What are the symptoms of Pelvic Floor Disorder?

• Incontinence or leakage (remember, this is NOT a normal part of aging)
• Increased urinary frequency
• Increased urinary urgency
• Bowel issues including constipation, straining, or pain
• Persistent pelvic pain
• Generalized and localized vulvar pain
• Pressure or heaviness in the pelvic region
• Painful intercourse
• Unexplained pain in low back, pelvic region, genital area, or rectum
• Painful bladder syndrome
• Organ prolapse
• Hip, low back, and sacroiliac joint pain that has not responded to traditional care techniques
• Pre and post pregnancy issues including pain, leakage, bulging and scarring, and diastasis recti (abdominal separation)

Is an internal exam necessary?

In order to properly assess the structures of the pelvic floor, internal palpation is necessary; a pelvic assessment without an internal exam would be like assessing the shoulder through a jacket. Internal muscle function cannot be properly assessed and treated externally. The physiotherapist who carries out this work is a trained regulated health care professional who will discuss the process thoroughly with you before carrying out the examination and subsequent treatment.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No. As with any physiotherapy service, a referral is not necessary for pelvic health physiotherapy.