Physiotherapy for Pelvic Floor

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Newmarket

Spectrum Physiotherapy, located in Newmarket, Ontario, specializes in providing targeted treatment plans for pelvic health issues, serving patients across the York Region. Our clinic is equipped with a team of experienced pelvic health physiotherapists dedicated to diagnosing and treating various forms of pelvic dysfunction. By integrating a range of proven therapies, including manual therapy, electrotherapy, acupuncture, and dry needling, we deliver personalized care designed to effectively address your specific needs and improve your pelvic health.

Understanding the importance of pelvic health for overall wellbeing, our approach focuses on creating a supportive environment where patients can receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique conditions. Our treatment plans are built with the aim of not only alleviating pain and discomfort but also strengthening pelvic floor muscles to prevent future issues. This focused, benefit-driven approach ensures that our patients in Newmarket and the surrounding York Region have access to high-quality pelvic floor physiotherapy services, leading to improved quality of life and lasting health improvements.

What Does a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Do?

A pelvic floor physiotherapist specializes in evaluating and treating disorders related to the pelvic floor muscles and pelvic organs. Their expertise lies in identifying and addressing issues stemming from imbalanced pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to a range of conditions affecting pelvic health. By employing a variety of physiotherapy treatments, these professionals work to strengthen and rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles, ensuring they function correctly and support the pelvic organs effectively.

The role of a pelvic floor physiotherapist extends beyond merely treating discomfort; they play a crucial part in enhancing a patient’s overall quality of life. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and sometimes incorporating modalities like electrotherapy, they tailor treatment plans to address the unique needs of each individual. These physiotherapy treatments are designed to restore balance and strength to the pelvic floor muscles, alleviate pain, improve bladder and bowel control, and support the proper function of pelvic organs. This specialized focus on the pelvic floor helps patients achieve optimal pelvic health and prevent future complications.

How Pelvic Floor Physio Can Help

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on the rehabilitation of the pelvic muscles. It plays a critical role in managing issues associated with pelvic health, including supporting the pelvic organs and addressing discomforts stemming from various conditions. Here’s how pelvic floor physio can offer relief and improvement for specific concerns:

Incontinence and Bladder Control Issues: Strengthening pelvic muscles through targeted exercises can significantly enhance bladder control. Pelvic floor physiotherapy addresses incontinence by improving the support for pelvic organs and reducing the frequency of involuntary leakage.
Abdominal Pain: Physiotherapy treatments can alleviate abdominal pain by restoring balance and strength to the pelvic region. Techniques used in pelvic floor physio can reduce tension and promote healing in the muscles associated with pelvic and abdominal discomfort.
Caesarean Section (C-section) Scarring: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help manage the discomfort and mobility issues related to C-section scarring. By improving tissue elasticity and reducing scar tissue formation, physiotherapy aids in the recovery and functionality of the pelvic area.
Episiotomy and Tearing Complaints: Rehabilitation exercises and manual therapies can ease pain and facilitate healing in tissues affected by episiotomy and tearing during childbirth. This approach helps restore muscle integrity and support the pelvic organs.
Lower Back Pain: A well-functioning pelvic floor is essential for spinal stability. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can relieve lower back pain by strengthening pelvic muscles and correcting postural imbalances, offering a foundation for a healthier back.
Pelvic Pain and Discomfort: By addressing imbalances in pelvic floor muscles, physiotherapy treatments can reduce chronic pelvic pain and discomfort. This includes personalized exercises and techniques to ease tension and enhance pelvic health.
Hip Pain: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can also alleviate hip pain by improving the alignment and function of the pelvic region. Strengthening and stretching exercises help to reduce stress on the hips and support the pelvic organs.
Pain Turning Over in Bed: This common issue can be mitigated through pelvic floor physiotherapy by enhancing the mobility and flexibility of the pelvic muscles, making movements such as turning over in bed less painful.
Pain During or After Postpartum Sexual Intercourse: Physiotherapy offers solutions to pain experienced during or after postpartum sexual intercourse by addressing the muscular and connective tissue issues within the pelvic floor, improving comfort and sexual health.
Diastasis Rectus Abdominus: Focused physiotherapy treatments can help in the recovery and strengthening of the abdominal muscles affected by Diastasis Rectus, thereby supporting the pelvic organs and reducing the gap between the muscles.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy provides a holistic approach to managing and treating a variety of conditions related to the pelvic area, offering significant benefits in terms of pain relief, function, and overall well-being.

Pelvic Floor Treatment Options

Enhancing the wellness of the pelvis is central to pelvic floor physiotherapy, which offers a variety of treatment options tailored to individual needs and conditions. Each method is designed to improve pelvic health, alleviate discomfort, and restore function. Below are the types of physiotherapy treatments available:

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT)

PFMT is a cornerstone of pelvic health, focusing on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through specific exercises. This training helps in improving support for the pelvic organs, enhancing bladder and bowel control, and reducing symptoms of prolapse.

