What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the specialized area of physiotherapy that treats and improves function of the pelvic floor. The primary goal of pelvic floor physiotherapy is to improve the overall strength and functionality of the pelvic floor muscles. This involves assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor muscles internally and externally by a Registered Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist.
What Does Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Treat?
Dysfunctions that are treated with pelvic floor physiotherapy include:
- Diastasis recti
- Urinary incontinence
- Peeing frequently
- Prenatal and postnatal pelvic pain
- Low back pain
- Constipation
- Painful intercourse
- Pain in areas of the vagina
- Pelvic organ prolapse
kāer has a team of specially trained pelvic floor physiotherapists that work with you to prepare your pelvic floor for labour and delivery and also to rehabilitate these muscles following birth.
I’m Pregnant, When Should I See a Pelvic Floor Physio?
Prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on preparing the pelvic floor for delivery of the baby while preventing or limiting the damage. We recommend mamas in pregnancy come for their initial pelvic floor physio assessment and treatment after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Prior to delivery of the baby the weight placed on the pelvic floor continues to increase through the pregnancy. Your trained pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you strengthen the pelvic floor to prevent common issues during pregnancy which can include:
- Urinary incontinence
- Low back pain
- Increased pelvic pressure and more.
As the end of your pregnancy approaches your physiotherapist will begin to bring the focus to stretching of the pelvic floor muscles by working on perineal massage. She will also provide education on optimal labour and delivery positions, hands on maneuvers to help alleviate discomfort during labour and also how to push when baby is ready to arrive.
I just had my baby. When Should I See a Pelvic Floor Physio?
At 6 weeks postpartum, most mamas are given the “all clear” signal from their primary healthcare provider to resume regular activities. However, without proper rehabilitation of the muscles, new mamas can have trouble getting back to their usual routines. The muscles of the pelvic floor are stretched, strained and often torn during the pregnancy and birth process. This is when you should book your postpartum pelvic floor physiotherapist appointment.
Your pelvic floor physiotherapist will work with you to strengthen your pelvic floor and guide you back to regular activities and exercise. They will also look for a diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles) and help restore the core. Finally, a very common issue postpartum is pain with intercourse. This often occurs as a result of scar tissue and hypersensitivity of the muscles following tearing and/or stretching. Your specially trained Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist will help soften the scar tissue and desensitize any hypersensitive areas to help resume pain-free intercourse.
Have more questions? Book a complimentary consultation with a Registered Physiotherapist here.
All kāer Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy treatments are performed by Registered Pelvic Health Physiotherapists specializing in prenatal and postpartum care.
A registered receipt will be provided which may be eligible for coverage under your health care benefits.
