Pelvic floor physio improves pelvic floor function through exercises, lifestyle modifications, education and hands on treatment to decrease and eliminate your symptoms. This therapy involves assessing and treating a group of muscles that are involved with urinary, bowel, and sexual function.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, tendons, and ligaments deep within the body that helps with bladder and bowel control, supports the organs, and stabilizes the hips, low back and abdomen. As the body changes during pregnancy, there is additional impact and pressure on the pelvic floor, leading the muscles to lengthen and work harder, which is what they are meant to do. However, during pregnancy and post partum, if you face issues such as leakages, urinary urgency/frequency, abdominal separation, and pain with intercourse, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy may help reduce and eliminate these concerns.
Want to learn more?
Our Physios offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation (virtual) to answer any of your questions. Please call (905) 528-5271 to arrange your complimentary, 15-minute session or to book an appointment for Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Sessions in Hamilton
When you come in for an assessment of your pelvic floor and for pelvic floor physiotherapy, you will work with a pelvic health physiotherapist who has obtained the appropriate post-graduate training needed to evaluate your pelvic floor function. The assessment and subsequent treatments are always held in a private room to ensure privacy.
There is a thorough assessment, including a detailed description of your symptoms and medical history. The physical therapist will then assess how well you can move in your low back, hips, and sacroiliac joints, as these areas can place stress on your pelvic floor muscles.
With your informed consent, an internal vaginal and/or rectal examination may take place for the therapist to thoroughly assess the function of the pelvic floor muscles and, therefore, plan out an appropriate treatment plan.
After the physical examination, the physiotherapist will discuss the findings and propose a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. You will get a detailed pelvic floor physiotherapy plan to help you find relief from your pelvic floor issues.
You will always see the same therapist, and every treatment/assessment will be thoroughly discussed and explained to you.
FAQ
Who can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Individuals of all ages and for various issues can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy. Athletes with problems with incontinence, individuals during the prenatal and postpartum and pre and postmenopausal phases, individuals who experience bladder and bowel dysfunction, rectal pain, and difficulty with sexual intercourse, and those who suffer from chronic constipation or pain during sexual intercourse.
Can men benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy too?
Yes, men can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy. While pelvic floor issues are commonly associated with women, men can also experience conditions or symptoms related to the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help men with problems such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, post-surgical rehabilitation (such as prostatectomy), and other conditions affecting the pelvic region. A qualified pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess and treat these male concerns, providing targeted exercises, manual therapy techniques, and education to improve pelvic floor function and overall well-being.
How do I know if I need pelvic floor physiotherapy?
If your day-to-day life is negatively impacted by issues such as urinary incontinence, difficulties in urination, bowel incontinence, constipation, abdominal pain, low back/SI pain, sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain or coccyx pain, vaginal or rectal pain, penile or testicular pain, and post pelvic surgery, then you would benefit from being assessed by a pelvic health physiotherapist.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy painful?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy should not typically be painful, although some discomfort or sensitivity during specific interventions may occur. Each person’s experience may vary, so discussing any concerns or potential discomfort with your pelvic floor physiotherapist is crucial to ensure your comfort and adjust the treatment as needed.
Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, like any form of therapy or treatment, there can be potential risks or side effects, although they are typically minimal. Some individuals may experience temporary soreness or increased sensitivity in the treated area following manual therapy or exercises. In rare cases, individuals with certain medical conditions or pelvic floor issues may experience increased discomfort or pain during or after treatment. Communicate openly with your pelvic floor physiotherapist, provide feedback during the sessions, and discuss any concerns or discomfort you may experience. They can adjust the treatment plan accordingly to ensure your comfort and safety.
Do I need a referral?
No. You do not need a referral from your doctor to be assessed by a pelvic health physiotherapist. In Ontario, registered physiotherapists are considered primary healthcare practitioners. However, if you have coverage for physiotherapy treatment through an extended health benefits plan, the insurance company may require you to provide a physician’s prescription. Prices for pelvic floor physiotherapy visits are listed below for you to consult.
My doctor referred me elsewhere for physiotherapy. Can I come to Charlton Physio instead?
Absolutely! Clients can choose a physiotherapy location and practitioner that feels right for them. Your comfort level with your physiotherapist is critical.
This helps promote communication and compliance, which will help support your recovery. Please ensure that when you are referred for pelvic physiotherapy, you see a pelvic health physiotherapist who has acquired specialized post-graduate training to perform an internal examination. At Charlton Physio, all pelvic health physiotherapists have completed this training. With your consent, we will provide your physician with your assessment findings and treatment plan after the initial assessment. This enables and promotes open communication between your pelvic health physiotherapist and physician. Prices for pelvic floor physiotherapy visits are listed below for you to consult.
What should I bring to the assessment?
You can bring any diagnostic imaging, test results, and doctor’s notes you may have. The pelvic health physiotherapist will review these documents during your initial assessment.
How much does pelvic floor physiotherapy cost at Charlton Physio and Wellness?
The cost of pelvic floor physiotherapy varies depending on the recommended treatment and duration. The cost of your pelvic floor physiotherapy session may be partially or fully covered by insurance. If paying out of pocket, session costs range from $105 to $175.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy covered by OHIP?
The pelvic health physiotherapy services at Charlton Physio and Wellness are not covered under OHIP. However, all pelvic health physiotherapists at Charlton Physio are licensed and registered physiotherapists, and many extended health benefits provide coverage for these services.
Can you bill my extended health insurance company directly?
We can bill directly for most extended health insurance plans, including but not limited to Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and many more. Please bring your plan information to the appointment, and we will be happy to set up a claim submission for you.
In cases where your insurance plan does not allow us to bill directly, you must pay us upfront. We will provide an official receipt with all the required information (including your therapist’s license number) to collect your reimbursement. Please let your therapist know if your insurance company needs any other information, and we will gladly provide it.
Who does the pelvic floor assessment?
Leeanna Maher and Louise Fonteyne are registered physiotherapists and have taken extensive post-graduate pelvic health rehabilitation training. They are passionate about working with patients who have pelvic dysfunction to help them lead a healthy, pain-free life. Both Leeanna and Louise work with patients of all gender expressions and various pelvic floor dysfunctions.
Can I do exercises at home, or must I always come to the clinic for treatment?
During the initial pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment, our pelvic physiotherapists will discuss their findings with you and create a treatment plan based on your personal goals. Every person is unique in their treatment. Some clients require ongoing visits to the clinic, while others only need to check in every few weeks. For every client, though, treatment always includes the education and progression of home exercises to maintain and progress the gains made in the clinic.
How long does it take to see results from pelvic floor physiotherapy?
The time it takes to see results from pelvic floor physiotherapy can vary depending on several factors, including the specific condition being treated, the severity of the symptoms, individual factors, and consistency with the treatment plan. In some cases, individuals may experience improvement in symptoms after just a few sessions, while others may require several weeks or months of regular therapy to notice significant changes. It’s important to remember that pelvic floor physiotherapy is a process that requires active participation and adherence to the recommended exercises and techniques outside of therapy sessions. Working closely with a qualified pelvic floor physiotherapist, setting realistic expectations, and committing to the prescribed treatment plan can increase the likelihood of achieving positive results in a timely manner.