ABOUT PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY
Did you know 1 in 3 women in Canada have a pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can help prevent injury, restore function, and support wellness!
WHAT IS PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Pelvic health physiotherapy focuses on treating disorders of the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles act as a hammock to support the intestines, bladder, and reproductive organs. A healthy pelvic floor is important for gastrointestinal, urinary, and sexual function. Pelvic health physiotherapy empowers people to restore their pelvic health.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE A PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
You are always welcome to see a pelvic health physiotherapist for an assessment! Much like a routine check-up at the doctor, it is wise to evaluate the status of your pelvic floor musculature. Common reasons to see a pelvic health physiotherapist include symptoms associated with weak muscle tone. This can include leakage of the bladder or bowel, heaviness in the vagina and decreased sensation vaginally. Women who also experience symptoms associated with excessively high muscle tone can notice leakage or urgency of the bladder, pain with intercourse, and chronic pelvic pain.
It is also recommended that women post-partum visit a pelvic health physiotherapist to reduce any symptoms after delivery and prevent pelvic floor dysfunction in the future.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY TREAT?
Some conditions include (but are not limited to):
· Urinary incontinence (stress, urge, mixed, etc)
· Overactive bladder
· Pelvic Organ Prolapse
· Pelvic pain (Vaginismus, vulvodynia, etc)
· Post-partum rehabilitation
· Pregnancy related MSK pain
· Pelvic girdle dysfunction
· Diastasis Recti
· Interstitial cystitis
· Endometriosis
· Coccydynia
· Gastro-intestinal difficulties (constipation, IBS, fecal incontinence)
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST APPOINTMENT AT VITALITY PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Prior to your initial appointment, you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding previous health history as well as any relevant information about your pelvic health concerns. At the first appointment, your physiotherapist will talk to you in more depth about these concerns and discuss any relevant information to help fully assess and treat appropriately. She will then conduct a physical examination assessing the lower back, pelvis, and abdomen. Typically, there is also an internal examination to assess the function of the pelvic floor muscles. Following the initial assessment an individualized treatment plan and patient centered goals will be discussed to help move forward.
