Pelvic Health

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is a special branch of physiotherapy that diagnoses and treats pelvic health conditions in both men and women. Pelvic health issues are common, but are often left untreated because people are embarrassed and don’t seek help. However, pelvic health is achievable for everyone! With a thorough assessment, the underlying cause of the problem can be identified, and a variety of effective treatment approaches can be used to resolve the symptoms.

Do you experience urinary or fecal incontinence? Do you experience sudden, uncontrollable urges to go to the bathroom? Do you have to go often (more than 8 times per day)? Do you have bowel concerns? Do you experience pain in the genital, groin, pelvic or buttock area? Do you experience pain during sex? Do you feel pressure or heaviness in your vagina? Do you have prenatal or post-partum pelvic health concerns? Do you have post-surgical pelvic health concerns?

A Pelvic Health Physiotherapist has completed specialized post-graduate training to treat these issues and is registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario to perform internal (vaginal and/or rectal) examination during therapy to accurately diagnose and treat your condition. Research has shown that many relevant pelvic structures cannot be reached externally.

Internal exams are done with the utmost respect and professionalism. However, if this feels like an obstacle to you, please feel free to discuss your concerns with your therapist. Your therapist is there to listen, support, educate and clarify all of your questions so that you can get the care that best meets your needs.

Conditions Treated by Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, Pelvic Health Physiotherapy may be very helpful for you!
  • Stress urinary incontinence
  • Urge urinary incontinence
  • Urge without leakage
  • Urinary frequency
  • Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
  • Urinary hesitation, stopping and starting of the urine stream, incomplete emptying and post-void dribble
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Constipation
  • Pelvic organ prolapse (Grades 1, 2 and 3)
  • Vulvodynia and vestibulodynia
  • Vaginismus
  • Dyspareunia (uncomfortable or painful intercourse)
  • Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis)
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Testicular and Penile pain
  • Rectal pain
  • Prenatal and post-partum care
  • Pelvic surgery rehabilitation
  • Post-prostatectomy rehabilitation
  • Chronic prostatitis (class 3B)
  • Testicular and Penile pain
  • Unresolved low back, sacroiliac and/or hip pain

What can I expect during my appointments with my Pelvic Health Physiotherapist?

  • Detailed history
  • External & internal physical assessment
  • Specific, individualized treatment, which may include:
    • Education about your condition
    • Behaviour modification so you avoid aggravating your condition
    • Postural alignment and breath training
    • Home exercise program
    • Stretching and strengthening exercises
    • External and internal connective tissue and muscle release
    • Pelvic ligament and nerve mobilizations
    • Vaginal or rectal e-stimulation unit may be used if the patient has significant difficulty engaging pelvic floor muscles