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What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy? |
Pelvic health physiotherapy can address many issues including pelvic pain, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, low back pain, diastasis recti or any issue related to pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to when the muscles of the pelvic floor are not functioning the way they need to, whether that’s because of tension, hyperactivity, weakness, poor coordination or injury. Pelvic health physiotherapy addresses these issues by assessing the pelvic floor muscles (when appropriate) and considering how they relate to the rest of the body and the whole person. The approach to pelvic health physiotherapy is a biopsychosocial one, which means, we discuss all aspects of life to see how stress, work, social support, physical health among other things relate to your symptoms and wellbeing.
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What it involves |
We always start with the story. Listening to your experience past and present is key to understanding and appreciating what you’ve been through and where you want to get to. Sometimes this is all we do at the first appointment, and this is never undervalued. If there is time for a physical exam at the first appointment, we will include this too, or it may be at the second or later appointment time.
A physical assessment may include looking at breathing pattern, posture, movement patterns, range of motion, gait, strength and function. If necessary and informed consent is obtained, we can perform an internal vaginal and/or rectal exam.
Think it’s kinda weird for a physiotherapist to do this? Internal vaginal and rectal exams are controlled acts that physiotherapists are allowed to perform with the proper training.
Treatment for the pelvic floor muscles are similar to any other muscles of the body – they can be released and strengthened with internal cueing. This is rarely the only thing we do though, as a multimodal approach is more effective which may also include home exercises, learning new strategies, referrals to other complimentary healthcare professionals and more. This is definitely a team approach as we work together to achieve your desired goals.
A physical assessment may include looking at breathing pattern, posture, movement patterns, range of motion, gait, strength and function. If necessary and informed consent is obtained, we can perform an internal vaginal and/or rectal exam.
Think it’s kinda weird for a physiotherapist to do this? Internal vaginal and rectal exams are controlled acts that physiotherapists are allowed to perform with the proper training.
Treatment for the pelvic floor muscles are similar to any other muscles of the body – they can be released and strengthened with internal cueing. This is rarely the only thing we do though, as a multimodal approach is more effective which may also include home exercises, learning new strategies, referrals to other complimentary healthcare professionals and more. This is definitely a team approach as we work together to achieve your desired goals.
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Exam Process |
For internal exam – typical set-up with bottoms off and a drape over top, on an exam table. The most important factor is that you are comfortable at all times. The exam may involve visual observation or palpation (touching) of the groin area and genitals. For an internal vaginal or rectal exam, gloves and lubrication are used to keep things as comfortable as possible.
There will be tissues and hand sanitizer available for clean up of lubricant afterwards, or feel free to bring your own baby wipes.
Your appointment time includes time for treatment review, planning, charting and time to change.
Babies Welcome!! Feed as you need 😊
There will be tissues and hand sanitizer available for clean up of lubricant afterwards, or feel free to bring your own baby wipes.
Your appointment time includes time for treatment review, planning, charting and time to change.
Babies Welcome!! Feed as you need 😊
For even more information on specific conditions, visit
pelvichealthsolutions.ca/for-the-patient/what-is-pelvic-floor-physiotherapy/
pelvichealthsolutions.ca/for-the-patient/what-is-pelvic-floor-physiotherapy/
