What to expect

A pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment will always start with a conversation. I want to know details about whatever problem you’re having and how it’s affecting your life. I’ll also ask you about your medical history, what kinds of activities or hobbies you like doing, and whether you have any other issues like back, hip, or knee pain. I also might have you fill out some objective outcome measures - a fancy name for surveys that help us create a personalized treatment plan.

The objective assessment comes next. I’ll usually assess your back, hips, breathing patterns, and any movements that cause you pain or discomfort. Often, we’ll do an internal vaginal or rectal assessment that helps both of us learn more about the state of your pelvic floor muscles. We want to know about the strength and control of your pelvic floor muscles so that we can decide on the best course of treatment. The internal exam is the best way to directly assess the pelvic floor, but it is always optional. There’s a lot we can do without an internal exam.

Pelvic floor physio treatment usually consists of modifying your daily habits or activities, exercises, and maybe some manual therapy. Sometimes you’ll go home with some pelvic floor exercises to do but often your home program will consist of more conventional hip and core exercises.

Each treatment plan is individualized and takes a lot of different factors into account. Sometimes I’ll suggest a referral to another healthcare provider such as a Registered Massage Therapist, or Registered Dietitian, or Registered Counsellor or Psychologist. Sometimes it makes sense to send you back to a Physician who can support a referral to a Urologist, Gynecologist, or Gastroenterologist. Communication is key, so I will send updated progress reports to whichever healthcare providers you end up seeing so that we can work together to support your care.

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