What conditions does pelvic floor physiotherapy treat?

Chronic Pelvic pain Constipation Endometriosis Hip pain Interstitial cystitis Low back pain Pain in areas of the vagina (Clitorodynia, Vestibulodynia, or Vulvodynia) Pain with bowel movements or urination Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia, Vaginismus) Painful Bladder Syndrome Pelvic organ prolapse Prenatal care Postpartum care Urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, urge incontinence Urinary urgency, retention, hesitation, frequency

Will my extended health insurance cover pelvic floor physiotherapy?

If you have extended health insurance benefits then you may be able to request coverage for pelvic floor physiotherapy. PFP is not currently covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Can I come to pelvic floor physiotherapy if I am on my period?

Yes, you can come to pelvic floor physiotherapy if you are on your period. Menstruation does not prevent physical therapy from being effective, and it certainly is not harmful by any means.

Can I receive pelvic floor physio while I am pregnant?

Yes, you can receive pelvic floor physio while you are pregnant. Not only is it safe to do pelvic floor exercises while pregnant, but it is very beneficial to help prepare you for giving birth as well for the following reasons: You can help to control some of the bladder and bowel symptoms during pregnancy. It can help ensure your muscles are elastic enough for birth. PFP can also act as a preventive measure. For example, if you are experiencing urinary incontinence, the leaking may be a result of an issue with muscle integrity. If the muscles aren’t strong enough to hold and control the bladder, PFP will help with this. Even after birth, physiotherapists say you can restart pelvic floor physiotherapy roughly 4-6 weeks postpartum.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy | Newmarket Health & Wellness

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Newmarket

The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles located at the base or floor of your pelvis and connects your pubic bone to your tailbone. These pelvic floor muscles support the pelvic organs which include the bladder, prostate (in men), uterus and vagina (in women), and the rectum.

When the pelvic floor muscles are functioning normally, you are able to use the bathroom with no trouble because the pelvic floor muscles tighten and relax easily. However, if you have pelvic floor dysfunction, these muscles will continue to tighten instead of relaxing, causing discomfort or pain. The tension can result in difficult and painful bowel movements or urine and/or stool leaks, among other symptoms.

The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for the following functions:

Providing support to the pelvic cavity organs inside the pelvic cavity i.e., the bladder, uterus, and rectum.

Control the opening and closing of the urethra, vagina, and rectum.

Allow blood flow during sexual activity.

Supports the hips and lower back.

What Does a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Do?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is designed to alleviate any pain or discomfort caused by weak or imbalanced pelvic floor muscles. This targeted physiotherapy is recommended for a variety of pelvic floor disorders that include urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, and other conditions.

Unfortunately, many people who experience such symptoms believe they just have to suffer through the pain, and yet there is an effective treatment they can undergo to help address these issues and make them feel better. A pelvic floor physiotherapist in Newmarket can help decrease the symptoms caused by pelvic dysfunction or eliminate them altogether.

During a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment, a qualified public health physiotherapist will conduct an evaluation of your pelvic floor function. This is done in a private room. First, the pelvic floor physiotherapist will gather information about your symptoms and your medical history. Then he/she will perform a physical examination to assess your mobility in your lower back, hips, and sacroiliac joints. If necessary, you may need an internal vaginal or rectal examination so your therapist can thoroughly examine the function of your pelvic floor muscles before determining the best treatment plan. The internal exam will only be done with your informed consent. Once the physical examination has been completed, the pelvic floor therapist will propose a pelvic floor exercises plan that addresses your specific symptoms and pelvic floor needs.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Symptoms

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are either too weak or too tight or when the bones located in the pelvic region are not moving the way they are supposed to. This can interfere with the various bodily functions that take place in the pelvis and cause significant discomfort or pain. Some of the symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction are:

Pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes like menopause, excessive heavy lifting, pelvic surgery or straining when urinating or having a bowel movement.

Bowel and Or Bladder Leakage

Incontinence

Pelvic Girdle Pain

Diastasis Recti

Hip Pain

Endometriosis

Pre & Post Partum Care

Constipation

Genital Pain

Pain During Sexual Intercourse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Chronic Low Back or Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Postnatal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Newmarket

Childbirth is a traumatic event for the pelvic muscles. Just like any muscle in the body that experiences trauma, there need to be specific pelvic floor exercises to repair and restore the muscles in the pelvic floor to a healthy state after pregnancy and childbirth. The truth is that most women who have had vaginal births need to have pelvic floor physiotherapy if they experience the slightest symptoms like minor bladder leakage while sneezing or coughing, pain during sex, or feeling bloated.

Kegel exercises and pelvic floor exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, however, if your symptoms continue to be prevalent, physiotherapy may be the best course of action for you.

The need for postnatal pelvic floor physiotherapy is not only limited to women who have vaginal births. Women who have cesarean deliveries often need to have pelvic floor physiotherapy. This is because the weight of the baby, amniotic fluid, placenta, and uterus put excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. It’s important that you have your pelvic floor exercises assessed particularly before returning to any form of exercise after childbirth just to make sure that your muscles in your pelvic floor are working as they should and ready for increased activity.

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FAQ

What conditions does pelvic floor physiotherapy treat?
Chronic Pelvic pain
Constipation
Endometriosis
Hip pain
Interstitial cystitis
Low back pain
Pain in areas of the vagina (Clitorodynia, Vestibulodynia, or Vulvodynia)
Pain with bowel movements or urination
Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia, Vaginismus)
Painful Bladder Syndrome
Pelvic organ prolapse
Prenatal care
Postpartum care
Urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, urge incontinence
Urinary urgency, retention, hesitation, frequency
Will my extended health insurance cover pelvic floor physiotherapy?

If you have extended health insurance benefits then you may be able to request coverage for pelvic floor physiotherapy. PFP is not currently covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Can I come to pelvic floor physiotherapy if I am on my period?

Yes, you can come to pelvic floor physiotherapy if you are on your period. Menstruation does not prevent physical therapy from being effective, and it certainly is not harmful by any means.
Can I receive pelvic floor physio while I am pregnant?
Yes, you can receive pelvic floor physio while you are pregnant. Not only is it safe to do pelvic floor exercises while pregnant, but it is very beneficial to help prepare you for giving birth as well for the following reasons:
- You can help to control some of the bladder and bowel symptoms during pregnancy.
- It can help ensure your muscles are elastic enough for birth.
- PFP can also act as a preventive measure. For example, if you are experiencing urinary incontinence, the leaking may be a result of an issue with muscle integrity. If the muscles aren’t strong enough to hold and control the bladder, PFP will help with this.
Even after birth, physiotherapists say you can restart pelvic floor physiotherapy roughly 4-6 weeks postpartum.

Ready to Have Your Pelvic Floor Assessed?

If you are looking for “pelvic floor physiotherapy near me or pelvic floor exercises” in Newmarket or Mississauga, Newmarket Health & Wellness Center is a clear choice. Our qualified physiotherapists are trained to address pelvic floor dysfunction and help you feel better. Call us to book your pelvic floor assessment in Newmarket today.