Women are often under the impression that bladder leakage is a normal part of being a woman … not true!

Examples of conditions that may benefit from treatment:

• • Incontinence (bladder or fecal; stress, urge, mixed incontinence)
  • Prenatal/postpartum pain or difficulty returning to function, including rectus diastisis
  • Pelvic floor pain and dysfunction (which can present as buttock pain, lower abdominal pain, or pain with sexual intercourse, etc)
  • Pelvic organ prolapse: heaviness or bulging at the vagina
  • Interstitial Cystitis
  • Recovery after pelvic or abdominal surgery
  • Difficulties arising from breast cancer, osteoporosis

What is Pelvic Health?

Pelvic Health Physio has been offered at the clinic since 2006. It has been a growing field in the physio world as women want to pursue active lifestyles and feel their best. Pelvic Health physiotherapists do postgraduate training in order to gain knowledge and experience in this specialized area, and to be licensed to perform vaginal and anal examinations. Internal examinations are an important aspect of the assessment to thoroughly evaluate the pelvic floor muscles.

If your bladder or pelvic health is holding you back from pursuing an active lifestyle, we would be pleased to work with you to optimize your function. We work in conjunction with local urologists and gynecologists as well as Edmonton and Calgary specialty clinics. That said, you can access physiotherapy services without a doctor’s referral providing there are no medical concerns that need to be addressed. As always, consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding infections or disease that first need to be treated medically.

Wondering what to expect from a Pelvic Health Appointment?

• You will be emailed an intake form when you book your appointment. Here you will be able to provide a detailed history of your medical and pelvic health. Your physio will review this info prior to your appointment.
• Come to your appointment in comfortable clothing as you will be asked to move around and perform exercises..
• Your physio will ask you questions about your medical history and want to know about your concerns, symptoms, and goals of treatment.
• Your assessment will start with a review of your general mobility, back, hips, breathing and core muscles. These play important roles in your pelvic health.
• Most of the time, an internal evaluation of your vagina will be recommended to evaluate your pelvic floor muscles, the position of your bladder, etc. It is difficult to fully evaluate your pelvic health concerns without an internal exam but not necessary in certain circumstances . Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible in this situation.
• Treatment recommendations will be made. There will be lots of education regarding anatomy, how your pelvic floor muscles work, how your bladder and bowel work, and what factors are influencing your symptoms. You will be provided with some home strategies and a plan for future treatments.