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NEW HAMBURG PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy focuses on the treatment involving both the internal and external pelvic muscles and joints. These tissues are extremely important in providing support and stability to our pelvic girdle. When the system is not functioning optimally, it can lead to issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, prolapse and more.

The pelvic muscles help with bladder control, smooth bowel movements, organ support, sexual function and pain-free movements of the hips, lower back and pelvis. If the pelvic muscles are either too tight or weak, pelvic floor dysfunction occurs. Pelvic floor dysfunction can have a huge impact on quality of life and intimate relationships. It should be recognized as an imperative aspect of overall health and well-being.

NOTE: Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapist treats females only.

CONDITIONS TREATED WITH PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY

PELVIC PAIN:

• Vaginismus
• Pain with intercourse
• Vulvodynia (vaginal pain)
• Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
• Proctalgia Fugax (rectal pain)
• Chronic Urological Pain Syndromes
• Painful urination or bowel movements
• Post-surgical pain (C-section, hernia repair, hysterectomy)

INCONTINENCE:

• Urinary or fecal incontinence
• Urinary urgency and leakage with sneezing/coughing/laughing/athletics

PREGNANCY AND POST-PARTUM:

• Diastasis Recti
• Weakness in core musculature
• Preparation for and recovery following birth
  (vaginal or C-section)

PROLAPSE:

• Cystocele, Uterocele, and Rectocele

UNSUCCESSFUL VOIDING:

• Constipation
• Increased frequency of urination
• Feeling of incomplete bowel movement or the need for several bowel movements

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR APPOINTMENT

Your pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments will be dependent upon the findings at your initial assessment. Your assessment will involve the following:

MEDICAL HISTORY:

You and your therapist will discuss your medical history, including history of symptoms, aggravating factors, and how your current symptoms impact your daily life. This helps your therapist gain a thorough understanding of your condition and will guide the rest of the assessment.

Your therapist will explain the role and functions of the pelvic floor using a model. They will also explain how (if indicated for your condition) an internal examination would be performed, as well as the purpose of such an examination.

EXAMINATION:

After the above steps have been completed, with informed consent provided, your therapist will begin an assessment. This will begin by looking at your whole body: posture, breathing and movement patterns. Next, your therapist will assess the range of motion and strength of areas that work in conjunction with the pelvic floor (core, low back, hips, sacroiliac joints, abdomen, etc).

Your  therapist will continuously check in on your comfort and willingness to proceed throughout the assessment. At any point during the external or internal examination, you can withdraw your consent and stop the examination.  

During the internal examination, your therapist will leave the room, giving you time to change and get set up on the examination table as instructed. The purpose of the internal assessment is to assess the tissues of the pelvic floor including their tone, strength, coordination and endurance. An internal exam is NOT required, but this information allows your therapist to better tailor your treatment plan specifically to you.  All appointments take place in our private treatment rooms.

EVIDENCE SUPPORTING PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapists who are trained in pelvic floor therapy should be the first line of treatment for stress and mixed urinary incontinence in women, before surgical interventions (Cochrane Collaboration 2014).

Pelvic floor muscle training is effective and cost-effective in reducing prolapse symptoms and should be recommended as first line treatment for prolapse (Hagen 2011).

Canadian Physiotherapy Association & The Society of Gynecologists of Canada recommend:
Pelvic floor muscle training with a physiotherapist is recommended to prevent urinary incontinence during pregnancy and after delivery.

Core stability training with a physiotherapist is recommended to prevent/treat back and pelvic pain during and following pregnancy.

Contact Us

Telephone: 519-662-4441
Email: info.nhwc@bellnet.ca