Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
(also known as “pelvic floor physiotherapy”)
What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is an important aspect of Women’s Health Physiotherapy. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is an aspect of orhthopaedic physiotherapy that requires specialized post-graduate training in the anatomy (bones, muscles, ligaments, joints, fascia, nerves) and physiological functions (including urination, defecation, sexual function, support of internal organs and pelvic stabilization) of the pelvis to optimize mobility and function in relation to the rest of the body. It is essentially the physiotherapy equivalent of the urogenital, urogynaecological, and/or obstetrical/gynaecological medical specialties.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy requires an internal pelvic exam in order to evaluate and treat pelvic floor dysfunction. Treatment techniques can include a combination of internal (vaginal and/or anorectal) and external manual therapy, as well as customized exercises designed to treat pelvic floor muscles that can either be over-recruited (too tight), or under-recruited (too weak).
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can be particularly beneficial during the perinatal period.
- Pre- and Postnatal Physiotherapy focuses on restoring the flexibility, coordination, tone and strength of the pelvic floor, pelvis, and core canister muscles. Physiotherapy during the childbearing years may include:
- prenatal screening for pregnancy-related orthopaedic problems and/or pelvic floor dysfunction
- prenatal exercise
- education for labour and delivery
- post-natal screening for orthopaedic problems and/or pelvic floor dysfunction
- post-natal exercise (including motor control re-training of the pelvic floor, the core, the breath), guidance on return to activity/sport
- evaluation of alignment and body mechanics
- pelvic floor physiotherapy: pelvic floor muscle exercise with internal feedback and/or internal soft tissue techniques to treat imbalances in pelvic floor muscles
- orthopaedic manual therapy: “hands-on” treatment for joint and muscle problems (may also include dry needling, acupuncture, and soft tissue techniques)
At OC3, we treat the following pre- and post-natal conditions:
- urinary incontinence
- pelvic organ prolapse
- pelvic girdle pain (pubic bone or coccyx pain)
- low back pain
- diastasis rectus abdominis
- perineal and/or C-section scars
- painful intercourse
- chronic constipation
- pelvic floor and abdominal (“core”) muscle weakness or lack of coordination
- postural imbalances
- education and exercise for pregnancy
- education and exercise for postpartum