What Is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?
The Cochrane Collaboration 2010 concluded that Physiotherapists with specialized training in pelvic floor rehabilitation (using internal examination to teach the exercises) should be the first line of defence, before surgical consultation, for stress, urge and mixed incontinence in women.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy evaluates the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, severity of incontinence and pain and identifies treatment goals.
The Pelvic Health Physiotherapist will develop an exercise program based on the individuals’ specific problem. They will also provide education and recommendations for lifestyle changes (for example: sleep habits, stress, pain and nutrition).
Who Can Benefit From Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?
Pelvic Physiotherapy can help men and women with the following:
Women
- Incontinence
- Low back, Hip, SI Joint Pain
- Constipation
- Dysmenorrhea
- Dyspareunia
- Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)
- Vulvodynia
- Vestibulodynia
- Vaginismus
- Clitoral Phimosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
- Lichens sclerosis/ simplex/ planus
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
Men
- Incontinence
- Low back, Hip, SI Joint Pain
- Constipation
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Pelvic Pain
- Chronic Non bacterial Prostatitis (CPPS)
- Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
- Testicular and Penile Pain Syndrome
To Kegel or Not?
That is the question!! Kegels are not for everyone, and even when indicated are often not done properly!
- Hypotonicity – (Weak pelvic floor muscles) contributing to stress incontinence, urge incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Incontinence is NOT a normal part of aging
- Hypertonicity – (Tight pelvic floor muscles) contributing to Urinary and Fecal Urgency, Urge Incontinence, Chronic Pelvic Pain, Dyspareunia, Vaginismus, Vulvodynia, Pudendal Neuralgia, Interstitial Cystitis and Chronic Prostatitis
What Will The Assessment and Treatment Involve?
- Orthopedic assessment of the lumbar spine, sacrum, coccyx and hips
- External evaluation of the connective tissues and muscles strength and overall tone
- Internal examination vaginally and rectally of the pelvic floor muscles strength, overall tone and coordination
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required will vary with each person. Chronic or complex conditions will require more extensive treatment. The assessment will be one hour and follow up sessions will last 30 minutes.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy has little to no side effects. Women who are pregnant should be cleared by their family physician before starting Pelvic Health treatment.
Who pays for my treatment?
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is covered as physiotherapy treatment under your private health insurance benefits. OHIP does not cover pelvic physiotherapy.
What if I have other questions?
Your treating physiotherapist can help you answer any other questions or concerns you may have about Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.
