Relief, Recovery, and Renewed Strength!
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a branch of physical therapy that focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and addressing dysfunction in this area. The pelvic floor is a network of muscles and connective tissues located at the base of the pelvis, forming a supportive “bowl” for the pelvic organs.
These muscles attach to the pubic bone at the front, the tailbone at the back, and the hips on either side. In women, the pelvic organs supported by these muscles include the bladder, uterus, and rectum. The pelvic floor is essential for supporting these organs, maintaining continence, and contributing to sexual function.
Conditions Treated by Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Incontinence
Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or stool. Bladder leaks are often dismissed as a normal part of aging or after having children, but just because they’re common does not mean they’re normal. Research shows that pelvic floor physiotherapy is the most effective long-term solution for incontinence, even outperforming surgery.
Signs of incontinence may include:
- Involuntary urine leakage, even in small amounts
- Frequent dribbling due to incomplete bladder emptying
- Sudden, intense urges with accidental leakage
- Leakage triggered by activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising
- Difficulty reaching the bathroom due to physical or cognitive challenges
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can stem from a variety of underlying conditions. Complex pelvic pain may be caused by factors such as:
- Endometriosis
- Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Joint or Muscle Dysfunction
- Pudendal Neuralgia
- Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
- Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction
- Post-surgical, and more!
Prolapse
Prolapse occurs when pelvic organs descend into or outside the vaginal canal, often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an effective first-line treatment and non-invasive alternative to surgery.
Symptoms may include:
- Heaviness or pressure in the vagina/rectum
- Difficulty keeping a tampon in place
- Urinary or bowel issues
- Pain during sex
- Visible protrusion
Pain with Intimacy
Pain during or after intimacy can result from various physical or psychological factors. A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess, diagnose, and treat conditions related to painful sex, such as:
- Dyspareunia
- Vestibulodynia
- Vulvodynia
- Vaginismus
- Gynecological cancers
- Pelvic scar tissue
Symptoms may include:
- Discomfort at the vaginal opening or during initial penetration
- Pain during deeper penetration, often in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Emotional effects like anxiety or fear about sexual activity
Sex shouldn’t be painful! A pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you find relief and enjoy pain-free intimacy.
Post-Hysterectomy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is key in recovery after a hysterectomy, it ensures that the pelvic muscles support the remaining organs, including the bowel, bladder, and intestines. This therapy focuses on:
- Improving pelvic floor strength, stability, and function
- Reducing post-operative pain
- Managing scar tissue and rebuilding core strength
- Preventing complications like pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, and pain during sex
Bowel Health
Healthy bowel function is marked by regular, pain-free bowel movements. Poor bowel health can present with symptoms like:
- Irregular bowel movements or changes in stool consistency
- Fecal incontinence
- Cramping, bloating, or abdominal discomfort
- Constipation, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures
- Rectal pain or bleeding
Pelvic floor physiotherapy addresses the muscular and functional aspects of bowel health, helping to improve control, reduce discomfort, and provide strategies for maintaining optimal bowel health.
What Does a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Session Consist Of?
Subjective History
Your physiotherapy journey begins with a detailed assessment of your history. This includes discussing your current concerns and the reasons for your visit, as well as reviewing your medical history, previous injuries, medications, and more. We may also explore topics such as bladder and bowel function, sexual function, and menstrual health, as these can provide important insights. Together, we will establish specific goals for your treatment, ensuring that every session is tailored to help you achieve the outcomes that matter most to you.
Objective/Physical Assessment
During your assessment, your physiotherapist may evaluate a variety of factors, including:
- Posture and gait
- Functional movements including abdominal, lower back and hip mobility
- Muscle strength and flexibility
Pelvic floor physiotherapy goes beyond focusing solely on the pelvic area. It often involves a comprehensive, whole-body assessment and a holistic approach to care.
Internal Assessment
The pelvic floor is a group of internal muscles, and the most effective way to assess their function is through an internal examination. We understand that this process can feel intimidating or cause anxiety for some clients.
Please rest assured that we are here to support you throughout. An internal assessment is never mandatory and will only be performed with your informed consent. You can withdraw your consent at any time, regardless of how far along you are in the assessment process.
If an internal pelvic floor assessment is recommended for your symptoms, your physiotherapist will explain the procedure in detail, outlining each step. Depending on your specific concerns, this assessment may involve a vaginal examination, rectal examination, or both.
What Takes Place During the Internal Assessment:
If you consent to an internal assessment, your physiotherapist will ensure the process is comfortable and respectful. Here’s what to expect:
- Preparation: Your physiotherapist will leave the room to give you privacy while you undress from the waist down. You will lie on the treatment bed with a sheet provided to cover your lower body.
- External Assessment: Once ready, your physiotherapist will return and begin the assessment using a clean technique with non-latex gloves. They will evaluate the tissues on the outside of your pelvis and may guide you in performing a pelvic floor muscle contraction (Kegel) with proper breathing techniques.
- Internal Assessment: The internal portion involves assessing the muscles and tissues either vaginally (using one or two fingers) or rectally (using one finger), depending on your area of concern. This allows the physiotherapist to evaluate the muscles and tissues from the front, back, and sides of the pelvis.
- Functional Testing: Your physiotherapist will assess various aspects of your pelvic floor, including strength, endurance, tension, coordination, muscle activation patterns, and tissue laxity.
This thorough assessment helps provide the most accurate understanding of your pelvic floor function. Based on both subjective information and objective findings, your physiotherapist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Home Exercise Program & Education
After your assessment, your physiotherapist will provide personalized education to help you understand your symptoms and their causes. This may include insights into your anatomy, daily habits, and how they affect your progress, empowering you with practical strategies for improvement.
You’ll also receive tailored exercises, such as breathing techniques, stretching, strengthening, and release work, designed to address the root causes of your symptoms and support your recovery.
Creating Your Treatment Plan
After completing all necessary assessments, the remainder of your session will focus on developing and discussing your individualized treatment plan. This plan is designed to address your unique needs and goals, and may include:
- Recommended treatment techniques
- Suggested frequency and total number of sessions
- Estimated timeline for improvement
- A personalized at-home exercise program or active rehabilitation plan
- Referrals to other healthcare providers who may complement your care
- Product recommendations to support your recovery
While the plan may evolve as treatment progresses, you will leave your session with a clear understanding of the next steps and a path forward.
Meet Kelowna’s Leading Physiotherapy Team
Direct Billing
We offer direct billing to most major insurance companies as well as ICBC. Please see our direct billing page for more information.
Areas We Serve
- Kelowna
- Glenmore
- Downtown
- Lower Mission
- Kelowna South
- Lower Rutland
Empowering Your Health: Featured Blog Posts
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Kelowna FAQs
How Long Does It Take To See Results From Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
The timeline for results varies based on the individual and condition being treated. Many people notice improvements in symptoms within a few sessions, especially when combined with at-home exercises. Chronic conditions may take longer, often requiring consistent effort over weeks or months. Your physiotherapist will provide a realistic timeline based on your specific goals and progress during your sessions.
Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Prevent Future Health Issues?
Yes, proactive pelvic floor physio can prevent future health issues by strengthening the muscles, improving coordination, and addressing imbalances before they cause symptoms. It’s especially helpful during life transitions like pregnancy, and postpartum, when the pelvic floor undergoes significant changes. Preventative therapy can also reduce the likelihood of incontinence, prolapse, and chronic pain, ensuring better long-term health and quality of life.