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation therapy uses low-voltage electrical currents to activate pelvic floor muscles, aiding in strengthening them and improving their function. It is particularly beneficial for those struggling with incontinence and pelvic muscle weakness.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to manipulate the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues. This approach helps in relieving pelvic pain, reducing muscle tension, and improving mobility.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release targets the fascial tissues surrounding the muscles, aiming to release tension and eliminate pain. It’s effective in treating chronic pelvic pain syndromes and improving the range of motion.

Exercise Programs

Tailored exercise programs are developed to strengthen not only the pelvic floor muscles but also the surrounding musculature, contributing to overall pelvic wellness. These programs are designed after a thorough assessment to meet individual rehabilitation goals.

Breathing Techniques

Breathing techniques are integrated into pelvic floor physiotherapy to facilitate relaxation and enhance muscle coordination. Proper breathing can also improve the effectiveness of PFMT and other exercises.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a technique that uses monitoring devices to help patients gain awareness and control over their pelvic floor muscles. It’s especially useful for learning how to effectively contract and relax these muscles.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy in the context of pelvic health focuses on relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, which can be beneficial for conditions like pelvic pain and tightness.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and improve health. It’s used in pelvic floor physiotherapy to reduce pain, improve pelvic muscle function, and enhance overall wellness.

Each of these treatment options plays a vital role in improving the wellness of the pelvis, offering a comprehensive approach to managing and treating pelvic floor disorders. By incorporating one or more of these therapies, patients can achieve significant improvements in their pelvic health and overall quality of life.

Prenatal Pelvic Floor Care

Prenatal pelvic floor care is a crucial aspect of a healthy pregnancy, emphasizing the role physiotherapy can play in preparing expectant mothers for childbirth and postpartum recovery. During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant changes that can impact the pelvic floor muscles, often leading to weakness in this area. By engaging in specialized physiotherapy, pregnant women can strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles, enhancing their well-being throughout pregnancy and aiding in their recovery after giving birth.

Physiotherapy during pregnancy focuses on exercises and techniques designed to support and strengthen the pelvic floor. This preventative care helps in managing the increased pressure on the pelvic floor muscles that pregnancy brings, thereby reducing the risk of incontinence, pelvic pain, and other related conditions. Through targeted exercises, expectant mothers can prepare their bodies for the demands of childbirth, improving their chances for a smoother delivery and recovery process. Additionally, prenatal physiotherapy provides education on proper body mechanics and posture, which are essential for minimizing discomfort during pregnancy and promoting overall pelvic health.

Emphasizing prenatal pelvic floor care through physiotherapy not only helps in managing the physical challenges associated with pregnancy but also prepares the body for a healthier and more resilient postpartum period. By prioritizing the strength and wellness of the pelvic floor, expectant mothers can enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy experience and a quicker return to pre-pregnancy fitness levels.

Postnatal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Postnatal pelvic floor physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in helping new mothers recover and rehabilitate their pelvic floor function after childbirth. Given the strain pregnancy and delivery place on the body, many women experience discomfort or pain in the pelvic area, stemming from a weak or imbalanced pelvic floor. A specialized pelvic floor therapist can provide the necessary guidance and treatment to address these issues, ensuring a safe and effective return to pre-pregnancy physical activities and overall well-being.

The focus of postnatal physiotherapy is on evaluating and treating conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles, including incontinence, prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain. Through a combination of manual therapy, tailored exercises, and education, a pelvic floor therapist works closely with each patient to restore strength and balance to the pelvic floor muscles. This individualized approach not only alleviates discomfort and pain but also helps prevent long-term complications associated with a weakened pelvic floor. Emphasizing the importance of pelvic floor rehabilitation post-pregnancy, these specialized treatments are designed to support women in regaining control and confidence in their pelvic floor function, contributing to their overall quality of life and health.

By addressing the unique needs of postnatal women, pelvic floor physiotherapy offers a supportive and effective pathway to recovery. Strengthening and rebalancing the pelvic floor through targeted interventions, women can achieve significant improvements in pelvic health, mitigating the impact of childbirth on their physical and emotional well-being.

Post natal physiotherapy newmarket ontario

Contact Us Today To Learn More About Our Pelvic Health Program

Are you ready to enhance your quality of life and regain comfort and confidence in your pelvic health? As a leading pelvic floor physiotherapist in Newmarket, Spectrum Physiotherapy is here to help you feel your best. Our dedicated pelvic health program is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, offering comprehensive care that addresses a wide range of pelvic floor issues.

