Pelvic Health Physiotherapy in CF Shops at Don Mills
Pelvic health physiotherapy is ideal for women and men who suffer from pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Expecting & new mothers, women & men suffering from pelvic pain, or patients who are recovering from pelvic operations are among patients who will benefit from pelvic physiotherapy.
Located in Shops at Don Mills, Physiomobility is a top rated pelvic health physiotherapy provider.
- What is pelvic health physiotherapy?
- Why should I seek pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy?
- Why pelvic floor muscles are so important?
- What to expect from a pelvic physiotherapy session?
- How to prepare for a pelvic physiotherapy assessment?
- Do I need a referral for pelvic physiotherapy?
- Is pelvic physiotherapy covered by my Insurance?
- Is pelvic floor physiotherapy covered by OHIP?
- When should I start pelvic floor physiotherapy?
- Is pelvic floor physiotherapy needed during pregnancy?
- Is Pelvic floor physiotherapy needed after giving birth?
- How does physio help prolapse?
- Does pelvic physiotherapy help incontinence?
- Why choose Physiomobility for pelvic health physiotherapy?
What is pelvic health physiotherapy?
A pelvic health physiotherapist is a registered orthopaedic physiotherapist with additional training in treating pelvic conditions in women, men and children. A pelvic health physiotherapist combines hands-on techniques to mobilize, release tension and relax muscles in the area in hand with exercises and education on managing symptoms. During & after pregnancy or after operations, treatment is vital as pelvic floor muscles stabilize the pelvis, sacrum and hip joints and play an important role in urination, bowel movements, and sexual function. With proper treatment, these muscles can perform better and prevent injuries.
Why should I seek pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy?
There are four common reasons to seek prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy:
- Preventative: You can take a proactive approach to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to prevent prolapse and/or urinary incontinence. We can also provide education on proper posture and techniques to prevent an injury or discomfort during pregnancy as well as tips for better sleep.
- Physical Exercise: We can show you safe exercises, breathing techniques and postures for pregnant women.
- Pain: We can provide treatment for lower back, hip, and pelvic pain during pregnancy.
- Preparation for Labor: We provide instruction for the birthing position that is best for you in hand with breathing and pelvic floor relaxation tips. We can also assist with perineum stretching to prepare for birth.
Click the link to learn how a physiotherapist can help expecting and new mothers
Why pelvic floor muscles are so important?
Pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that attach to the front, back and sides of the pelvic bone and sacrum. This area also supports your uterus, bladder and sexual organs. These structures work together and stabilize the pelvis, sacrum and hip joints playing an important role in urination, bowel movements, childbirth, and sexual function. With proper treatment, these muscles can perform better and prevent injuries.
Our pelvic floor physiotherapist in Toronto assesses the integrity, strength, and function of these muscles. We can assess your condition and provide treatments to restore or strengthen function.
What to expect from a pelvic physiotherapy session?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Physiomobility is offered by a registered physiotherapist and is covered by most extended health benefit plans.
In a private room your pelvic health physiotherapist will take a detailed medical history to understand your bladder, bowel, and sexual function. This will include questions regarding your symptoms, health history, activity limitations, and goals. A physical examination follows to assess your posture, strength, tissue health, and any scars in your abdomen and pelvis. With your consent, your pelvic health physiotherapist is specially trained to perform an internal vaginal or anal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles. Gentle palpation, without the use of instruments, will help you and your therapist discover areas of scar tissue, tenderness, tension or weakness. An internal assessment is not mandatory. Your therapist can assess and treat externally; however, an internal assessment will provide additional information and feedback to you for the rehabilitation of deeper pelvic floor muscles. This does not have to take place in the first visit and will proceed only at your comfort level.
How to prepare for a pelvic physiotherapy assessment?
You will be sent a few forms ahead of your session to complete. On the day of your assessment, wear comfortable clothing and allow one hour for your initial visit. After completing a detailed history about your symptoms, a physical examination follows to assess your posture, strength, tissue health, and any scars in your abdomen and pelvis. With your consent, your pelvic health physiotherapist is specially trained to perform an internal vaginal or anal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles. Gentle palpation, without the use of instruments, will help you and your therapist discover areas of scar tissue, tenderness, tension or weakness. An internal assessment is not mandatory. Your therapist can assess and treat externally; however, an internal assessment will provide additional information and feedback to you for the rehabilitation of deeper pelvic floor muscles. This does not have to take place in the first visit and will proceed only at your comfort level. Here are a few questions that our patients frequently ask regarding their pelvic physiotherapy sessions:
Can I come in for my appointment if I am on my period?
Yes, being on your period does not change the assessment/treatment at all
If I am coming in for a prenatal consult, when can I start?
Our pelvic floor physiotherapist will begin to see pre-natal clients as early as 12 weeks into their pregnancy
If I am coming in for a postpartum appointment, how soon can I come in?
Please wait until after you have had your 6 weeks follow up with your midwife or OB and they have cleared you for an internal assessment and/or resuming intercourse.
If I have been told by my doctor I cannot have intercourse, can I still have an internal assessment?
No, if you have been told you cannot have intercourse, an internal exam is also contraindicated. You are still able to come in for a pelvic floor assessment and the therapist will assess without the internal exam.
How many appointments will I need?
Every patient is different and the number of visits can be variable. Once you have had your assessment your therapist will put together a treatment plan and be able to provide you with an estimate of the number of follow up appointments.
