Frequently Asked Questions

  • Pelvic health physiotherapy is a branch of orthopedic physiotherapy that focuses on the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and fascia of the pelvic girdle. The pelvic floor muscles are a basket of muscles that sit at the base of the pelvis connecting from the pubic bone in the front to the tailbone at the back, and side to side between the sitz bones. They provide support for your pelvic organs (bladder, rectum, uterus), help to maintain urinary and fecal continence, provide stability for the lumbo-pelvic and hip joints, and aid in sexual function and circulation through the pelvis. A registered pelvic health physiotherapist has received advanced training and certification in the muscles and tissues of the pelvis and will use internal (vaginal and/or rectal) and external techniques to assess and treat the pelvic floor and associated structures.

  • Those experiencing any of the following:

    Incontinence (urinary or fecal)

    Urinary/fecal urgency and frequency

    Pelvic organ prolapse

    Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)

    Pelvic girdle pain (SI joint, pubic symphysis)

    Coccydynia (tailbone pain)

    Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)

    Vaginismus

    Vulvodynia/Vestibulodynia

    Pudendal neuralgia

    Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis

    Pain associated with endometriosis and/or dysmenorrhea (painful periods)

    Constipation

    Hip, low back and sacroiliac joint pain that has not responded to traditional care

    If pregnant and wanting to prepare your body (including pelvic floor) for birth and get a head start on your postpartum recovery.

  • You do not need a doctor referral to book an appointment. However, if you are going through extended health benefits some insurance companies require a doctor note to claim. Check with your insurance provider ahead of time.

  • Pelvic health physiotherapy services are covered by extended health benefits under regular physiotherapy coverage.  

    Our services are not covered under OHIP.

  • The internal exam (vaginal and/or rectal) is performed to assess the pelvic floor muscles and associated structures. This is critical in identifying the tone, strength, and control of your pelvic floor muscles. However, if you do not want to have an internal exam it is not mandatory. The procedure, benefits, and alternative options will be explained to you so you can make an informed decision. You may withdraw consent at any time should you change your mind.

  • You may still come to your appointment if you are on your period. The internal assessment/treatment may still be performed provided you are comfortable with it. If you are not, we can provide alternative treatment options, or you may reschedule your appointment provided you give 24 hours notice.

  • Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in our day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, we require 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee of $60.

  • Yes absolutely, partners are welcomed and encouraged. However, you can still register for the class if you would like to attend solo, or if your partner is unable to make it.

  • You can attend at any point in pregnancy however I do recommend the third trimester as being optimal for timing.

  • Yes, it can be covered under physiotherapy benefits. Payment for the class is required upfront. You will receive an invoice after the first session that can be submitted to insurance for reimbursement.

  • The cost is $100 for two 1-hour classes, run over two consecutive weeks.

  • If your child is over 5 and struggling with any of the symptoms listed above, active physiotherapy management would be recommended. If your child is between 2-5 and you are looking for guidance with potty training or they are experiencing symptoms, you are also welcome to book an assessment.

  • Pediatric assessment and treatment is non-invasive. Assessment may include comprehensive health history taking, functional assessment of breathing and core function, postural and movement assessment, and visual assessment of the pelvic floor contracting and relaxing with external palpation (if consent is given). Treatment may include education on digestion, pelvic floor anatomy, bladder functioning, urge control and more; bladder schedule, toileting postures, dietary recommendations, constipation management, bed wetting management program, and exercises to optimize pelvic floor and core function.