Holistic Approach

Our holistic approach ensures that each treatment plan is carefully crafted to address your unique health challenges. From initial diagnosis to ongoing management, all aspects of your well-being are considered, providing a thorough and effective recovery pathway.

Patient-Centered Approach

Emphasis is placed on understanding your unique health concerns and goals. Every treatment plan is co-created with input from the patient, ensuring that all care is individualized and highly effective.

Expertise and Experience

Our physiotherapists with advanced training and extensive experience in pelvic health ensure high-quality care. Each professional is committed to creating personalized treatment plans that cater to your specific needs and health goals

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What is Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues located at the base of the pelvis. These muscles form a sling or hammock that supports the organs in the pelvis, including the bladder, intestines, and uterus (in women). The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in several bodily functions:



  1. Support the pelvic organs
  2. Control of Urination and Defecation: 
  3. Sexual Function
  4. Stabilization


Weakness or dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles can lead to various issues, such as urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pain relief for chronic and acute conditions: Chronic and acute pelvic pain can significantly disrupt daily life. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy provides targeted treatment, addressing pain sources and promoting functional recovery, enhancing comfort and overall functionality.

Improved bladder and bowel control: Many individuals experience difficulties with bladder and bowel control, leading to discomfort and social challenges. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy strengthens pelvic floor muscles, aiding in the effective management and improvement of these essential functions

Enhanced sexual function and reduced pain: Sexual dysfunctions and related pain can affect intimate relationships and personal well-being. Physiotherapy interventions focus on alleviating pain and enhancing muscle coordination, contributing to improved sexual health and satisfaction.

Support during pregnancy and postpartum recovery: Pregnancy and postpartum periods involve significant musculoskeletal changes. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy offers specialized exercises and techniques to manage pain, support bodily changes, and facilitate a smoother recovery process.

Better quality of life and overall well-being: Optimized pelvic health can lead to a marked improvement in daily living quality. Addressing pelvic dysfunctions not only alleviates discomfort but also enhances overall physical and emotional well-being.

Non-invasive treatment options: Invasive procedures are not always necessary for treating pelvic floor issues. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy utilizes non-invasive methods such as exercises and manual techniques, ensuring effective treatment with minimal risk.

A Guide to Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy focusing on the rehabilitation of pelvic floor muscles. It addresses issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. By incorporating evidence-based techniques, it helps improve muscle strength, coordination, and overall pelvic function, contributing to a better quality of life.


This type of physiotherapy is crucial for overall wellness because the pelvic floor plays a significant role in several vital functions, including bladder and bowel control, sexual health, and core stability. Dysfunction in these muscles can lead to a range of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms, impacting one's daily activities and emotional well-being.


Individuals across different life stages can benefit from Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. These include pregnant and postpartum women, those experiencing menopausal changes, individuals with chronic pelvic pain or who have undergone pelvic surgeries, and even athletes. A personalized treatment plan can assist in pain relief, functional restoration, and the enhancement of life quality.

What is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles extending from the pubic bone in the front, the tailbone in the back, and spanning to the "sit bones" on the sides. These muscles form a hammock-like structure between the legs and play a crucial role in several bodily functions, including sphincter control, pelvic organ support, lumbopelvic stability, sexual function, and lymphatic movement.


When pelvic floor muscles become tight, weak, uncoordinated, or injured, a specialized approach is necessary. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy targets this unique muscle group, enhancing their functionality and helping patients achieve a better quality of life. Trained Pelvic Health Physiotherapists provide safe and effective internal palpation of the pelvic floor muscles, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care.


Pelvic Health Physiotherapy effectively treats a myriad of conditions such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, diastasis recti, female sexual dysfunction, endometriosis, coccydynia, and interstitial cystitis. Patients often find relief from acute and chronic pain as well as improvements in bladder and bowel control.

What Can I Expect at my First Appointment? 

During your first appointment for Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, you can anticipate a thorough assessment conducted in a private, comfortable setting. Our physiotherapists will take a comprehensive health history, discussing your symptoms, medical background, and specific goals. This initial conversation helps us understand your unique needs and set the foundation for an effective treatment plan.


The assessment will include evaluating your pelvic floor muscles for strength, coordination, and flexibility. This may involve both external and internal examinations, always performed with your consent. An internal pelvic floor assessment is often considered best practice but is scheduled according to your comfort level. Assessments may be staggered across multiple sessions depending on your symptoms.


Findings from the assessment will be discussed in detail, and an individualized Plan of Care will be developed collaboratively with you. This plan will include education on self-management, exercises to perform at home, and an overview of the expected timeline for improvement. The ultimate goal is to ensure a holistic and effective treatment experience that meets your needs.

Will Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Help Me?

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, research supports that you would benefit from a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Assessment. 


1. Urinary Incontinence

  • Stress Incontinence: Leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.
  • Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by involuntary leakage.
  • Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence symptoms.
  • Overflow Incontinence: Constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn’t empty completely.


2. Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition where one or more of the pelvic organs—such as the bladder, uterus, rectum—descend or "prolapse" from their normal position into or through the vaginal canal. This occurs when the muscles and connective tissues that support these organs weaken or become stretched, often due to various factors.


3. Sexual Dysfunction

  • Dyspareunia: Painful intercourse, often related to pelvic floor muscle tension or weakness.
  • Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle spasms that prevent vaginal penetration.


