Jun 29, 2022

All You Need To Know About Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Did you know that one in three women experience bladder leakage? This is often due to problems with the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to strengthen these muscles and reduce or eliminate bladder leakage.

If you are experiencing this problem, it is worth considering pelvic floor physiotherapy as a treatment option.

Keep reading for answers you may have related to pelvic floor dysfunction.

What is pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a type of physical therapy that helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder and bowel and help to control urine and stool leakage. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to improve or eliminate these problems.

You must look for trained, certified, and experienced pelvic floor physiotherapists to treat any related symptoms.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy session with therapist and patient

What Are The Symptoms of Pelvic Health Dysfunction?

There are a variety of symptoms that can be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. These can include:

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Chronic Constipation
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse
  • Painful Sex and sexual dysfunction
  • Urgency or frequency of urination
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel completely
  • Pain with urination or defecation
  • Pelvic pain

Your pelvic health is more important than you think! If you are experiencing any of these problems, please contact a pelvic floor physiotherapist to learn more about how we can assist you.

What Causes Pelvic Health Dysfunction?

Pelvic health issues can come from a variety of factors that can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. These can include:

  • Childbirth
  • Menopause
  • Hysterectomy
  • Prolapse of pelvic organs
  • Prolonged sitting or standing
  • Chronic cough or sneeze
  • Obesity
  • Sexual trauma
  • Stress or Lifestyle

How does pelvic floor physiotherapy work?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy usually involves a combination of pelvic floor exercises, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation. The exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, while the electrical stimulation helps to reduce inflammation and pain.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy exercises demonstration with therapist and patient

What are the benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to improve or eliminate bladder leakage, stool leakage, and pelvic pain. It can also help to improve sexual function and urinary incontinence.

How will pelvic floor physiotherapy help me to improve my symptoms and quality of life?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to improve your symptoms by:

  • Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles
  • Reducing inflammation and pain
  • Improving sexual function
  • Improving bladder and bowel control

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, pelvic floor physiotherapy may be a treatment option worth considering.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Information

What Are The Type of Pelvic Floor Exercises?

The type of pelvic floor exercises that are recommended will vary depending on the individual. However, there are a few general types of exercises that are often recommended. These include:

  • Kegel exercises: Kegel exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. They can be done by both men and women and are often recommended for people with urinary incontinence.
  • Squats: Squats help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control.
  • Pelvic tilts: Pelvic tilts help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bowel function.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for a variety of problems related to the pelvic floor.

Pelvic floor exercises demonstration for physiotherapy guidance

What are the side effects of pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is generally safe and effective. However, there may be some mild side effects, such as soreness or tenderness in the pelvic area.

Is pelvic floor physiotherapy right for me?

If you are experiencing bladder leakage, stool leakage, or pelvic pain, pelvic floor physiotherapy may be right for you. It is important to talk to your doctor or physiotherapist to find out if this type of therapy is right for you.

What should you expect during a pelvic floor physiotherapy session?

During a pelvic floor physiotherapy session, your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms and medical history. They will then design a personalized treatment plan for you. This may involve pelvic floor exercises, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation.

How long will each session last?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions typically last 30-60 minutes. The assessment takes 60 minutes and covers the medical history including existing symptoms, a physical examination, a discussion over the goals and objectives of the patient. Finally, it will also include an initial treatment.

How often will I need to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist?

The frequency of visits will vary depending on the individual. However, most people will need to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist 1 time per week for 4-6 weeks.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy diagram for pelvic dysfunction education

What Should Be Your Next Step?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help to improve bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and childbirth outcomes. If you’re experiencing any of pelvic health issues, or if you just want to make sure that you stay healthy in the pelvic region, contact us to book your first appointment.

We offer a variety of treatment options depending on your needs, so there’s something for everyone. Don’t suffer in silence – get relief today!

Why Choose Pillars of Wellness?

Our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists are certified, trained and, specialize in helping men and women with pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

They are able to assess, externally and internally, in order to find and treat pelvic floor dysfunction and/or pain. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is also an integral part of pre and post-partum care. Pelvic health is important!

We, at Pillars of Wellness in Burlington, Ontario are ecstatic to provide a comprehensive treatment strategy that combines a variety of therapies to help you recover more quickly.

Our clinic provides physiotherapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, counseling, occupational therapy, yoga therapy, acupuncture, holistic nutrition as well as other treatments.

With so many services and specialties in one location, you’ll get the finest care possible without having to go elsewhere. Pillars of Wellness is a one-stop-health shop located in Burlington.

Finally, physiotherapy is frequently covered by most extended health insurance plans. If you don’t have healthcare or have used up all of your benefits, you can look to our chiropractors for help.

Chiropractors and physiotherapists both possess the knowledge and skills to treat and manage pelvic floor dysfunction as well as its associated symptoms. Learn more about all the services we provide by clicking HERE.


Mari Mueller - Physiotherapist
Written By:
Mari Mueller, Physiotherapy

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