What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and Why You Might Need It

When we think about health and fitness, we usually focus on what we can see like lifting heavier weights, running faster, or hitting new personal milestones. But there’s a whole group of muscles working behind the scenes that deserve just as much attention: your pelvic floor.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy focused on optimizing the function of these muscles. It’s not just about doing Kegels. In fact, many people might be doing them incorrectly or unnecessarily! Instead, it’s about personalized assessment and guidance to help you move better, train smarter, and feel your best both in and out of the gym.

Understanding What the Pelvic Floor Is

Think of your pelvic floor as a supportive hammock made of muscles, ligaments, and tissues sitting at the bottom of your pelvis. This "hammock" holds up important organs like your bladder, uterus, and rectum. It also plays a key role in:

• Bladder and bowel control: Helping you pee and poop when you want to (and not when you don’t).

• Sexual function: Supporting sensation and comfort during intimacy.

• Core stability: Teaming up with your abs and back muscles to keep you balanced and strong.

• Organ support: Making sure your pelvic organs stay where they should be.

When things aren’t working quite right (whether the muscles are too tight, too weak, or not coordinating well) you can experience leaks, pain, or pressure. Not fun... But the good news? Pelvic floor physio can help!

How Do I Know If I Need Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Great question! A lot of people think pelvic floor issues only happen after having a baby or during menopause. That’s a myth! Everyone has a pelvic floor so everyone can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy. Here are some signs you might benefit from it:

• Leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise

• Always feeling like you need to pee, or struggling to go at all

• Constipation or straining during bowel movements

• Pain during or after sex

• A heavy, dragging feeling in your pelvis

• Trouble controlling gas or bowel movements

• Post-baby struggles like ab separation or pelvic pain

If any of these sound familiar, pelvic floor physio can make a world of difference. And the sooner you start, the faster you’ll feel better.

Common Conditions That Can Be Treated in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor issues can show up in all sorts of ways. Here are some of the common ones we see:

Bladder Issues

• Stress Incontinence: Leaking when you sneeze, cough, or work out.

• Urge Incontinence: That “I need to pee NOW” feeling, that sometimes come with leaks.

• Overactive Bladder: Running to the bathroom all the time.

• Urinary Retention: Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder.

Bowel Issues

• Constipation: Straining or having trouble going, often linked to muscle tension.

• Fecal Incontinence: Leaking poop or gas when you don’t mean to.

• Painful Bowel Movements: This can be tied to tight pelvic floor muscles.

Sexual Issues

• Pain During Sex (Dyspareunia): Often caused by tight, overactive pelvic floor muscles.

• Vaginismus: Involuntary muscle clenching that makes penetration painful.

• Decreased Sensation or Discomfort: Can happen after childbirth or due to muscle issues.

Many people go years thinking their symptoms are just a normal part of being active, giving birth, or getting older. This misconception often leads to their concerns being dismissed, causing them to suffer in silence. The good news is that many of these conditions are highly treatable with pelvic floor physiotherapy. Don’t settle and advocate for the care and support you deserve!

Experiencing other symptoms and feel unsure if pelvic floor physiotherapy is right for you?

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What Are the Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Treatments?

Pelvic floor physio is about optimizing how your body functions so you can move through life with ease.It’s about supporting your goals, helping you feel strong, confident, and in control of your body. Here’s some ways it can help:

Relief from Discomfort and Pain

Whether it’s pelvic pain, backaches, or discomfort during your day-to-day activities, the goal is to get to the bottom of what’s really causing it. Instead of just treating the symptoms, we look at how your muscles, joints, and movement patterns are working together (or not). This helps us create a plan that actually makes a difference; not just for now, but for the long run.

Improved Confidence During Training

No more stressing about leaks during your workout. Whether you’re lifting weights, running, jumping, or just moving through your routine, we can help you build better pelvic control so you can focus on what really matters; feeling strong, confident, and unstoppable. No more holding back, avoiding certain exercises, or planning your workouts around bathroom breaks.

Support During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Stay active during pregnancy, prep for birth, and recover postpartum with less pain, more strength for a smoother rehab journey. Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps you keep moving safely through every stage, whether you want to maintain your fitness routine, adapt your workouts, or manage pregnancy-related aches and pains. We’ll guide you through exercises that support your changing body and teach strategies to prepare your pelvic floor for birth.

Improved Quality of Life

Pelvic symptoms can really take control of your life, like constantly worrying about bathroom breaks, avoiding certain activities, or dealing with discomfort that holds you back from doing the things you love. When your pelvic floor isn't working as it should, it can feel like your whole day revolves around managing those symptoms. It becomes hard to focus on anything else. But when you address those issues, you can stop letting them dictate your life. You’ll feel freer, more confident, and able to enjoy your daily activities without that constant nagging worry.

What to Expect During Your First Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Session

Nervous about your first appointment? That's totally normal! Here’s what you can expect:

Initial Evaluation

• Chat About Your Story: We’ll talk about your symptoms, goals, and medical history.

• External Assessment: Looking at posture, breathing, and how your core muscles are doing.

• Internal Exam (Optional): This helps us check muscle strength and coordination but it’s always your choice. Your comfort comes first.

Plan of Care

Based on what we find, we’ll create a game plan just for you. It might include:

• Exercises for strength, flexibility, and coordination

• Breathing and relaxation techniques

• Manual therapy (inside or outside) to ease tension

• Tips for posture, movement, and daily habits

Follow-Up Visits

These are all about checking your progress, tweaking exercises, and making sure you’re on track. Recovery isn’t a one-and-done deal, it’s a process, and we’re here for the whole journey.

How to Find the Right Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist for You

Not all pelvic floor physiotherapists are the same, and finding the right one for you can make a huge difference in your comfort and progress. Every therapist has their own approach, treatment style, and area of expertise, so it’s important to choose someone who aligns with your needs and makes you feel at ease. Here’s how to find the right fit:

1. Research Credentials: Make sure they’re trained in pelvic health. Bonus points if they’ve done extra courses or certifications!

2. Read Reviews and Testimonials: See what others say about their experience. It’s a great way to get a feel for the therapist’s personality and approach.

3. Ask About Treatment Approaches: Some therapists focus more on exercises, others on hands-on work. Ask what their style is to make sure it matches what you’re looking for

If you’re in Quebec, you can use the "Find a Professional" tool on the Ordre Professionel de la Physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) website to locate a pelvic floor physiotherapist near you!

Final Thoughts

Pelvic floor physiotherapy isn’t just about fixing leaks or easing pain. It’s about helping you feel confident, strong, and in control of your body. If you’ve been dealing with symptoms or even if you’re just curious about your pelvic health, don’t wait! Getting help can be life-changing! Ready to take the next step?

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