What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Preventative
Preventative interventions are aimed at optimizing pelvic health during the reproductive years, as women transition through menopause, and for those who wish to take their core strength to a new level. Education and individually prescribed exercises are provided by knowledgeable pelvic health therapists.
Restorative
When pelvic health changes, pelvic health physiotherapists can assess for impairments and implement a restorative treatment plan. Restorative interventions often include a combination of education about pelvic anatomy and function, manual techniques to restore muscle and connective tissue health, and unique exercises to optimize awareness, contractility, and function of the pelvic floor muscles as they fire independently as well as part of the integrated body system.
Education
Providing education and sharing our knowledge of a poorly understood area is a key component of pelvic health physiotherapy. Knowledge allows us to understand where we are, empowers us to change behaviours, and gives us the tools to move forward.
Physiotherapy can help!
"One in three women in Canada, has some form of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction - impacting their lives in many ways. With the help of physiotherapy, patients receive tremendous results and can effectively overcome their condition."
We want to thank the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia for creating this inspiring video and for highlighting the importance of pelvic floor health. If this video resonates with you Kingston Pelvic Health may be the right clinic for you. Don't hesitate to call or email us today to get started on your journey.
Common Conditions Treated
The following conditions do not reflect all treatment expertise among our team of practitioners. Please contact Kingston Pelvic Health to ask about conditions not listed or questions about your pelvic health.
Prenatal Health
Prenatal education
Perineal stretching
Delivery preparation
Pelvic girdle pain (e.g. pubic symphysis, sacroiliac joint, tailbone, round ligament, hip, low back)
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Cystocele
Rectocele
Urethrocele
Enterocele
Uterine prolapse
Rectal prolapse
Vaginal vault prolapse
Sexual Health
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Vulvodyna (vulvar pain)
Vaginissmus
Erectile dysfunction
Dysorgasmia (pain with orgasm)
Men's Pelvic Health
Chronic prostatitis
Postpartum Health
Post-partum core retraining
Post-delivery recovery and restoration
Diastasis recti abdominis
Scar tissue restriction
Obstetric anal sphincter injury (grade 3 and 4 tear)
Bowel Health
Irregular bowel movements
Evacuation difficulties
Constipation or loose stools
Fecal incontinence
Hemorrhoids
Anal fissures
Rectal pain
Pre & Post-Surgical
Hysterectomy
Pelvic organ prolapse repair
Prostatectomy
Post-cancer surgery or treatment
Gender-affirming
Bladder Health
Stress urinary incontinence
Urge urinary incontinence
Urinary retention
Overactive bladder: urinary urgency and frequency
Nocturia
Interstitial cystitis (IC)
Bladder pain syndrome (BPS)
Pelvic Pain
Genital pain
Pelvic pain
Abdominal pain
Tailbone pain (coccydynia)
Pudendal nerve irritability
Low back, hip, groin, and SI joint pain
Women's Pelvic Health
Endometriosis
Lichen sclerosis
Peri and post-menopausal
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Intake Paperwork
Initial forms and questionnaires are completed to screen for signs of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Examination
Initial examinations will include a global assessment of posture, mobility, and lubmo-pelvic stability. Based on individual medical history, the therapist may perform an internal exam to determine specific pelvic floor impairments and teach patient how to feel control their pelvic floor muscles.
In certain cases, a pelvic exam is not deemed to be appropriate, either by the therapist or the individual. this does not preclude people from benefiting from pelvic floor physiotherapy. Our practitioners are highly skilled at providing education and treatment for all comfort levels.
Medical History
The therapist will take a thorough history of your concerns, as well as ask questions regarding your general health and well-being.
Goal Setting
Following the examination, a treatment plan is discussed, goals are set, and treatment begins. Patients leave the first session more knowledgeable about their pelvic health, with exercises to complete, and a clear treatment plan in place.
Treatment plans often includes elements of manual therapy, soft tissue release, posture re-training, breathing techniques, exercises, and biofeedback as indicated. Our approach to treatment is personalized to address your specific condition, goals and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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