Female

• Incontinence (accidental leakage –urinary, faecal), overactive bladder

• Pelvic pain/pressure/heaviness

• Pelvic organ descent and prolapse

• Pregnancy related issues

• Rectus diastasis

• Frequent urination or immediate uncontrollable urge to urinate

• Unrelenting low back pain and/or groin pain

• Colorectal conditions and constipation

• Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

• Pelvic Pain (provoked vestibulodynia, vaginismus, coccydynia, vulvodynia)

• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)

• Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)

• Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS)

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Endometriosis

• Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

• Clitoral Phimosis

• Lichens Simplex, Lichens Sclerosis, Lichens Planus

• Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)

• Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)

• Sacroiliac & pubic symphysis dysfunction

• Caesarean scar management

• And more!

How Can Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Help?

Education specific to your condition(s)

Optimize strength, endurance, timing, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles

Bladder irritant education

Individualized exercise program

Evoke the relaxation response

Poor habit recognition & retraining

Dietary management

Promotion of normal bladder and bowel habits

Female

• Pregnancy and birth

• Obesity

• Over 40 years old

• Obstetric trauma (forceps, suction, tearing)

• Having had more than one child (multiparous)

• Certain medications

• Chronic straining

• Female (85% of urinary incontinence occurs in women)

• Gynaecological or urinary surgery

• Smoking

• Post menopausal (hormone changes)

“Kegels” are NOT “One Size Fits All”

Many people have heard of the term “Kegel” before. In the 1940’s Dr. Kegel decided women needed to exercise their pelvic floor, giving us the term “Kegels”.

It’s important to understand that not everyone should be doing Kegels… even if they are experiencing urinary leakage or pelvic pain. This is because the cause might not necessarily be weakness. On top of that, studies show that verbal cueing and imagery does not ensure women complete Kegels properly. Most people end up doing “Kegels” wrong and some shouldn’t be doing them at all.

So what does “Kegels are not one size fits all” mean? The reason for your pelvic floor dysfunction could be due to weakness, tightness, poor coordination, a timing issue, poor habits, or a combination of these factors. Therefore, if you started doing “Kegels” without knowing what the cause is, you’d likely be unsuccessful and could make things worse. You also wouldn’t be addressing the cause of the dysfunction which can lead to a lot of frustration!

What Can I Expect From A Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Assessment?

• Detailed review of your past medical history and current history

• An assessment of the pelvic muscles, ligaments, alignment and mechanics in order to determine musculoskeletal contribution to pelvic dysfunction

• Usually includes an external and internal (vaginal and/or rectal) examination of the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles (please note, this is not mandatory and completely up to you)

• One-on-one assessment and follow up treatments with a registered pelvic health physiotherapist

Why Is An Internal Exam Recommended?

1. Up to 50% of people are not able to do an effective pelvic floor muscle contraction (this is key to a pelvic floor muscle training program).

2. Palpation is required to assess tone, strength, endurance, and determining motor control strategies of the pelvic floor muscles.

3. Some pelvic floor muscles require muscle relaxation and coordination, not strengthening. This can only be determined by an internal examination.

Want to learn more? Book a pelvic health physiotherapy appointment with one of our pelvic health physiotherapists. Please see contact information for details.