Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy on Salt Spring Island

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on the pelvic region. It aims to assess, treat, and rehabilitate various conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles, which are vital in supporting the organs within the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum.

Pelvic floor physio may be helpful for urinary or bowel incontinence, uterus or bladder prolapse, pelvic pain, vaginal pain, painful intercourse, pregnancy and postpartum care, and more. There is a common misconception that pelvic floor issues are always due to weakness, but they may also be due to overly tight muscles or significant imbalances between different muscle groups. Pelvic floor muscles can become weakened, tense, or dysfunctional due to a variety of factors, including pregnancy, childbirth, chronic constipation, aging, and surgery. A proper assessment along with appropriate and targeted treatment is profoundly important for successful treatment.

During a pelvic floor physiotherapy session, a trained physiotherapist will perform a detailed assessment of the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. This may involve various techniques, such as internal and external examinations, biofeedback, and functional movement analysis. Based on the evaluation, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to address the specific needs of the patient.

Treatment typically includes a combination of therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, education, and lifestyle modifications. Exercises aim to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles or release excessive muscle tension, while manual techniques may include soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. Education is an essential component, as it helps patients understand their condition, learn proper pelvic floor muscle control, and adopt healthy habits.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be highly effective in improving symptoms and restoring optimal function in individuals with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. It is an evidence-based approach that empowers patients to actively participate in their own care. By addressing the underlying causes of pelvic floor dysfunction, it not only provides symptom relief but also contributes to long-term pelvic health and overall well-being.

Salt Spring Island, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy on Salt Spring Island Miriam Haustein

FAQ

The muscles inside the pelvis that support the bottom of the pelvis are called the pelvic floor muscles. They help support our organs and relate to the functions of our bowel, bladder, and sexual function.
The pelvic floor muscles can be involved in any condition related to the bowel, bladder, sexual health, organ support, or pain in and near the pelvis. Some examples of conditions we often treat include pregnancy, postpartum, erectile dysfunction, pain with intercourse, incontinence of urine or feces, testicular pain, tailbone pain, recovery from pelvic / abdominal surgery and pelvic organ prolapse.
We book 60 minutes for each initial pelvic floor assessment. Your physiotherapist will sit with you and talk about your history. They will likely ask questions about your medical history, as well as your bladder and bowel habits, sexual health, and any discomfort that you may have. Your goals will be discussed.
The physiotherapist may look at your posture, low back, pelvis and hip movement.
Your physiotherapist will explain the anatomy of the pelvic floor muscles and how they may relate to your situation. You will be asked for your consent for an internal examination in order to assess the muscles of the pelvic floor. Your abdominal function may also be assessed.
After your assessment, your condition will be explained and you will discuss your treatment plan going forward. You will be given recommendations on what you can do to improve your condition.
The best way to assess the function of the pelvic floor muscles is for your physiotherapist to feel them internally. This is done via the vagina or the anus, or both. No instruments are used in this exam. The physiotherapist will ask for your permission and talk with you about each part of the process. You can participate in any part that you are comfortable with, and ask questions or stop whenever you want or need to.
An internal assessment will allow the physiotherapist to examine the quality of muscle contraction and strength, endurance, relaxation, and any specific areas of tension. Different muscles can be assessed by feeling them manually. Your pelvic floor physiotherapist can then educate you on the best method for contracting, relaxing or stretching the specific muscles in order to help with your specific condition.
Although doing an internal assessment is the best way to gain the most information, and treat the muscles, it is not required. An external assessment of the muscles is possible, although limited, and for some people this is a more comfortable starting place. Some people want to meet their therapist and talk about their situation and learn about the anatomy of the muscles and their condition without doing any physical assessment on the first visit.
Yes. We work with and are supportive of people of all genders.
We recommend a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment as soon as you know that you are pregnant, and then creating a treatment plan from there. We also recommend a visit for all pregnant patients at 35 weeks gestation, in order to help prepare the pelvic floor muscles for birth. In addition, we recommend an assessment for every mother at 6 weeks postpartum in order to discuss pelvic floor and abdominal recovery and discuss goals and safe return to activity.
We do not recommend an internal assessment if you have an active infection, such as a current flare up of a urinary tract infection.
You should definitely come to pelvic floor physiotherapy! This is a condition that we can treat. We will discuss your specific situation with you and create a comfortable place to start, on your terms.
We can still do everything we need to do if you are menstruating, including an internal exam.
You are welcome to bring any trusted companion with you to support you.
Yes. We want you to do whatever you need to access good care for your health. We commonly have children present and will do our best to accommodate all situations. If this works for you, then this works for us. If you feel that you will not be able to focus and learn during your session, then other childcare options may be better for you. It’s your choice.