Physiotherapy

We don’t require a doctor’s referral to see you but some insurance plans do. Be sure to check if you’re unsure! 

Yes, we offer direct billing for most providers.

In general people with incontinence and prolapse attend physiotherapy for 6-12 weeks with sessions either weekly or every other week.  Those with pelvic pain tend to be in physiotherapy for longer, about 3-6 months but varies person to person.  We understand cost can be a barrier and will work with you on a plan that fits your needs.

We understand that the thought of an internal exam can be stressful and a barrier to treatment. Although it may be recommended it is not mandatory. If you consent to having it done, it should not be painful and we assess what we can, keeping the discomfort to a minimum.

Usually, yes.  Your physiotherapist will discuss your goals and come up with a home program that is realistic for you.

At our clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of services both before and after childbirth! We wish we could see every woman prior to delivery, as it helps us assess pelvic floor health, strength, and coordination. We’re also able to assist with back and pelvic girdle pain. In preparation for labor and delivery, we guide women through perineal massage and breathing techniques. Research indicates that perineal massage can help reduce the risk of tears during a first vaginal delivery.

Postpartum, we reassess the pelvic floor, address scar tissue mobilization, and work on strengthening the pelvic floor and improving abdominal coordination. Our primary goal is to help women return to their pre-pregnancy activity levels, including running, CrossFit, or gym workouts, while being leak-free and pain-free. We also focus on helping women return to functional activities, such as intercourse, whenever they’re ready

Men visit pelvic floor physiotherapy for a variety of reasons, as pelvic floor dysfunction is not limited to women. The pelvic floor muscles in men play a crucial role in supporting the bladder, bowel, and sexual function, and when these muscles become weak, tight, or imbalanced, it can lead to several issues. Here are some common reasons why men seek pelvic floor physiotherapy:

1. Urinary Incontinence

• Stress Incontinence: Leaking urine during activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting. This can occur after prostate surgery or due to weakness in the pelvic floor muscles.
• Urgency Incontinence: A sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by leakage, which can happen if the pelvic floor muscles are not functioning properly.

2. Pelvic Pain

• Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS): Men with CPPS or prostatitis may experience persistent pelvic pain, which can result from pelvic floor muscle tightness, tension, or trigger points.
• Post-Surgery Pain: Men who have undergone surgeries like prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) or hernia repair may experience pain in the pelvic region due to scar tissue or muscle imbalances.

3. Sexual Dysfunction

• Erectile Dysfunction: Weakness or dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles can contribute to difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. Strengthening these muscles can help improve erectile function.
• Premature Ejaculation or Delayed Ejaculation: The pelvic floor muscles play a role in sexual function, and imbalances can lead to issues with ejaculation control.

4. Constipation and Bowel Issues

• Chronic Constipation: Weak or tight pelvic floor muscles can affect bowel movements, leading to straining during defecation or difficulty fully emptying the bowels.
• Fecal Incontinence: Difficulty controlling bowel movements can occur when the pelvic floor muscles are not functioning properly.

5. Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

• Prostate Cancer Treatment: Following prostate surgery (such as a prostatectomy), many men experience pelvic floor dysfunction, leading to urinary incontinence or sexual difficulties. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can aid in recovery by strengthening the muscles and improving function.
• Hernia Repair: After surgery for inguinal hernias or other abdominal surgeries, pelvic floor therapy can help restore muscle strength and coordination.

6. Posture and Core Stability

• Pelvic floor muscles contribute to overall core stability and posture. Physiotherapists can help men improve pelvic floor function as part of a broader approach to musculoskeletal health, addressing issues like lower back pain or poor posture that may be related to pelvic floor weakness.

7. Sports Injuries or Athletic Performance

• Athletes, particularly those who engage in high-impact sports or activities involving heavy lifting (e.g., weightlifting, running, CrossFit), may experience pelvic floor dysfunction or pelvic pain. Physiotherapists can help improve pelvic floor strength and coordination to enhance performance and prevent injury.

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Helps Men:

• Education and Exercise: Teaching proper pelvic floor exercises (like Kegels), breathwork, and relaxation techniques to strengthen and coordinate pelvic floor muscles.
• Manual Therapy: A therapist may use hands-on techniques to release muscle tightness, treat trigger points, or address any scar tissue or restrictions.
• High frequency electromagnetic therapy: The Kegel Chair can help men become more aware of their pelvic floor muscle activity and improve function as well as increase blood flow.
• Postural and Breathing Correction: Helping men achieve better posture and breathing patterns, which can support pelvic health.

Our group physiotherapy classes are the Core Strong 1 and 2 programs.  The classes are designed for people who have mild pelvic floor symptoms:  incontinence, prolapse, diastasis and who are fairly “straightforward”.  It’s a 6 week progressive program led by a physiotherapy assistant but put together by a physiotherapist that meets 1x per week and is supported by home videos.  In order for this to be considered physiotherapy, there needs to be a reason someone is in the program (see above!) and an assessment would need to take place prior to the start.  This allows us to ensure the program is appropriate.  Cost is $45/class with a 6 weeks commitment.  It is a great option if it’s appropriate and really helps with accountability!

Yes

Yes

The Kegel chair is a specialized device designed to help individuals strengthen their pelvic floor muscles, commonly used to aid in pelvic health, especially for women postpartum, people with incontinence, those with erectile dysfunction or those with pelvic floor dysfunction.

The chair typically uses high frequency electrical stimulation technology to activate and engage the pelvic floor muscles (the same muscles targeted in Kegel exercises). Here’s how it works:

• You sit in the chair, which is usually designed for comfort with a cushion or adjustable positioning.
• The chair applies a strong but comfortable electrical stimulation to your pelvic region.
• This stimulation triggers the contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, mimicking the effects of Kegel exercises.
• The treatment lasts for 30 minutes, and multiple sessions may be recommended for optimal results (usually 6).

The Kegel chair can be helpful for those who have difficulty performing Kegel exercises on their own or want to enhance the effectiveness of their pelvic floor training. The goal is to improve muscle tone, increase pelvic floor strength, and alleviate symptoms like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or sexual dysfunction.

It’s important to note that while the Kegel chair can be a useful tool, it’s typically most effective when combined with other pelvic health practices under the guidance of a healthcare professional.