We understand the importance of accessible and hassle-free treatment options, which is why we work directly with most insurance companies to ensure a smooth process for our clients. Our goal is to make it easier for you to receive the care you need without the added stress of insurance complications. Our expert team of pelvic floor physiotherapists is committed to providing you with the highest level of care, utilizing evidence-based practices to improve your pelvic floor function and overall well-being.

FAQ

Should everyone who has had a baby see a pelvic floor physio after birth?

It is highly recommended for anyone who has given birth to consult with a pelvic floor physiotherapist, whether the birth was vaginal or via cesarean section. Childbirth can have a significant impact on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and prolapse. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess the condition of these muscles and provide a tailored program to strengthen and rehabilitate the pelvic floor, enhancing recovery and preventing long-term issues. Even if there are no immediate symptoms, a check-up can be beneficial for future pelvic health. Early intervention is key to restoring function and improving quality of life after childbirth, making it a worthwhile consideration for all new mothers.

If I had a baby many months/years ago, is it too late to now start pelvic floor physiotherapy?

It is never too late to start pelvic floor physiotherapy, regardless of how much time has passed since giving birth. Many women experience pelvic floor issues months or even years after childbirth, including incontinence, pelvic pain, and prolapse. Starting physiotherapy can still provide significant benefits by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, improving pelvic health, and enhancing quality of life. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan. The body has a remarkable ability to heal and improve with the right interventions, so seeking treatment can lead to meaningful improvements, no matter how much time has elapsed since your delivery.

Is the pelvic floor physiotherapy session painful or uncomfortable?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions are designed to be as comfortable as possible. While some aspects of the treatment, such as manual examinations and certain therapies, may cause a degree of discomfort initially, they should not be painful. Your physiotherapist will work with you to ensure that any procedures are performed gently and with your consent, keeping communication open to adjust the treatment according to your comfort level. The goal of therapy is to alleviate discomfort and improve pelvic floor function, not to cause additional pain. If any part of the treatment is uncomfortable, it’s important to communicate this to your therapist, who can modify the approach to enhance your comfort.

Is the pelvic floor physiotherapy session painful or uncomfortable?

I’m pregnant. When should I start pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Starting pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy can be extremely beneficial. It is generally recommended to begin in the second trimester, after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, once the risk of miscarriage decreases. Early intervention can help in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles in preparation for childbirth, reducing the risk of incontinence, pelvic pain, and other pelvic floor issues. It can also provide strategies for managing pelvic discomfort during pregnancy and aid in a smoother recovery postpartum. Your physiotherapist can tailor exercises and advice to your specific needs and stage of pregnancy, ensuring both you and your baby’s safety throughout the treatment.

I’ve just had a baby. When should I start pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Initiating pelvic floor physiotherapy after having a baby can significantly aid in your recovery process. It is generally advisable to start six weeks postpartum, following your doctor’s clearance at your postnatal check-up. This timeframe allows your body to begin its natural healing process while ensuring that any intervention is safe and beneficial. Early assessment and treatment by a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help address issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and muscle weakness early on, setting a foundation for a stronger recovery. However, the exact timing can vary based on individual recovery, delivery complications, or specific symptoms. Consulting with a healthcare provider for a personalized recommendation is always best.

How effective is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy has been proven highly effective in treating various conditions related to pelvic floor dysfunction, such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain. Studies and clinical practice have shown that targeted exercises and treatments provided by pelvic floor physiotherapists can significantly improve symptoms, enhance quality of life, and, in many cases, offer a non-surgical solution to pelvic floor issues. Effectiveness can vary based on the individual’s condition, the severity of symptoms, and adherence to the prescribed therapy program. Consistent participation in therapy sessions and at-home exercises typically results in noticeable improvements within a few weeks to a few months of starting treatment.

How long does it take to see results from pelvic floor therapy?

The timeframe to see results from pelvic floor therapy can vary widely among individuals, depending on factors such as the severity of the condition being treated, the specific treatment plan, and the patient’s commitment to following the prescribed exercises and therapy sessions. Many patients start to notice improvements within the first few weeks of consistent therapy. However, achieving significant and lasting results may take several months of dedicated effort. It’s important to maintain open communication with your pelvic floor physiotherapist and to follow their guidance closely for the best outcomes. Patience and persistence are key, as improvements in pelvic floor health are gradual and cumulative over time.

Spectrum Services

The Spectrum Institute of Health & Rehabilitation is Newmarket’s premier wellness centre offering a holistic approach to your well being:

Physiotherapy Treatment
Massage Therapy
Medical Acupuncture
Pain Management
Chiropractic
Sports Rehabilitation
Custom Orthotics
Shockwave Therapy

We direct your bill and insurance & accept WSIB

Call us today! (905-853-2511)