Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy involving internal and external assessment of the pelvic floor muscles. Our pelvic floor muscle system is involved with major system functions including stability of the low back & hips; support for our organs; control over our bodily functioning (urination + bowel movements) and sexual performance.
Pelvic health physio is valuable for women:
Pregnancy and preparing for birth
Prenatal fitness coaching
Postpartum, as early as 4 weeks
Adjusting exercise after baby
Peeing with coughing, sneezing, jumping, etc.
Pelvic, vulvar, back and hip pain
Transitioning into and through menopause
Feelings of heaviness between your legs (pelvic organ prolapse)
Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, PMS symptoms
Urgency incontinence (can’t make it to the bathroom in time)
Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) and core weakness
Pubic symphysis dysfunction (lightning crotch)
Pelvic floor muscle activation and coordination training
Dyspareunia (painful sex)
Awareness & connection with pelvic anatomy
Caesarian birth recovery and healing
Pelvic health is for women along their entire lifespan — from painful periods to pregnancy and postpartum to menopause and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! I am a registered physiotherapist in Ontario in Ontario and pelvic floor physiotherapy falls under our scope.
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The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissue that span the underside of the pelvis and attach from your pubic bone to the tail bone and between your Sitz bones. The purpose of these muscles is to support your internal organs; stabilize your pelvis, hips and lower back; play part in sexual function; impact circulation and the lymph system to pump fluid out of the pelvis; and impact your ability to pee, poop, and pass gas.
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A pelvic health physiotherapy assessment will include: discussion of your medical conditions and history, history of pregnancies and/or births, and if pregnant birth preferences if pregnant. We will explore physical movement and tests to gauge your mobility, strength, flexibility and tension. We discuss your goals for exercise or for life, prognosis, and treatment plan.
We will also get started on treatment during your initial visit and I will provide a follow up email with detailed notes from our appointment and a home program and treatment plan for moving forwards.
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Based on your reported symptoms or issues, I will conduct an external exam of your back, hips, abdominals and pelvis to evaluate movement, structure, mobility, strength and tone. If necessary, an internal vaginal/rectal exam will be performed to evaluate tension, strength and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles and position of pelvic organs.
We will explain the pros and cons of an internal exam and provide feedback throughout. You must provide consent before any step of the exam and you are able to withdraw consent at any time.
During the internal portion of your pelvic floor exam, we may gently insert one or two gloved fingers into your vagina or one finger into your rectum. This allows me to palpate each muscle group and evaluate its tension and function. There is no speculum nor instruments inserted into the vagina or rectum.
Depending on concerns presented and information that was gathered from your history and external exam, an internal exam may not be necessary. However, an internal exam is usually recommended as it is the gold standard for assessing pelvic floor muscles and associated structures.
If you choose not to proceed with an internal exam, that is no problem! We will make recommendations for treatment from your subjective history and external exam to work towards your goals.
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It’s totally up to you! Pelvic floor assessment and treatment can be provided even if you’re on your period (we wear gloved and our table is protected). Pelvic organ position and muscle tone can be affected by hormonal changes and it can actually be helpful to assess this during this time.
If you’re not comfortable with an internal assessment or treatment when you’re menstruating, we can continue with the session focusing on external work and movement or you can reschedule your appointment with at least 24 hours notice.
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Of course! You are more than welcome to bring your baby to your appointment and attend to them during your session.
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My passion for the pelvic floor and women's health was sparked while in physiotherapy school. I was frustrated with how taboo it was to talk about pelvic floor dysfunction among my friends and colleagues. I also didn't feel like I knew enough about the pelvis and pelvic floor muscles to properly rehabilitate and educate my patients. This led my to continuing education in the field of pelvic health in 2015. Now my goal is to shed light on the pelvic issues that were once considered taboo, shameful or even worse, 'normal'. I hope to empower women to feel their best of move confidently through every season of their life. - Danielle
My passion for pelvic health came after having my two boys and realizing the lack in physical care and guidance for the pregnant and postpartum woman. I wanted to be able to support women and treat their pain during this unique time in their lives. I enjoy tying together my knowledge of yoga and breathing and pelvic and hip mobility with pelvic health along a woman’s lifespan. - Rachel
What’s Included in Pelvic Floor Physio?
