Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic Health Solutions

Pelvic health disorders are more common than people think, but unfortunately, it's often a difficult conversation to have because these conditions relate to intimate issues. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy treatment is based on evidence-based therapeutic principles and is very effective!

Physiotherapy can help with a large number of pelvic health conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, loss of bladder and/or bowel control, chronic constipation and more (see symptoms of pelvic dysfunction).

What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

The pelvic floor muscles must be able to contract and relax in order to maintain continence and relax to allow for urination, bowel movements, and in women, sexual intercourse. When these muscles have too much tension (hypertonic) they will often cause pelvic pain or urgency and frequency of the bladder and bowels. When they are a low tone (hypotonic) they will contribute to stress incontinence and organ prolapse.

You can also have a combination of muscles that are too tense and too relaxed. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is designed to help you regain the proper length and tension of your pelvic floor muscles and tissues. Home exercises and proper self-care are a very important part of the treatment plan.

Pelvic Floor must be conducted by a trained physiotherapist. Nicole Stokes and Mari Mueller, pelvic floor physiotherapists, are very experienced and certified in pelvic floor rehabilitation level I, II and III. They can assess and examine the pelvic floor structures, both internally and externally.

What Goals Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Achieve?

The role of the physiotherapist is to help the pelvic muscle to work properly in order to reduce pelvic pain and remove any symptoms.

As mentioned above, to assess the pelvic floor, an internal exam is performed to identify any imbalances and dysfunction. We are here to help you throughout the process, and discuss current treatment options while respecting your needs. At the time, if the pain is persistent, you will conduct the internal treatment later once external muscles and tissues have been addressed.

We won’t move to the next step until you feel confident in the next treatment. Treatment will typically include elements of manual therapy, soft tissue release, postural alignment, breathing techniques, establishing healthy bladder and bowel habits, pelvic floor muscle facilitation and exercise programs. Treatment plans are individually tailored to address your specific condition, goals and needs.

What To Expect In Your First Visit?

Your initial assessment with your physiotherapist will cover your medical history that relates to your pelvic health condition or concern. At Pillars of Wellness, you can expect a safe, respectful, inclusive environment.

From there, your physiotherapist will determine the course of action and will review with you all the treatment options. If you agree with one of the treatments, you may on your first visit start treatment.

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Symptoms of Pelvic Health Dysfunction

  • Loss of Bladder and/or Bowel Control
  • Urinary Urgency and Frequency
  • Chronic Constipation
  • Bed-wetting/ Daytime Wetting
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse
  • Painful Sex
  • Mummy Tummy
  • Pain in the Pelvic area
  • Surgical Scar Tissue

Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic health issues can have many causes, including being a consequence of medications, various pelvic surgeries including gender confirmation surgery (GCS), trauma due to pregnancy, labour and delivery, prolapse of pelvic organs, a history of sexual trauma, posture, breast binding, stress, lifestyle/diet, as well as changes due to ageing and menopause.

Why Choose Pillars of Wellness?

At Pillars of Wellness, in Burlington, Ontario, we are proud to provide a truly integrated care approach that employs a variety of treatments to achieve a faster recovery. Our clinic offers various services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, counselling, occupational therapy, yoga therapy, acupuncture, and holistic nutrition.

With multiple services and specialties in one place, you’ll get the best care possible — without having to look elsewhere. Pillars of Wellness is your one-stop-health solution, located right here in Burlington.

Last but not least, physiotherapy is typically covered under most extended health insurance plans. If you do not have coverage or have exceeded your coverage limits, you can consult with our Chiropractors. Both chiropractors and Physiotherapists have skills and techniques to treat and manage pelvic floor dysfunction and associated symptoms.