Discover how specialized pelvic floor physiotherapy can transform your health and quality of life through expert assessment and targeted treatment.
A Real Patient Success Story
Recently, a client visited our clinic struggling with incontinence during coughing, sneezing, and jumping. Despite performing Kegel exercises for months, she experienced no improvement. Our specialized pelvic floor physiotherapist conducted a comprehensive assessment, including detailed history-taking and both external and internal examinations.
The evaluation revealed that her pelvic floor muscles were actually too tight—not too weak. Our physiotherapist guided her through pelvic relaxation techniques, identified bladder-irritating foods to avoid, and provided a bladder diary for tracking patterns.
The result? She was amazed by the immediate difference that proper education and targeted treatment made. This case perfectly illustrates that pelvic floor health extends far beyond simple Kegel exercises.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy focused on assessing and treating the complex network of muscles that form your pelvic floor. These muscles play crucial roles in:
- Bladder and bowel control
- Sexual function and comfort
- Core stability and posture
- Support for vital pelvic organs
While often overlooked in traditional healthcare, pelvic floor physiotherapy is gaining recognition as an essential component of overall health and wellness.
The Role of Specialized Pelvic Health Physiotherapists
What Makes Us Different?
Pelvic health physiotherapists are highly trained professionals with specialized expertise in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. Our comprehensive approach includes both external and internal assessment techniques.
Why Internal Assessment?
Many pelvic floor muscles cannot be properly evaluated through external examination alone. Internal palpation allows our physiotherapists to:
- Conduct thorough muscle assessments
- Identify areas of tension or weakness
- Develop targeted treatment plans
- Rule out contraindications safely
All internal assessments are performed only after careful screening and with full patient consent.
When Pelvic Floor Muscles Aren’t Working Properly
Too Tight or Too Weak?
Pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest as muscles that are either:
Overly tight (hypertonic): Leading to pain, difficulty emptying bladder/bowel, or sexual dysfunction
Too weak (hypotonic): Resulting in incontinence, prolapse, or lack of support
The “Use It or Lose It” Principle
Like any muscle group in your body, your pelvic floor requires proper function to maintain health. Ignoring pelvic floor problems now can lead to more serious complications later.
Consequences of Untreated Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Physical complications may include:
- Chronic back pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Urinary incontinence
- Bowel incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction and pain
Benefits of a strong, functional pelvic floor:
- Pain-free exercise and daily activities
- Excellent urinary control
- Normal bowel function
- Enhanced sexual health and comfort
Evidence-Based Strategies for Pelvic Floor Health
1. Diaphragmatic Breathing
Quick Assessment: Place one hand on your chest and another on your stomach. Breathe naturally through your nose and out through your mouth. Which hand moves more?
Optimal Technique: Focus on breathing into your lower ribcage and abdomen rather than your shoulders and upper chest. This coordination between your diaphragm and pelvic floor is essential for proper function.
2. Postural Awareness
Self-Check:
- Do you naturally shift weight to one side when standing?
- Is one knee typically bent while the other stays straight?
- Can you stack your ribcage directly over your pelvis while distributing weight evenly on both feet?
Simple Exercise: Imagine growing two inches taller while maintaining this balanced alignment.
3. Core Awareness and Neutral Spine
Finding Neutral: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Gently tilt your pelvis forward and backward several times, then settle into a position where there’s a small natural curve under your lower back. Your hip bones and pubic bone should be level, like balancing a bowl of water on your belly.
Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters
Your pelvic floor deserves the same attention and care as other important muscle groups like your back and knees. Understanding and addressing pelvic floor concerns proactively can prevent future complications and significantly improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during my first appointment?
Your initial consultation is a comprehensive 60-minute session that includes:
- Pre-appointment: Online forms sent for completion beforehand
- Detailed history: Discussion of symptoms, concerns, and health background
- Physical assessment: Both external and internal examination (when appropriate)
- Education: Clear explanation of your condition and contributing factors
- Treatment planning: Discussion of management strategies and treatment options
Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with painful intercourse?
Absolutely. Painful intercourse often stems from pelvic floor muscle tension, which can result from various factors including stress, posture, previous childbirth, or trauma. A comprehensive assessment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist can identify the specific causes and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your situation.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Pelvic Health
Don’t let pelvic floor dysfunction impact your quality of life. Our specialized pelvic floor physiotherapists are here to provide expert, compassionate care in a comfortable, professional environment.
Ready to start your journey to better pelvic health?
📞 Call us: 604-427-2172
🌐 Book online: https://belmontphysio.janeapp.com
Your pelvic floor health is essential to your overall well-being. Let us help you achieve the comfort and confidence you deserve.