Pelvic floor physiotherapy involves treatment by a specialized therapist to help with the dysfunction of pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor muscles help to support the urinary and reproductive tracts in place. Any dysfunction in the pelvic floor may cause pain, discomfort and urinary incontinence.
The Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Calgary
The pelvic floor keeps your bladder in place in the front and the vagina and rectum in the back. Your uterus is held in place at the top of the pelvic floor by muscles, tendons, and connective tissue. In men, the pelvic floor helps keep the bowels, bladder, urethra, and rectum in place. Pelvic floor muscles attach to your tailbone and pubic bone. If the muscles in the pelvic floor are weak or don’t work as they should, this is called pelvic floor dysfunction.
Signs
- Constipation
- Trouble controlling bowels
- Urine leaks
- Increase in peeing frequency
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Painful intercourse
- Low back pain
- Pelvic or Hip pain
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Most Common Causes
- Child Birth
- Obesity and being overweight
- Poor posture
- Pelvic Surgery /Trauma
- Chronic coughing
- Pelvic irradiation
- Injuries to pelvic area
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes .i.e. perimenopausal/menopausal changes etc.
- Overuse of pelvic floor muscles
- Neurological symptoms (Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and diabetes)
- Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help With:
- Bladder-Urinary Leakage (Incontinence),
- Urinary frequency and urgency
- Bowels-Stool Leakage (incontinence),
- Stool urgency and frequency
- Pain with intercourse (Dyspareunia)
- Pain associated with pregnancy and Postpartum
- Pelvic pain
- Abdominal pain
- Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
- Mild to moderate Pelvic organ prolapse
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Interstitial cystitis
- Pelvic Floor
- Education on potential lifestyle modifications
- Pelvic floor muscle training
- Electrical stimulation
- Manual Therapy
- Biofeedback
- Personalized exercise programs
Wear comfortable and loose clothing. For internal examination you are asked to disrobe from waist down. The pelvic floor therapist will educate you regarding your diagnosis and will plan personalized exercises to help you with the symptoms.
FAQ About Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
What is pelvic floor physiotherapy?+
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on assessing and treating the pelvic floor muscles — the group of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. Dysfunction in these muscles can lead to pain or problems with bladder and bowel control.
Who can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy?+
People with a range of symptoms can benefit, including urinary incontinence or urgency, bowel control issues, pelvic or lower back pain, painful intercourse, pelvic organ prolapse, and postpartum recovery needs.
What should I expect during my first visit?+
Your first appointment will include a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and goals, followed by a physical assessment of your pelvic floor and related areas. A personalized treatment plan will then be created just for you.
Do I need an internal examination?+
Internal assessment may be recommended to accurately evaluate pelvic floor muscle tone, strength, and function, but it will only be done with your informed consent to ensure comfort and privacy throughout the process.
What does treatment involve?+
Pelvic floor physiotherapy typically includes a combination of education, therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, breath and core training, lifestyle guidance, and pelvic floor muscle training — all tailored to your needs.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy painful?+
Some people feel mild discomfort during internal assessment or manual therapy, but therapists work carefully to make the experience as comfortable as possible and to explain each step of the process.
How long are sessions and how many will I need?+
The initial assessment at Spectrum Physiotherapy is typically longer than follow-ups so your therapist can thoroughly evaluate and understand your needs. Follow-up treatments focus on your personalized plan and progress over time.
What should I wear to my appointment?+
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy movement. If an internal assessment is part of your care plan, you may be asked to disrobe from the waist down with privacy and respect for comfort maintained throughout.
Do you treat both women and men?+
Pelvic floor dysfunction and related symptoms can affect anyone. During your consultation, your therapist will assess your specific needs regardless of gender and tailor an appropriate treatment plan.