Pelvic health physiotherapy
What is pelvic health physiotherapy?
Pelvic health physiotherapy (also commonly known as pelvic floor rehabilitation) is a specialized physiotherapy approach that aims to prevent, assess and treat various issues affecting pelvic health.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is made up of muscles and connective tissues that play an important role in supporting the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum), continence, sexuality, and stability of the back, pelvis, and hips.
What are the problems associated with the pelvic floor?
A damaged, weakened, overstretched or overtightened pelvic floor can be associated with problems such as urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, genital or pelvic pain, as well as sexual problems such as painful intercourse or erectile dysfunction.
Pelvic floor problems are common and can occur at any time in life. However, they are more common in women and occur most often during the perinatal period, during pregnancy and after childbirth.
What is pelvic health physiotherapy?
Evaluation
Pelvic health physiotherapy comprises a complete evaluation including a vaginal and/or anal examination, which makes it possible to clearly identify the presence of pelvic floor dysfunctions and to establish an appropriate treatment plan.
Follow-ups/treatments
Several treatment modalities are used, such as manual and instrumental techniques to stimulate, soften, strengthen and/or relax the muscles of the pelvic floor, as well as targeted therapeutic exercises. Education on pelvic floor anatomy and physiology (functioning), advice on lifestyle habits, a personalized exercise program and interventions focused on self-management allow the person to acquire the skills necessary to maintain the benefits of pelvic health physiotherapy over the long term.
Number and frequency of follow-ups
The number of sessions vary from person to person and is not predetermined. Usually, an adequate treatment plan involves at least 2 to 3 follow-up appointments after the evaluation, but the total number of sessions is generally between 6 and 12 sessions. More complex issues, involving several symptoms or issues, sometimes require more sessions. The sessions generally take place once every two weeks and become more spaced out overtime.
Pelvic health physiotherapy during pregnancy and in preparation for childbirth
I recommend planning a first assessment appointment at the start of your 2nd trimester, a follow-up appointment approximately every 4 to 6 weeks throughout your pregnancy and 3 appointments (approximately at 32, 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy) in preparation for childbirth.
Pelvic health physiotherapy after childbirth (vaginal or caesarean section)
I recommend planning a minimum of 3 sessions around 6, 8 and 12 weeks postpartum. Thereafter, the number of sessions will depend on your particular needs.
When should I consult a pelvic health physiotherapist?
1. If you have any questions about your pelvic health.
2. If you want to prevent pelvic floor problems and maintain good pelvic health throughout your life.
3. During pregnancy and in preparation for childbirth , if you want to know how to maintain good abdominal and pelvic health throughout your pregnancy, prepare for a vaginal birth or for a caesarean birth.
4. After childbirth (vaginal or caesarean birth) to help your body heal and return to your physical and sexual activities safely and confidently.
5. In preparation for and following pelvic surgery, such as a prostatectomy for men or a hysterectomy for women, to understand how the surgery may impact your pelvic health, to help your body heal and return to your physical and sexual activities safely and confidently.
6. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms or issues:
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loss of urine when laughing, coughing, sneezing, exercising, etc. (stress urinary incontinence)
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involuntary loss of gas and/or stool (anal incontinence)
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sudden & frequent urges or difficulty making it on time to the toilet (urinary or fecal urgency)
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difficulty emptying your bladder completely (urinary retention)
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difficulty and/or pain when passing stool (constipation, hemorrhoids, fissures)
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persistent pain in the genital, perineal, or pelvic region, inlcuding the coccyx
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pain during sex
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difficulty with penetration (e.g. intercourse, inserting a tampon or menstrual cup, gynecological examination)
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vaginal or perineal heaviness
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pelvic organ prolapse (decreased support of the bladder, uterus or rectum)
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diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles (a separation of the rectus abdominis following pregnancy)
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weakness of the pelvic floor and/or abdominal muscles
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scar from vaginal or caesarean birth
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scar from surgey or trauma in the pelvic region
7. If you have received one of the following diagnoses:
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urinary incontinence
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fecal or anal incontinence
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pelvic organ prolapse (bladder, uterus, and/or rectum)
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diastasis recti (diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles)
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dyspareunia, vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vaginismus
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lichen sclerosus
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3rd or 4th degree perineal tear during childbirth
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prostatitis
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overactive bladder
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interstitial cystitis
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endometriosis
The benefits of pelvic health physiotherapy
Pelvic health physiotherapy can help you regain control, optimize your pelvic floor function and pelvic health, and improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
Make an appointment
Appointments can only be made online through the booking site.
Since my schedule fills up quickly, it is strongly recommended that you schedule a few follow-up appointments when you book your evaluation appointment. This will allow you to receive the best care plan for your needs. I recommend booking at least 2 to 3 treatment sessions (ideally spaced 2 weeks apart) as soon as you book your assessment appointment.
I look forward to working with you!
Have more questions ?
You can reach me by phone at 514-992-2905 or by email at physioperineale@gmail.com