Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in promoting and maintaining women’s health throughout their lifespan. From pregnancy to postpartum recovery, physiotherapy interventions can address a wide range of issues specific to women’s bodies, such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Thankfully, there is a specialized field within physiotherapy that has emerged to help treat these issues – pelvic health physiotherapy.

What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Understanding pelvic health is the first step toward recognizing the significance of this often-overlooked aspect of overall well-being. Pelvic health encompasses a range of functions and structures within the pelvis, such as the pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for supporting the bladder, rectum, and uterus, and play a vital role in controlling urinary and fecal continence. Issues related to pelvic health can manifest in various ways, including incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. The impact of these conditions extends beyond physical discomfort, affecting emotional and psychological aspects of one’s life. It is essential to grasp the profound influence of pelvic health on everyday activities, from sitting comfortably to enjoying intimacy and maintaining a high quality of life.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Pelvic Health:

Physiotherapy has emerged as a highly effective approach to address a wide spectrum of pelvic health issues. Through specialized techniques and exercises, our trained physiotherapists can help individuals regain control and strength in their pelvic floor muscles, alleviate pain, and improve overall pelvic health. The benefits of physiotherapy for pelvic health are multifaceted, extending beyond symptom relief to encompass enhanced muscle function, increased awareness of the pelvic region, and improved quality of life. Our trained physiotherapists, will create personalized treatment plans that cater to each individual’s unique needs.

Conditions we treat:

urinary and fecal incontinence (urine leakage, stool, reduced bowel control)
urinary urgency/frequency (urinating more frequent than usual)
pelvic organ prolapse (bladder, rectum, uterus dropping into the vagina; or rectal prolapse)
pain/vaginismus/dyspareunia (pelvic pain, pain with insertion, pain with intercourse)
post-partum (tearing, pain, incontinence, returning to activity)
coccydynia (tailbone pain)
pudendal neuralgia
vulvodynia/vestibulodynia (pain around the vulva)
interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (pain when bladder is full or when urinating)

What Does Pelvic Health Treatment Include?

Physiotherapists employ a range of specialized techniques tailored to the specific condition at hand, which may include exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles, manual therapies, and training to enhance awareness and control of the pelvic region. However, what truly sets pelvic health physiotherapy apart is its dedication to personalized treatment plans. Recognizing that every individual’s needs and challenges are unique, these plans are designed to target the root causes of their pelvic health concerns. Beyond physiotherapy techniques, lifestyle and behavioral modifications play a significant role in the rehabilitation process. Patients receive guidance on aspects of daily life that can complement and expedite their recovery.

What happens during a pelvic health physiotherapy assessment?

Physiotherapists specializing in pelvic health are trained to approach these assessments with sensitivity and professionalism, ensuring that individuals feel safe and respected throughout the evaluation. During an assessment, a pelvic health physiotherapist will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination of the pelvic region, assess muscle function, and may use internal or external techniques to evaluate pelvic floor muscles. Whether or not you will need an internal pelvic floor exam will be discussed with your therapist based on your condition, presentation, and comfort level. While the prospect of internal examinations may cause some apprehension, it’s important to stress that these are always conducted with the patient’s informed consent and in a supportive environment.

When to Seek Help?

Knowing when to seek help for pelvic health concerns is pivotal in preventing issues from progressing and impairing one’s quality of life. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms such as urinary incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, discomfort during sexual activity, or other unexplained discomfort in the pelvic region, it’s advisable to seek professional help. Moreover, if these issues are interfering with your daily activities, it’s a clear indication that it’s time to consult a physiotherapist with expertise in pelvic health. Early intervention can often lead to more effective and less invasive treatments, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you feel that your pelvic health is impacting your overall well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling with pelvic health issues, do not hesitate to take the first step towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. For more information contact us at 905-849-4576.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer private rooms?

Yes, we have a private room available for assessment and treatments.

What should I wear to my appointment?

For your pelvic health physiotherapy appointment, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows ease of movement.

Who can benefit from pelvic health physiotherapy?

Individuals of all ages and genders can benefit from pelvic health physiotherapy. It’s not limited to women; men with pelvic health issues can also seek treatment. Unfortunately, at this time, Sheddon will only be offering Pelvic Health Physio for women.

How many sessions are usually required for pelvic health physiotherapy?

The number of sessions needed varies depending on the condition and the individual’s response to treatment. Some people may require only a few sessions, while others may need ongoing therapy.

Are exercises a part of pelvic health physiotherapy?

Yes, exercises and therapeutic techniques are often a significant part of pelvic health physiotherapy. Pelvic floor exercises, in particular, are commonly prescribed to strengthen or relax pelvic muscles.

We are located only 6 min East of Oakville Place and 4 min from Oakville & Milton Humane Society .

The Burlington physio clinic is located only 6 min north-west of Joseph Brant Hospital and 2 min south-west of Mapleview Shopping Centre, on Plains Rd East.