Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
What is pelvic floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor Physiotherapy is a specialized area of practice that assesses, diagnoses, and treats a variety of conditions involving the pelvic floor.
Additional training in the area of pelvic health is required to obtain advanced education and knowledge of pelvic floor related conditions, including the ability to evaluate the pelvic floor internally.
What does a pelvic floor physiotherapist treat?
Pelvic floor physiotherapists treat a variety of conditions including urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pain with sexual intercourse, urinary urgency and frequency, nocturia (waking at night to urinate), chronic pelvic pain, constipation, and much more. Though many women hesitate to seek help in this area, there is much to be gained from seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, nerves and connective tissue that form a ‘bowl’ like structure within the pelvis. They play a key role in urinary, bowel, and sexual function, and can greatly affect quality of life when they are not working properly.
What should I expect at my initial visit?
Your initial pelvic floor Physiotherapy appointment will involve a very thorough discussion around your presenting problem to fully understand your pelvic health history, concerns and needs. After much talking, you will receive an explanation of what the physical examination will look like. This may include an assessment of posture, breathing and movement patterns. Then, if you are comfortable and consent has been received, an internal examination of the pelvic floor will be performed. The purpose of this is to assess muscle tone, strength, pain, position of pelvic organs, and mobility. This will all help to form and implement a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
What is pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists certified in pediatric pelvic floor are able to treat a variety of diagnoses. These can include constipation, bedwetting (enuresis), giggle incontinence, urge incontinence, fecal staining on the underwear (encopresis), pelvic pain, dysfunctional voiding, and much more.
A typical pelvic floor appointment for the pediatric population will consist of taking a thorough history of the child’s bladder and bowel habits, medical history, and any other relevant information. Following this is an assessment of the child’s muscle function around the hips and pelvis, posture assessment, observation of breathing techniques, assessment of core function, and if the child and parent are both comfortable, a visual assessment of the pelvic floor. There is no internal assessment involved at any point for any reason.
Part of the appointment will also include education for both the parent and child about what the pelvic floor is and how it pertains to the child’s specific presentation and concerns. Additionally, there may be discussion around voiding habits, toileting posture, exercise, and constipation management.
We understand the nature of this appointment can be a sensitive topic for many parents and children, and we desire to make both the parent and child as comfortable as possible. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have, both prior to and during the appointment. Feel free to reach out if you would like to know more information before booking.
Prices
Pelvic Floor Initial Assessment (60-90 minutes) $150
Pelvic Floor Follow Up Visits (30 minutes) $110
Pediatric Pelvic Floor Initial Assessment $105
Pediatric Pelvic Floor Follow Up Visit $85
Prenatal Pelvic Floor Workshops
Two of our physiotherapists, Kaelyn Gauthier and Alyssa McAllister, are excited to be offering a Prenatal Pelvic Floor Workshop quarterly throughout the year!
The workshop goes over a variety of topics including an explanation of what the pelvic floor is, changes to expect during pregnancy, how to manage these changes, and a big focus on labour and delivery positions and pushing strategies. We also cover information around diastasis recti, pre and post partum exercises, and much more!
If you are an expecting mama, or know someone who is, we encourage you to contact the clinic for more information or to register for the class! We also encourage you to bring a partner, as we have much they can learn from the workshop as well! Hope to see you there!
Private Physiotherapy Prenatal Pelvic Floor Workshop Session
For those who are unable to attend the Prenatal Pelvic Floor Workshop but would like a session with their partner to receive one on one preparation for labour and delivery we are happy to offer an option to book with our physiotherapist for a 90 minute private session. This will include a brief history taking and assessment of diastasis rectus abdominus. You will be given information around the pelvic floor anatomy, function and role during pregnancy, labour and delivery. This session will cover education around options for birth positions, pros and cons to each position, ways partners can be supportive, and tips for immediate post-partum care. There will also be given a personalized home exercise program.
If you would like more information on this, feel free to contact the clinic.
Cost: $150 – 90 Minutes