The Day in the Life of a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist!
What Do People Think of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an underrated field that can help you in more ways than you think!
When people think of pelvic floor therapy, they likely think of a provider that treats pregnant women or helps you with kegels.
But did you know that pelvic floor physiotherapy is SO MUCH more than this?
Why People Need to Know What Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists Do?
Because…
- 1 in 3 women experience incontinence
- Pelvic pain in women costs the Canadian healthcare system $25 million a year
- Abdominal muscle separation affects 60% of people who are pregnant or recently postpartum
- Sexual dysfunction affects 40% of men over 40
- 73.5% of men with erectile dysfunction improve with pelvic exercise
We are important for the health of:
- Women
- Men
- Athletes
- Children
- Older adults
- Individuals who are pregnant
- Individuals who have recently given birth
- Anyone who is experiencing pelvic floor symptoms
Why Don’t People Understand Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized profession – some people in healthcare don’t even fully get what we can do!
Historically, pelvic health has been lacking in healthcare so now we’re working overtime to spread the word about how we can help treat you and your pelvic health issues!
Research has shown that physiotherapists are key professionals in providing effective care for pelvic health.
Pelvic health is important because the pelvis forms a strong foundation for your body. It forms the base of your spine and connects your torso to your lower body. I’d say the health and strength of your pelvis is pretty important then!
So What Do Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists Do?
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists provide care for your pelvic health issues.
We’re physiotherapists that are specialized in assessing and treating the pelvic floor to help with problems like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pain, sexual dysfunction, and lots more.
Some treatments we’re trained in to help you with your pelvic floor issues include:
- Soft tissue massage
- Trigger point release
- Pelvic floor strengthening
- Stretching of the pelvic floor
- Postural correction
- Breathing and mindfulness exercises
- Education about your pelvic floor issue
- TENS
…and more!
Click here to learn more about the different treatments we offer to help you find relief from your pelvic floor issue.
What Should You Expect From Your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist?
Pelvic health issues can be uncomfortable, painful, and isolating.
When you see a pelvic floor physiotherapist, you can expect us to look for the root of your problem, find what’s causing your symptoms, and work with you to create a treatment plan that will help you reach your goals.
We’re here for you to ease your worries, teach you about your condition, and most importantly, find solutions for your problems.
5 Things to Look for in Choosing a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist:
1. Has Specialized Post-Graduate Training in Pelvic Health Conditions
Canadian physiotherapists have a master’s degree in physical therapy and are is registered with their specific regulatory college to ensure certain standards are met.
A pelvic health physiotherapist is a physiotherapist that has taken post-graduate continuing additional courses specifically to learn about how to treat a variety of pelvic health issues. They’re knowledgeable and certified in treating a variety of different pelvic health issues.
It’s a good idea to ask your physiotherapist if they’ve had additional pelvic health training if you’re unsure!
2. Has a Strong Foundation in Treating Muscle and Joint Issues
Remember that old song…” the leg bone’s connected to the foot bone”? Well, your pelvic floor is no different! The pelvis is connected with the rest of your body which means that issues with one area of your body like your low back can affect the pelvis and vice versa.
For this reason, a good physiotherapist will assess your whole body to help find the root of your issue and underlying contributing factors.
They’ll assess functional movements like how you stand, walk, balance, and other activities or sports that you like to do to ensure that your treatment plan is related to your specific lifestyle and needs.
3. Takes an Approach that Incorporates Your Physical and Emotional Well-Being
A good pelvic floor physiotherapist will use an approach that considers the physical state of your body, and closely considers the symptoms that you have as well.
They will understand that factors like stress, work, beliefs, your environment, and culture, all play a role in how your symptoms can present and will take the time to get to know you to help treat your condition and get back to what’s important to you.
4. Makes You Feel Comfortable, Safe, and Heard
Issues related to your pelvic floor can feel sensitive to discuss. It can take a lot of courage to take the first steps to reach out to a provider to help treat your pelvic floor problem.
An internal and external pelvic floor examination is typically offered to best assess your issue, but the internal exam does not have to happen if it makes you uncomfortable.
Look for a pelvic floor physiotherapist that makes you feel heard and listened to, encourages you to ask questions, and is sensitive to your pelvic floor issue and any factors that could impact your pelvic floor such as trauma and other experiences.
5. Offers a Free First-Time Phone Call
It can be nerve-wracking to book your first pelvic health physiotherapy appointment. A good pelvic floor physiotherapist knows this and will accommodate any questions or concerns you may have.
Although not mandatory, a phone call consultation can help you feel more comfortable before deciding that pelvic floor physiotherapy is right for you and your condition.
I’m Interested and Ready to See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist! What Are My Next Steps?
At PhysioPlus Health Group, our trained Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists would be pleased to help you through your journey and find effective solutions to your issue. Request an appointment with us to treat your Pelvic Floor issue today.
If you’re still not sure if our services will help you with your Pelvic floor issue, try a FREE 20-minute phone consultation with one of our pelvic floor physiotherapists today, Michelle or Lauren, to discuss your pelvic floor concerns and review your treatment options.
We look forward to speaking with you and working together to help solve your pelvic floor issue once and for all.
This blog was written by Anna Zhang, a Physiotherapy student at the University of Toronto
FAQs
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is like regular physiotherapy but with a pelvic floor lens. Pelvic floor physiotherapists have advanced training so we can assess inside the pelvis with vaginal and/or rectal exams in combination with assessing the rest of your body. We’re trained to treat bladder, bowel, sexual and pregnancy and birth related conditions in women and men. We also treat chronic conditions like low back or tailbone pain, pain or discomfort related to pelvic surgeries, endometriosis, and more.
Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Free?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Ontario is currently NOT covered by OHIP.
However, many extended health insurance plans have coverage for the pelvic floor physiotherapy services that are offered at our clinic.
Be aware that the coverage of each individual insurance plan is different, so please contact your insurance company for further details.
What Should I Wear to My First Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment?
Please wear comfortable clothes that allow for access to your areas of concern by the Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist. Some examples of appropriate attire would include loose-fitting athletic clothes and comfortable shoes.