PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY

Commonly Associated Diagnoses

Below is a list of some common medical diagnoses that have been known to involve pelvic floor dysfunction and can be treated in physiotherapy

Treatment Options

During 1 hour sessions a certified pelvic floor physiotherapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan which may include:

• Education and counseling: It is important that patients have a clear understanding of their condition in order to take control of it. Through treatment, patients will understand the anatomy and physiology related to their symptoms. Patients will also receive counseling to modify lifestyle, diet and toileting habits to optimize bladder/bowel control, pain control, and/or sex that are individualized to fit their needs.
• A personalized exercise plan and take-home aids: In order to maintain progress between clinic sessions patients will be provided visual aids, multimedia presentations and work sheets specific to their treatment plan.
• Manual therapy: massage, myofascial release, connective tissue manipulation, stretching and joint mobilization to promote relaxation, and mobilization or activation of tissues.
• Biofeedback: Involves a small vaginal or anal probe that allows the activity of the pelvic floor muscles to be displayed on a computer screen. This allows the patient to have more control during exercises.
• Electrical stimulation: A gentle electric current is applied to the muscles to enhance the sensation, strength or to control pain.
• Balloon training: Improves anorectal control by increasing patient awareness of filling, storage and evacuation manoeuvers in cases of chronic constipation or anal incontinence
• Pessary fitting: a flexible ring made of plastic or silicone is inserted into the vagina to lift and support the pelvic organs when there is a pelvic organ prolapse (uterine, bladder, rectum). This is a common treatment option if the patient is not a surgical candidate. Also, pessaries are an effective treatment option for stress incontinence in female athletes during intense sport with high impact *In Quebec, a pelvic floor physiotherapist will fit and insert a pessary if they have been formally trained and certified however the pessary must be prescribed by a medical doctor.
• Hypopressive ® – Low pressure fitness: Abdominal and pelvic floor rehabilitation technique that combines posture and breathing exercise to strengthen core muscles while decreasing pressure on pelvic organs. For men and women.

Patients are not required to have a doctors’ referral to consult a pelvic health physiotherapist.

 Physiotherapy is covered by most insurance plans.