Do I need a referral for pelvic physiotherapy?
To see one of our pelvic health physiotherapists, you do not require a doctor’s referral. However, some insurance companies require that you submit a Doctor’s referral with your claim form. Our physiotherapists will communicate with your primary care physician or specialist if they have any concerns or need more information.
Is pelvic physiotherapy covered by my Insurance?
Like any physiotherapy treatment, most insurance carriers cover pelvic health physiotherapy as long as they are provided by a trained and registered physiotherapist. We encourage our clients to always call their insurance company and verify what their individual policy covers physiotherapy.
Most extended health insurance plans cover the cost of the services at Physiomobility. Payment is required at the end of each session. You will be provided with a receipt detailing the type of service you received, applicable fees and provider’s registration number to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. If your plan qualifies for direct billing, we will happily submit the claims on your behalf. You will only be responsible for the unpaid balance.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy covered by OHIP?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is not covered by OHIP. However, it is covered by private or employer health plans. If you are in need of pelvic floor physiotherapy and are over 65 years of age, you will qualify for a discounted rate. In most cases, only a few sessions of treatment in the clinic are required and the investment in your health will greatly pay off in improved quality of life and reduced need for products such as pads, medication, etc.
When should I start pelvic floor physiotherapy?
During pregnancy it is important to see a physiotherapist in your second or third trimester or anytime you experience symptoms such as pain, rectus diastasis or incontinence. A pelvic physiotherapist can measure your core strength and teach you exercises to prepare you for giving birth.
After giving birth, it is commonly recommended to wait 6-8 weeks post partum. Again, if you need treatment for pain or are experiencing other symptoms, you do not need to wait this long. It is never too late to see a pelvic physiotherapist if you are experiencing symptoms even if that is a few years after giving birth or having an operation.
At menopause, estrogen levels decrease drastically which can cause vaginal dryness and thinning of pelvic tissue as well as pelvic muscle weakness resulting in organ prolapse & incontinence. Menopause is an important time to be assessed by a pelvic health physiotherapist and start working on prevention.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy needed during pregnancy?
Prenatal physiotherapy care refers to care provided by a physiotherapist. Pregnancy takes a toll on women’s bodies. The changes in posture in addition to the ligamentum laxity caused by hormonal changes can cause back pain and other orthopedic conditions. Prenatal physiotherapy can address many challenges women experience during pregnancy. Pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy helps prepare you for a pain-free and complication-free pregnancy. We recommend a personalized treatment program consisting of pelvic floor exercises to prepare the body for childbirth and reduce the risk of pain and issues such as incontinence and organ prolapse.
Click the link to read more about how physiotherapy can help expectant and new mothers
Is Pelvic floor physiotherapy needed after giving birth?
Postpartum refers to a new mother after giving birth to their baby. Pregnancy & delivery take a toll on a woman’s body. Postpartum women experience a number of conditions that many of them can be treated or managed by a pelvic health physiotherapist. Following the birth of your baby, your body goes through many changes that affect your bladder, vagina, breasts, core and postural muscles. If you experience pain, bleeding, constipation, incontinence, pain during intercourse and organ prolapse following birth, our pelvic physiotherapist can provide treatment to help you manage pregnancy-related complications.
Click the link to watch exercises for breastfeeding mothers
Pregnancy related back pain
Back pain is commonly experienced during pregnancy and after giving birth. The change in body’s biomechanics can cause pain of varying intensity which can be controlled with proper care through physiotherapy, chiropractic, exercising, massage or other treatments.
How does physio help prolapse?
Organ prolapse or pelvic organ prolapse is due to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. The organs like the uterus or bladder dislodge from their normal position and may cause them to protrude. The feeling of dragging and heaviness inside the vagina is one of the symptoms of organ prolapse.
Does pelvic physiotherapy help incontinence?
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is a condition that affects organs and muscles in the lower pelvic area. Weak or injured pelvic floor muscles that support the weight of these organs (rectum, prostate, uterus, bladder) can affect their function and cause urinary, digestive and sexual dysfunctions. Pelvic floor physiotherapy also provides preventive care to avoid conditions like incontinence and prolapse often experienced by aging women. Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapist treats IBS, constipation and some other digestive and urological conditions common in both men and women.
Urinary incontinence occurs in men and women of all ages. Most people resolve to live with the condition by using diapers, taking medication, and opting for surgery. However, physiotherapy is one of the most successful treatment options for increasing bladder control.
Why choose Physiomobility for pelvic health physiotherapy?
We provide pelvic health physiotherapy combining hands-on techniques to mobilize, release tension and relax muscles. Our physiotherapists in Toronto believe in sharing educational materials and advice to help you manage your symptoms with proper lifestyle changes, pelvic hygiene, and specific exercises.
We supply Toronto moms in need of prenatal physiotherapy with expert advice and hands-on treatment.
- One on one treatment time with your therapists
- Dedicated clinic space with private treatment rooms
- Early morning, late evening and Saturday appointments
- Assessments arranged within 2-3 days for most services
- Direct billing for most insurance companies
- Text reminders for your appointments
- Ample FREE covered parking
- Child friendly environment
- We do not need a referral from a doctor. After an assessment, we may refer you back to your physician for more testing or a referral to a specialist if needed or if your progress is not as expected. Your family physician is an important member of your care team. With your permission, we will communicate your plan of care and your progress with your doctor.
Pelvic Health & Incontinence Workshop
Prenatal & Post partum Workshop
