Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Frequently Asked Questions
JUMP TO A SECTION:
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Who can Practice Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
What Conditions Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Treat?
What are Some Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Why Visit a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist?
What Can I Expect At My First Visit?
What Can I Expect for Follow-Up Treatment?
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy involves the pelvic floor muscle group, which is responsible for a variety of functions. These muscles support the pelvic organs, assist in bowel and bladder control, and contribute to sexual processes. Your pelvic floor muscles can be weakened by childbirth, surgery, heavy lifting, being overweight, constipation or menopause. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists help rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles.
Who Can Practice Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists must complete specialized training to treat pelvic floor issues. Upon completion, they receive certification to treat male and female urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor dysfunctions. Our in-house Physiotherapist, Meera Senjaliya, has received her certification and is excited to offer this new treatment to her clients.
What Conditions Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Treat?
- Incontinence of the bladder or bowel
- Pelvic pain: lower back, hip, pelvic region, genital area, rectum
- Pelvic pain: endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, prostatitis
- Prolapse
- Pre- and Post-Natal issues including guidance for returning to sport/activity, preparation for labour and delivery, pain, leakage, c-section scarring, tearing, episiotomy
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Bowel issues: constipation, pain, straining
- Unsolved musculoskeletal pain: SI joint pain, lower back pain, groin pain
What are Some Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic health concerns are more common than what most people can imagine. Some common symptoms include:
- Leakage of urine while coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising
- Rushing to the toilet for fear of leaking or leaking before you can get there
- A bulging, heaviness or pulling sensation inside the vagina
- Pain in the pelvic, groin, buttock areas
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse
Why Visit a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist?
Education. This is an important aspect of our approach to modify your activities and prevent re-occurrence of pelvic floor dysfunction. You will learn more about your pelvic anatomy and how different components work alone and together. You may also need to learn how habits or hygiene affect your symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Exercises. Patients are taught how to contract and relax pelvic floor muscles in relation to other muscles. You are also taught breathing and timing techniques to make the exercises more effective. Such exercises can stretch tight muscles, strengthen weak ones, and improve flexibility.
Manual Therapy. The physiotherapist may use hands-on massage or stretching to help with posture, blood circulation, and mobility.
What Can I Expect At My first Visit?
Your initial assessment is one-on-one in a private room with our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist, Meera. It will be approximately 60 minutes long. Depending on your injury or symptoms, your assessment may include an internal pelvic assessment. An internal pelvic assessment is the best way to properly assess what is happening with the muscles, organs and connective tissue in the pelvis. Our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist can assess tone and strength, prolapse and function. This exam may be highly recommended for your particular issue, however, if you are uncomfortable with this type of assessment, speak with Meera about the pros and cons for you. Together, you can decide if it is something that can wait, something that really should be done sooner, or if you can be successfully treated with external treatment options.
Our goal at River Oaks is to make you feel comfortable while providing you with the best possible treatment and care. Open communication is essential. Please feel free to discuss any concerns with Meera during your assessment.
What Can I Expect for Follow-Up Treatment?
Follow-up visits will be determined during your assessment, as they are catered to your particular needs. Treatments will be 45 minutes in length. We highly recommend booking your appointments ahead of time to ensure your preferred time.
