PHYSIOTHERAPY + PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIO

Physiotherapy aims to help individuals recover from injuries, manage pain and improve their overall physical function. Physiotherapists create individualized treatment plans, which can include the following: education, exercise, manual therapy and other modalities to help individuals reach their recovery, performance, and overall health goals.

Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialization in physiotherapy that focuses on conditions affecting the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic health physiotherapy can include a combination of internal and external assessment and treatment. It can be effective for treating conditions such as bladder or bowel incontinence, overactive bladder, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, sexual pain and dysfunction and pre/postpartum concerns. Pelvic health physiotherapy can help individuals proactively optimize their pelvic health, commonly through pregnancy, postpartum and menopause.

What to expect at your pelvic health physiotherapy appointment:

1. Maddie will listen to your story and ask you questions about your pelvic health concern. There may be questions that make you feel uncomfortable, but remember that you can always choose the information that you feel comfortable sharing. You will be given options for an assessment and together we will determine the best place to begin.

2. Maddie may first assess posture, breathing, functional movement patterns and other joints and muscles to determine which structures may be impacting the pelvic floor.

3. For some, an internal exam may be helpful. This is always completely optional and Maddie will explain it in detail and get your consent before proceeding.

4. If an internal exam is performed, you will be asked to undress from the waist down and lay down in a comfortable position. Maddie will use 1 or 2 fingers for this assessment. There are no tools or speculums needed, which makes it different from a pap exam :)

5. Remember that you are always in control of your session and you can ask questions, take a break or stop at any point. Maddie is aware of the medical, birth and sexual trauma that may exist in this client population and is trained to work with you and ensure physio is a safe place for you.

6. If you are not comfortable having an internal exam, it is also possible to assess the pelvic structures externally using different techniques.

7. Maddie will talk through her assessment findings and together you will determine a treatment plan that fits your goals, expectations and capacity. This could include education, exercise, hands on manual therapy, acupuncture / dry needling, modalities or referrals to colleagues at Revelstoke Integrative Health or out in the community.

8. Maddie will discuss how and when you should follow up with her. She will check in with you during each session to ensure your goals and expectations are being met.

If you have any other questions, please contact our clinic!