4. Pregnancy and Postpartum Conditions

  • Pelvic Girdle Pain: Pain in the pelvic joints during or after pregnancy.
  • Diastasis Recti: Separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy can affect pelvic floor function.
  • Postpartum Recovery: Addressing pelvic floor weakness, pain, or prolapse following childbirth.


5.  Pelvic Pain

Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: Chronic bladder pain and discomfort with urinary urgency and frequency.

Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and discomfort.

Vulvodynia: Chronic pain or discomfort around the vulva without an identifiable cause.

Coccygodynia: Pain around the coccyx (tailbone), often exacerbated by sitting.


6.  Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea refers to the medical term for painful menstrual cramps that occur immediately before or during menstruation.

Symptoms:

  • Lower abdominal pain or cramping may radiate to the lower back and thighs.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in some cases.
  • Headache and dizziness.


7. Pudendal neuralgia

  • Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the pudendal nerve, which is the main nerve of the perineum (the area between the anus and genitals). 
  • This nerve provides sensation to the genitalia and surrounding areas and controls the muscles of the pelvic floor. When the pudendal nerve becomes irritated or damaged, it can lead to significant pain and discomfort, known as pudendal neuralgia.

Meet our Pelvic Floor Rehab Physiotherapist in Mississauga

Dundas Location
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FAQs

  • How long does it take to see results?

    The timeline to see results from Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can vary greatly depending on the individual's condition, severity, and adherence to the recommended treatment plan. For some, significant improvements can be noticed within a few sessions, especially when dealing with acute issues or mild to moderate muscle dysfunctions. Chronic conditions, on the other hand, may require a longer-term approach, with consistent progress observed over several weeks or months of dedicated therapy.


    Patient participation is a crucial factor in the recovery timeline. Adhering to prescribed exercises and lifestyle modifications can significantly accelerate the healing process. Open communication with your physiotherapist about your progress and any challenges you face will also contribute to a more effective and timely improvement. Setting realistic expectations and celebrating small milestones can aid in maintaining motivation throughout the treatment journey.

  • Is the internal pelvic floor assessment mandatory?

    An internal pelvic floor assessment is considered best practice and is highly effective for diagnosing and treating pelvic floor dysfunctions. However, it is not mandatory and will only be performed with your explicit consent. This assessment involves a gentle internal palpation of the pelvic floor muscles through the vagina or rectum. It provides invaluable information on muscle strength, coordination, flexibility, and relaxation capabilities. This detailed insight helps physiotherapists to create an effective, personalized treatment plan. 




    Should there be any discomfort or apprehension about undergoing an internal assessment, discussing concerns openly with your physiotherapist is essential. Alternative assessment techniques can be explored to ensure that your comfort and safety are always prioritized. The goal is to have a collaborative approach to your care, ensuring that all treatments and assessments align with your comfort levels and health objectives.

  • Which conditions can be treated?

    People experiencing:


    Pain:


    - Acute or chronic pain in the back, hip, pelvic area, tailbone, or groin that hasn't improved with other treatments


    - Pain linked to menstruation (including abdominal, pelvic, and back pain)


    - Discomfort during urination or bowel movements


    - Pain associated with endometriosis


    - Pain during sexual intercourse


    - Pain experienced during pregnancy or postpartum




    Bladder Symptoms:


    - Urinary leakage or incontinence


    - Frequent urination


    - Urgent need to urinate


    - Pain while urinating


    - Urinary retention




    Bowel Symptoms:


    - Constipation


    - Fecal incontinence


    - Increased frequency of bowel movements


    - Urgent need to have a bowel movement


    - Painful bowel movements




    Pelvic Organ Prolapse:


    - A sensation of pelvic pressure or heaviness




    Pregnancy and Postpartum:


    - Managing pain related to pregnancy


    - Safe exercises during pregnancy and postpartum


    - Preparation for childbirth (both vaginal and C-section)


    - Recovery of pelvic floor and abdominal muscles postpartum




    Sexual Dysfunction:


    - Painful sexual intercourse




    Post-Cancer:


    - Addressing pelvic health issues following pelvic or breast cancers, including the effects of radiation, chemotherapy, and other treatments on the pelvic floor

  • Who are Pelvic Health Physiotherapists?

    Pelvic Health Physiotherapists are highly specialized Registered Physiotherapists who have pursued advanced, post-graduate training specifically focused on pelvic health. Their expertise lies in assessing and treating a wide array of conditions related to the pelvic floor, including issues with bladder and bowel control, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. These professionals utilize both external and internal assessment techniques to evaluate the functionality of the pelvic floor muscles, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your condition. Their advanced skills also enable them to provide holistic, individualized treatment plans that target specific symptoms effectively.


    They adhere to strict regulatory standards set by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, ensuring they provide safe, effective, and ethical care. Through internal palpation techniques, which are conducted in a gentle and non-threatening manner, they gain detailed insights into your pelvic health. This hands-on approach allows for the creation of a targeted treatment plan aimed at improving muscle coordination, strength, flexibility, and overall pelvic function. Being registered and rostered professionals, Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists are committed to maintaining the highest level of clinical competence and patient safety.

Take Control of Your Pelvic Health,

Book A Free Consultation Today

Have any questions? Book in a free consultation if you’re interested in the benefits that pelvic floor physiotherapy can provide. Gain expert guidance tailored to your unique needs. Start your journey to a pain-free, healthier life now!

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