Perinatal Prep Guide
A summary of how pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you through your first to fourth trimester
Empowered Mama: A 52-Week Pregnancy Guide + Reflection Journal to Prepare Your Mind & Body For Your Bump, Birth, Postpartum + Beyond
$27.99
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A 52-Week Pregnancy Journal and Weekly Reflection Workbook For New Moms. Prepare Your Mind and Body Through all Stages of Pregnancy Including Maintaining Pelvic Floor Health, Postpartum Guidance, and New Motherhood Wellbeing
This pregnancy journal and weekly reflection workbook will help new moms-to-be prepare their mind, body, and overall health for an enjoyable, informed, and reflective pregnancy!Filled with week-by-week pregnancy journal prompts created by a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist and , expert quotes on maternal health and wellbeing, checklists and milestone tracking, this journal is the perfect pregnancy companion for any new mom.*This journal helps support pregnant mamas who want to continue to stay healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally throughout this season of their life, and have a space to reflect on their changing mindset, body, and strength while preparing for labour and birth.
The pre- and postnatal season of a woman’s life is a profoundly transformative one. This journal is a space to reflect on your pregnancy mindset, connect with your maternal intuitions, and come into your power through education as you prepare for birth and beyond. Knowledge and intuition are powerful, mama!
With the overwhelming information on the Internet, this journal will become your guide and comfort and a keepsake for your precious journey.
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You are on your journey to becoming a mama
You are currently pregnant (congrats!)
You are looking for a way to celebrate a friend or family member that is pregnant
You and your partner are growing your family, making this the perfect gift
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Trimester-specific tips, education, mindset, and insights from a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Weekly trimester-focused reflection questions
Weekly exercise tracking and modifications-Weekly expert advice/quotes
Milestone tracking
BONUS: Hospital bag checklist-BONUS: Partner preparedness checklist+ so much more!
Empowered Mama: Digital Workbook Version
Get the digital workbook version of my 52-Week Pregnancy Journal and Weekly Reflection Workbook
Finding Fitness: An 8 Week Return to Fitness Program + Pelvic Floor Education
This program is a cumulation of all of the education and knowledge of a pelvic health physio and perinatal fitness coach to help you: heal yourself, progress back into fitness, identify symptoms and signs that your body is sending you, and improve your mindset surrounding your body and athleticism postpartum.
Common postpartum fitness mistakes
Education and anatomy of the pelvic system
Setting intentions for postpartum exercise
Fitness strategies to improve performance
Signs & symptoms of common pelvic floor issues
Two Months of 30-40 min Programming (4 days/week) including: Warm Up, Strength, Conditioning, and Core/Mobility
Bonus material surrounding pelvic floor management techniques for high impact and running
Bonus pelvic floor relaxation drills
All you'll need:
1 resistance band
2 medium dumbbells (5lb-15lb)
2 heavy dumbbells (10lb-25lb)
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You are >6 weeks postpartum and are looking for a stepping stone between healing and pre-pregnancy fitness
You want to learn about your body, common postpartum signs + symptoms, and feel educated and confident about your core and pelvic floor
You have limited time for exercise and want to use it as efficiently as possible to maximize your postpartum healing
You feel exercise is important but you are struggling to know 'which exercises to do' or how to progress
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Education on: Anatomy, Functions of the pelvic floor and core system, Signs and symptoms and what they mean
2 months of fitness programming
Each daily program includes: warm up, strength, conditioning, core + mobility cool down
Bonus cueing for high impact and return to running
Follow along videos for all programming
Kind Words