So what exactly is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor dysfunctions is a sensitive topic for many, but it is more common than one may think!!! 
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy involving internal and external assessment and treatment 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.

---

When should you visit a Pelvic Floor PT?

What to expect during your initial assessment?

A few specific indicators that you may benefit from pelvic physiotherapy are:

• Leaking urine, gas, or stool when you laugh, sneeze, cough or exercise
• Needing to pee frequently, more than about 5-7 times each day 
• Getting up at night to use a bathroom more than once
• Pelvic pain or pain with sex or tampon use
• Having sudden urges to pee that lead to leaking or barely making it to the bathroom
• Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
• Pelvic organ prolapse or a sense of vaginal heaviness
• Bowel issues including constipation, straining or pain
• Pre & during pregnancy to prepare for labour
• Post pregnancy  issues including pain, leakage, bulging and scarring from c-sections, tearing or episiotomy

Who do we treat?

• We treat women of all ages and for any of the issues listed above
• Young woman who may have incontinence issues
• Women pre and post pregnancy
• Older women with pelvic/hip/lower back pain, bowel or bladder issues
• Pre or post menopausal women 

• You will be asked to read and sign a consent form on which you would specify what type of assessment you would like to proceed with: external, internal, or detailed advise, education, and explanation prior to proceeding with any manual work.
  
• Pelvic floor assessments are very private & confidential, done in a private room & are always one on one with the Physiotherapist.
  
• During first visit we gather a very detailed health history.
  
• We will assess the distressed area to discover how much muscle tone exists before we initiate treatment. The internal exam allows us to adequately feel the pelvic floor muscles hidden inside the pelvis. At this point, we can ascertain the amount of damage that exists, the level of strength, and any other needs.
  
• Once we complete the exam, we will customize an individual exercise and treatment plan based on your specific needs. This will be addressed during your follow-up appointments.

When is the best time to book a visit?

• The best time to book an appointment is at the time you notice there is a problem.
  
• Unlike other muscle strains or sports injuries, which in some instances can get better on their own, pelvic dysfunction tends to get worse over time.
• Please, call to book your initial visit:  (902) 530-3455

---

Anna Lohnes, PT, MSc, R.Ac.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist