Although you may not think so, it’s common to experience pelvic floor challenges. This little regarded fact has a lot to do with the reluctance people have talking about this sensitive issue, but it shouldn’t be that way – especially with the help of Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. 

This easy-to-understand guide will tell you how Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can help you overcome your problems and achieve your fullest potential with the lifestyle you want! Don’t let these conditions be a setback for what you want to accomplish as a new mommy! 

Please read on and know that, in conjunction with this knowledge, there is a community of helpers at The WOMB Vaughan ready to support you. 

YOU are not alone; let’s face this life event TOGETHER.

What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Also known as Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy or Pelvic Physiotherapy, this type of physiotherapy treatment is designed to help improve pelvic floor function through exercises, lifestyle modifications, education, and hands-on treatment. Specifically, this therapy is focused on treating a group of muscles that are involved with urinary, bowel, and sexual function.

A typical treatment may involve a full history as well as an external physical exam, an internal pelvic floor exam, education, and exercise prescription. At The WOMB Vaughan, internal examinations are only done at your discretion (if indicated in your treatment). Your comfort is very important to us.

Which problems can Pelvic Health Physiotherapy help me with? 

People that suffer from the following symptoms can benefit from pelvic health rehabilitation:

• Urinary incontinence Issues involving the bladder and bowels, including strong urges to urinate or defecate frequently;

• Stress incontinence or leakage issues when sneezing or laughing;

• A need to wake up and urinate in the middle of the night;

• Constipation;

• Chronic pelvic pain around the pelvic region;

• Back pain;

• Diastasis recti, or the “pooch” that happens to pregnant women when you belly sticks out due to a widening of your belly muscles;

• Pelvic organ prolapse, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the pelvic area; and

• Pain during sexual intercourse.

With the help of pelvic floor physiotherapy, you can decrease and even eliminate the severity of these symptoms.

Due to the sensitivity of these issues, The WOMB Vaughan is always sure to care for women using the highest professional standards, providing the loving support our clients deserve.

How can Pelvic Health Physiotherapy help me at different stages throughout my life?

A common misconception about Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is that it is suitable only for pregnant women. However, the fact is that not only can women at different stages of life benefit from pelvic health physiotherapy, but also others as well: 

Fertility

Women looking to conceive need to be concerned about their pelvic health. Conditions that cause pelvic pain have been linked to infertility, and can include interstitial cystitis and pelvic congestion syndrome. 

Pregnancy

Research studies confirm that women who learn how to properly train their pelvic floors during pregnancy are able to have shorter and less painful labors, endure less soft tissue damage, and recover more quickly.

Postpartum

Our pelvic floor physiotherapists are well equipped to help mothers face the challenges that await in the postpartum period. Problems include connective tissue separation (or widening) of the abdomen, and diastasis recti, which is commonly referred to as “Mummy Tummy.” 

Pediatric Services

With the two most common pelvic floor dysfunctions among children being constipation and bedwetting, our pelvic health physiotherapists are skilled in helping treat children experiencing day or nighttime incontinence.

Family Services

Being that humans all have pelvic organs, it makes sense that men can also have pelvic dysfunctions. In addition to those previously mentioned, other conditions may include:

• Erectile dysfunction;

• Symptoms of retention, which can often be associated with a tight pelvic floor; and

• Post-prostatectomy incontinence.

What type of treatment is offered as part of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Our team of pelvic health physiotherapists use a variety of techniques depending on the purpose of the treatment. 

For example, to help women achieve their fertility goals, our pelvic floor physiotherapists use a combination of lifestyle education, evidence-based manual therapies, neuro-modulation techniques and exercise prescription to optimize the health of the pelvic region and enhance its readiness for conception

Meanwhile, for pediatric services, we utilize a holistic approach that includes education and counselling related to lifestyle or behaviour changes, specific manual therapy techniques, and exercise/movement prescription.

What can I expect from a pelvic floor assessment? Do I absolutely need to do it?

A pelvic floor assessment is carried out by a pelvic floor physiotherapist who may perform internal and external examinations to identify your problems and how best to treat them.

Internal examinations are only done with informed consent. At The WOMB Vaughan, we will provide the option for an internal examination if it is indicated in your treatment, but will only be performed at your discretion. We will cooperate with you hand-in-hand to explain the reasons for the recommendation and how it can help you. If you choose to proceed, you will be fully informed about the process and what to expect.

Our team is extremely sensitive to your comfort and will never push you into something that makes you uncomfortable. There are many other therapies that can be done externally as well as through exercise, so you will always still receive value out of your session.

Are the procedures painful?

For most women, the treatment is not painful and we strive to make each session as comfortable as possible. We inform clients about what to expect throughout the treatment, and we encourage helpful breathing techniques. Some women have different levels of sensitivity which will be taken into account.

It is always at the discretion of the client if they would like to have the internal portion of the session. It will only be performed with full consent and can be stopped at any time.

Final thoughts

At The WOMB, we prioritize pelvic health in all that we do! Many people experience common pelvic floor conditions, but we truly believe that they do not have to live that way and we can help. Our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy services are designed to provide help to people who need it the most.

There’s no need to be on your own when we can help. Let the caring experts at The WOMB Vaughan give you the support and professional expertise you need to be your best self! Contact us today if you have any questions we can help you with, or drop by our facilities to have a face-to-face consultation with us!