Pelvic Health
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Courtney Hanslon, our Physiotherapist is trained to help people with a vulva. The vulva includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina, the clitoris, the opening of the vagina and its glands, the opening of the urethra, and the mons pubis. To remain in Courtney's scope of practice and learn if she is the right physiotherapist for you, please continue to read below.
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Understanding Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pelvic health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked or misunderstood. Pelvic health physiotherapy is a field that addresses a variety of conditions related to the pelvic region.
What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?
Pelvic health physiotherapy focuses on the muscles, joints, and connective tissues of the pelvic region. This includes the pelvic floor, which is a group of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. These muscles play a crucial role in urinary and fecal continence, sexual function, and core stability.
Conditions Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Help With
Pelvic health physiotherapists can assist with a wide range of conditions, including:
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Urinary Incontinence: Difficulty controlling urine, which can occur during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
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Fecal Incontinence: Inability to control bowel movements.
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Pelvic Organ Prolapse: When pelvic organs, such as the bladder or uterus, drop from their normal position.
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Pelvic Pain: Chronic pain in the pelvic region, which can be related to conditions such as endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, or vulvodynia.
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Pregnancy and Postpartum Issues: Addressing pain, incontinence, and diastasis recti (abdominal separation) during and after pregnancy.
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Sexual Dysfunction: Pain during intercourse or other sexual dysfunctions.
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Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Recovery and rehabilitation after surgeries involving the pelvic region. Pelvic health physiotherapy is also important pre-surgery!!
What Does a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Assessment Look Like?
An assessment with a pelvic health physiotherapist typically involves:
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Medical History: Discussion of your medical history, symptoms, and concerns. This will help Courtney understand your condition and tailor the assessment.
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Physical Examination: This may include:
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Postural Assessment: Evaluating your posture and alignment.
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Breathing Patterns: Observing how you breathe, as this can impact pelvic floor function.
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External Examination: Checking the muscles and tissues around the pelvis, hips, and lower back.
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Internal Examination (if necessary): With your consent, an internal examination may be conducted to assess the strength, tone, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles.
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The assessment is thorough and conducted with the utmost respect for your comfort and privacy.
You can pick and choose what you are comfortable doing!
What Does Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Treatment Involve?
Treatment plans are individualized based on the assessment findings and your specific needs. Common treatment methods include:
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Pelvic Floor Exercises: Tailored exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles.
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Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to release tension and improve mobility in the pelvic region.
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Education: Information on lifestyle modifications, bladder and bowel habits, and ergonomics to support your pelvic health.
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Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Techniques to reduce tension and improve overall muscle function.
Pelvic health physiotherapy can significantly improve quality of life for individuals dealing with pelvic-related conditions. By addressing the underlying issues and providing tailored treatments, pelvic health physiotherapy can help patients regain control and confidence.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to support you on your journey to better pelvic health.
You can also reach out to our Physiotherapist,
Courtney by email or instagram
@courtphysio