
Pelvic pain conditions can be extremely disruptive to a woman’s life. Pelvic health physiotherapy is an evidence-based treatment that can help with conditions such as: dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, adenomyosis, interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, pudendal neuralgia, vulvodynia, genitourinary syndrome of menopause and more.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Women who have undergone pelvic surgeries or cancer treatments can benefit from pelvic health physiotherapy for a smoother recovery, to limit scar tissue formation, and to regain optimal function. We can help you with your dilator training, too!
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (including pessary fitting)
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can affect the bladder, uterus, cervix, or rectum, and women with POP can find a lot of relief from their symptoms by seeing a physiotherapist with specialized training in these conditions, like the PTs at our clinic. In addition to rehabilitation, we can measure and fit you for a pessary, to provide support for the particular kind of prolapse you may have. Click here to be directed to our pessary fitting page.