How does Pelvic Physio Help?
A pelvic health physiotherapist has specialized training to do an internal and external evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles and is Rostered with the College of Physiotherapists to perform this type of assessment and treatment. Pelvic health physiotherapy should be the first line of treatment for people experiencing any pelvic pain or dysfunction relating to the bowel or bladder.
WHO SHOULD SEE A PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPIST?
Our Pelvic Physiotherapist provides treatment for women, men and children who are experiencing any of the following issues or conditions:
- Incontinence, urgency or frequency of the bowel and/or bladder
- Prenatal and post-partum pelvic rehabilitation
- Pelvic organ prolapse/heaviness in the pelvis
- Pre- and post-urological or gynecological surgery (prostatectomy, hysterectomy, etc.)
- Post cancer rehabilitation affecting the pelvis and pelvic floor muscles
- Persistent pelvic pain
- Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
- Vaginismus/dyspareunia (painful intercourse)/vulvodynia/vestibulodynia
- Pudendal neuralgia
- Constipation/IBS/bloating
- Men’s pelvic health including: post prostatectomy, chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) or chronic non-bacterial prostatitis
- Back and sacroiliac joint pain that has not responded to previous treatments
- Overactive bladder/interstitial cystitis
- Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
- Scar mobility
- Endometriosis
- Chronic groin strains/inguinal hernias
- And more…
What is involved in a Pelvic Physiotherapy Assessment?
Many clients are nervous about attending their first Pelvic Physiotherapy session but hopefully the following information will put you at ease. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire prior to your first appointment, which will prepare you for some of the questions and topics that will be discussed. This helps the physiotherapist to understand more about the reason for your visit. The first part of the assessment is an opportunity for you to discuss your concerns and what brings you to physiotherapy. The second half of the appointment involves a physical assessment. The physical component may involve a postural, lower back, hip, sacroiliac joint, and/or pubic symphysis assessment. With your consent, an external and/or internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles may be conducted either vaginally and/or rectally, but the physiotherapist will discuss this with you in greater detail during your appointment.
WHAT DOES PELVIC PHYSIOTHERAPY CONSIST OF?
Depending on the assessment findings, the following are some treatment options:
- Pelvic floor muscle strengthening
- Connective tissue mobilization
- Myofascial trigger point release
- Home exercise program
- Client education
- Keeping a bowel or bladder diary
- Guided relaxation techniques/mindfulness
- Mobilization/manual therapy of the lumbar spine, hips, coccyx, sacroiliac joints
- Biofeedback
- Electrical muscle stimulation
- Rectal balloon therapy
- Visceral mobilization
Based on the exam findings, a plan of care will be discussed with you and implemented.