Our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy program offers a multi-layered approach dedicated to improving women’s access to care. Our services target the individual needs of prenatal and postnatal clients, as well as clients with other pelvic health conditions. Assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction can make a huge impact on quality of life as these muscles are integral for good bladder, bowel, and sexual function. We work with you to create a care plan tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle.

Using evidence-based, clinically validated methods, our pelvic floor physiotherapists can help you reduce or eliminate pelvic dysfunction and improve the quality of your life. Patients with the following conditions can benefit from Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy:

• Pregnancy and Postpartum recovery
• Urinary Incontinence
• Overactive bladder or urinary urgency
• Pelvic organ prolapse (heaviness or bulging in the pelvis)
• Perineal bulging
• Gastrointestinal challenges including constipation or fecal incontinence
• Pelvic pain (with intercourse, menstruation, etc.)
• Pubic symphysis
• Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA)
• Interstitial cystitis
• Endometriosis
• Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
• Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain involving the low back and/or hips
• Sciatica (SI joint pain)

What to Expect at Your Initial Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment:

Prior to attending your initial appointment, you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire to give our pelvic floor physiotherapist some insight into your pelvic health concerns.

At your initial appointment, your pelvic floor physiotherapist will expand on this information with you to develop a good sense of your health history and specific concerns. Many people find it difficult to discuss sensitive subjects such as bowel, bladder and pelvic issues, and we recognize that this may feel daunting for you. Know that your sessions are completely confidential and we will only discuss what you are comfortable disclosing.

We want you to feel as comfortable as possible during your time with us. Here is a breakdown of what to expect at your initial appointment:

1. We offer 1-on-1 care in private rooms with an experienced pelvic floor physiotherapist.
2. We will listen to you without judgment.
3. We will ask you questions relevant to your pelvic health.
4. We may assess breathing, posture or other joints and muscles to determine if there are any non-pelvic floor contributors to your symptoms.
5. We will explain what we are doing and more importantly why we are doing it along the way.
6. If an internal exam is appropriate for you, we will go over it with you in detail and get your consent before proceeding. If you are not comfortable having an internal exam we can discuss alternatives.
7. The internal pelvic floor exam will have you comfortably lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the table. We will use a gloved finger with lubrication and access your pelvic floor muscles vaginally. First, we will assess how tense or relaxed the muscles are. Second, we will assess the strength, coordination and reflexes of the pelvic floor muscles by asking you to perform various types of kegals and movements.
8. If indicated, we can also assess for prolapse vaginally and/or rectally.
9. Following the internal exam, we will go over our findings, we will educate you about your condition, we will provide our specific recommendations, and together we will come up with an appropriate treatment plan to achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When should I have my pelvic floor assessed after I deliver?

It is recommended to have an assessment any time beyond 6 weeks postnatal.

I had a C-section, should I still have my pelvic floor assessed?

It is recommended that all women, regardless of how they deliver, have a pelvic health assessment to evaluate the strength and function of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are often impacted by pregnancy and all methods of delivery.

Can pelvic floor rehabilitation correct a prolapse?

There is good evidence that pelvic floor rehabilitation can help reduce the severity of prolapse as well as prevent it from worsening. Although it may not completely correct the prolapse, there are many things that can be done to help manage your symptoms.

Can my pelvic floor become too strong that it will interfere with labour?

No, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles will not interfere with labour. Not only will we work on getting a strong contraction, but also ensure that you are able to completely relax those muscles when needed during labour.

Isn’t it normal to leak a little bit after having children?

It is common, but not normal. There is help available!

What is prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is a subjective disorder described as an annoying protrusion at or near the vaginal opening. This may also be accompanied by perineal pressure. These sensations are caused by the pelvic organs descending by various degrees into the vagina. There are many different types of prolapse, but more commonly: bladder, uterine or rectal. It has been shown that 50% of women who have experienced a pregnancy have some degree of prolapse.

Do I need to have a physician referral?

A physician referral is not needed to attend our Clinic, however, your pelvic floor physiotherapist can work collaboratively with your family doctor, urogynecologist or other specialists, if that is your preference.

Is this service covered by OHIP or insurance?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is not covered under OHIP. However, it is covered under most employee healthcare plans. If you have an employee health care plan, check directly with your provider to confirm if this is covered.