Women's Pelvic Health

Pelvic floor physiotherapy may be helpful for women of all ages experiencing bladder, bowel, pelvic, pregnancy, or postpartum concerns. Your physiotherapist will complete a thorough assessment and work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your goals and symptoms.

Your first appointment includes a discussion of your medical history, symptoms, and goals. With your informed consent, your physiotherapist may recommend an external and/or internal pelvic floor examination to assess muscle strength, coordination, tension, and function. An internal examination is never required, and you may decline or stop the assessment at any time.

Please note: Internal pelvic floor examinations are not performed during pregnancy at this clinic. If you are pregnant, your assessment and treatment will focus on external techniques, education, exercise, breathing strategies, and pregnancy-specific management.

Treatment will always be tailored to your comfort level. If you would like to bring a chaperone, partner, friend, or support person to your appointment, you are welcome to do so.

An internal pelvic floor examination or treatment may not be recommended if you:

* Do not wish to have an internal assessment or cannot provide informed consent* Are pregnant, as internal pelvic floor examinations are not performed during pregnancy at this clinic* Have an active pelvic or urinary tract infection* Are experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding* Are within the early stages of postpartum healing or following certain pelvic surgeries* Are postmenopausal and have vaginal tissue that is significantly atrophied or fragile, as alternative treatments may be recommended before proceeding with an internal examination or treatment* Have other medical conditions where an internal examination is not appropriate

Your physiotherapist will discuss any precautions with you and recommend alternative assessment or treatment options when needed. For some postmenopausal individuals, improving vaginal tissue health before performing an internal examination or treatment may provide a safer and more comfortable experience.

Most people tolerate pelvic floor physiotherapy very well. Following treatment or an internal examination, you may experience mild muscle soreness or temporary symptom changes for 24–48 hours. Serious complications are very uncommon.  There is a risk of bleeding particularily if tissues are fragile; as well as a risk of infection; however this risk is mitigated by the therapist donning new exam gloves between internal and external pelvic exams, using single-use sterile lubricant, providing you individual electrode leads (which are cleaned with cavi-wipes prior and post use) and given to you to avoid cross contamination.  

Potential benefits include improved bladder and bowel control, reduced pelvic pain, better pelvic floor strength and coordination, improved sexual function, greater confidence with daily activities and exercise, and support throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Treatment is dependent on your symptoms, history, and assessment findings; but may include education, exercise, breathing strategies; if appropriate and with informed consent soft tissue release techniques, and lifestyle recommendations to help you achieve lasting results.

No, unfortunately at this time, my practice is only accepting anatomically female patients.  Please keep an eye out for updates on this website, as Rosie is currently registered to complete her APTA Pelvic Health Academy Certificate of Advanced Practice in Male Pelvic Health, which she is starting this summer.