Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Preventative and Restorative
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is for everyone!
Pelvic health physiotherapy involves a comprehensive evaluation of your overall movement, strength, flexibility, and areas of pain, as any physiotherapist might do. However, what sets pelvic health physiotherapists apart is the specialized training that enables them to assess the muscles and tissues of the pelvis internally through vaginal and/or rectal examinations.
The muscles in the pelvic region play crucial roles in supporting the lower back, maintaining continence of bowel and bladder, facilitating sexual function and pleasure, and providing support for internal organs like the bowel, bladder, and uterus. By addressing any discomfort and strengthening the pelvic muscles, pelvic physiotherapists aim to enhance overall pelvic health and function.
This specialized form of physiotherapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing pelvic pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and other related issues. Pelvic health physiotherapy can be beneficial through the perinatal period, helping individuals prepare and manage the hormonal and biomechanical changes that occur while pregnant. The internal examination allows for a more precise assessment of the pelvic floor muscles and enables targeted treatment strategies tailored to the individual's needs.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can be Restorative
There are times when our pelvic health changes and symptoms become bothersome. Pelvic health physiotherapists provide restorative care to reduce symptoms and optimize pelvic health. Developing the right treatment plan begins with a thorough assessment.
Restorative Physiotherapy Includes:
Education and pelvic floor muscle awareness training, manual techniques to restore muscle and connective tissue health, bladder training, specialized techniques to calm an overstimulated nervous system, and unique exercises to enhance pelvic floor muscle performance.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can be Preventative
Preventative pelvic floor physiotherapy is a concept that focuses on addressing pelvic floor issues before they become problematic. It involves seeking the guidance of a pelvic floor physiotherapist even if you do not currently have symptoms or specific concerns related to your pelvic floor.
Preventative Physiotherapy Includes:
Early Detection, Education and Awareness, Exercises, Identifying Risk Factors, and preventing future problems.
Women's Health
Pelvic health symptoms can affect us throughout our lifespan, not only during pregnancy and postpartum. Symptoms such as leaking urine while exercising, pain during sex and bladder urgency are common in people who have not had children, particularly those who are active. These symptoms can be a barrier to continuing a healthy, active lifestyle.
The mid to later years are another time of life when pelvic health symptoms can arise or worsen. This is known as the time of perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause. Common pelvic health issues that can occur are leaking urine with coughing, sneezing, or when exercising; pelvic organ prolapse symptoms such as heaviness or a bulge in the vagina; vaginal dryness and bladder concerns such as increased urgency or needing to go more often. These symptoms can be embarrassing and prevent women from being active during a time of life when exercise is essential.
Kelowna Pelvic Health welcomes anyone of the menopausal age and stage. Pelvic health physiotherapy can be beneficial to improve pelvic floor muscle strength, relieve prolapse symptoms, ensure healthy bladder habits, and give guidance on how to exercise in a way that is right for you.
Pelvic Floor Physio CAN Help!
"One in three women in Canada will have some form of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction - impacting their lives in many ways. With the help of physiotherapy, patients receive tremendous results and can effectively overcome symptoms." Physiotherapy Association of BC
We want to thank the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia for creating this inspiring video and for highlighting the importance of pelvic floor health. If this video resonates with you, Kelowna Pelvic Health may be the right clinic for you. Don't hesitate to call or email us today to get started on your journey.