Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

What Is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Pelvic health physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of disorders of the pelvic floor. This can include problems such as bladder and bowel incontinence, pelvic pain, post-partum issues, and sexual pain. A pelvic health physiotherapist has received special training to assess and treat these types of conditions. This training allows the therapist to perform an internal exam (vaginally and/or rectally) in order to thoroughly assess and treat the structures of the pelvic floor. Treatment is available for both men and women and is always conducted in a private room.

 

What Does A Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Treat?

Some common conditions treated by a pelvic health physiotherapist include the following:

• Urinary Incontinence (leakage of urine)
  • Stress Urinary Incontinence
  • Urge Urinary Incontinence

• Overactive Bladder
• Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (protrusion at or near the vaginal opening)
• Pelvic Pain
  • Pain in the pelvic area that can affect the low back, buttocks, tailbone, groin, and pubic bone
  • Pain in the vulva or vagina
  • Pain with intercourse or penetration
• Post-Partum Issues
  • Episiotomy pain, incontinence, prolapse, and abdominal pain and weakness

 

What Are Some Common Symptoms of Pelvic Disorders?

• Leakage of urine with coughing, sneezing, laughing, and exercises or leakage with strong, uncontrollable urges
• Urgency and frequency of urination
• Difficulty passing stool
• Difficulty initiating urination
• Pain in the vagina or pelvis with penetration
• Pain in the vulva, vagina, clitoris, rectum, or perineum
• Pain in the tailbone, buttocks, or pelvic girdle
• Painful cramps during menstruation
• Heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
• Protrusion of tissues near the vaginal opening