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Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help You

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you overcome many issues related to pelvic health.

What is Your Pelvic Floor?

ROLE OF THE PELVIC FLOOR

The position of the pelvic floor muscles in the body

PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION

The pelvic floor is made up of muscles, ligaments, nerves and connective tissues and is an essential component of your “core” muscles.  They help to support your lower back (preventing low back pain with function), maintain continence of bowel/bladder, allow for sexual function and pleasure and provide support for internal organs (bowel, bladder, uterus).
Understanding what these muscles do and how we can make them do it better has HUGE rewards.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to treat pelvic floor dysfunction,  for patients experiencing a range of symptoms. Urinary leakage, hip, back or pelvic pain, constipation or pain during sex are just some of the conditions that pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with. 
Layers of pelvic floor including sphincters

What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on assessing and treating the pelvic floor muscles. It's hands-on approach that combines education, exercise, and manual therapy techniques.

Do you experience..?

  • Accidental leaks when you cough, sneeze, or laugh?

  • A feeling of pressure or heaviness in your pelvis?

  • Painful intercourse?

  • Difficulty fully emptying your bladder or bowels?

  • Lower back pain that just won't go away?

You're not alone. Millions of people – both men and women – suffer in silence with pelvic floor dysfunction. But these issues aren't something you simply have to "live with." Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a form of therapy specifically designed to address these very problems.

The Impacts of Pelvic Health Issues

Pelvic health issues aren’t just a physical issue – they can significantly impact your quality of life

These issues can significantly impact your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

It's not just about the inconvenience of leaks, discomfort or pain; it's about the emotional and psychological toll it can take too.

Many people with pelvic health issues experience:

  • Embarrassment and Anxiety: Worrying about leaks and accidents can lead to social isolation and avoiding activities you once enjoyed.

  • Reduced Quality of Life: Constant trips to the bathroom and concerns about hygiene can disrupt your daily routine and sleep.

  • Lowered Self-Esteem: Feeling like your body is betraying you can take a toll on your confidence and sense of self.

Conditions Pelvic Floor Physio Can Help

Pelvic floor dysfunction is at the root of a wide range of issues. If you are experiencing any of the following, pelvic floor physio could be your solution for:

  • Urinary Incontinence: Stress incontinence (leaking with exertion), urge incontinence (strong, sudden urges), or mixed incontinence.

  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse: When pelvic organs descend and press into the vagina.

  • Bowel Issues: Constipation, fecal incontinence, or difficulty with bowel movements.

  • Sexual Dysfunction: Painful intercourse, difficulty with arousal or orgasm, vaginismus (vaginal muscle spasms).

  • Pelvic Pain: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, pain after childbirth, pain related to endometriosis or interstitial cystitis.

  • Postpartum Recovery: Healing and strengthening the pelvic floor after childbirth.

  • Pre/Post-Prostatectomy Rehabilitation: Improving continence and erectile function after prostate surgery (for men).

The impact of these conditions goes beyond physical discomfort. They can affect your self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life. But it doesn't have to be this way.

THE GOOD NEWS!

The good news is pelvic floor physiotherapy (a specialized form of physiotherapy) can help!

You may feel like you've lost control over your body and your life.

You might be hesitant to participate in activities you once loved and feel embarrassed or isolated. The good news is, you don't have to live this way.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers a proven, effective solution that addresses the root cause of many pelvic health issues. This specialized therapy focuses on strengthening and retraining your pelvic floor muscles, the very muscles responsible for these conditions.

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help You

  • Urinary Incontinence:

    • Strengthen weakened pelvic floor muscles to prevent leaks.

    • Retrain your bladder and learn techniques to manage urges.

    • Improve coordination for better control during activities.

  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse:

    • Strengthen the pelvic floor to provide better support for organs.

    • Alleviate pressure and discomfort.

    • Teach techniques to manage symptoms and prevent further prolapse.

  • Bowel Issues:

    • Coordinate pelvic floor muscles for easier bowel movements.

    • Relax tight muscles to relieve constipation.

    • Learn strategies to manage incontinence and improve bowel control.

  • Sexual Dysfunction:

    • Relax tight muscles to reduce pain during intercourse.

    • Improve blood flow and sensation.

    • Address muscle coordination issues that can affect arousal and orgasm.

  • Pelvic Pain:

    • Release tight or spasming muscles to reduce pain.

    • Improve blood flow and promote healing.

    • Teach relaxation techniques and pain management strategies.

  • Postpartum Recovery:

    • Restore strength and function to stretched and weakened muscles.

    • Reduce pain and discomfort.

    • Help prevent long-term complications.

  • Pre/Post-Prostatectomy Rehabilitation:

    • Strengthen pelvic floor muscles to improve bladder control.

    • Retrain the bladder and manage urges.

    • Improve erectile function and sexual health.

      The goal is to get to the root of the problem, not just mask the symptoms. By addressing the underlying dysfunction, we can provide lasting relief and help you regain control of your body.

      This isn't a quick fix; it's a transformative journey towards reclaiming control over your body and your life.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

Your journey to better pelvic health starts on day one.

Your therapist will conduct a detailed evaluation of your pelvic floor muscles, bladder habits, and medical history to tailor a treatment plan specifically for you.

Your First Appointment

  1. External and Internal Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the exact causes of your dysfunction, assess muscle strength and coordination, and identify any areas of weakness or tightness.

  2. Personalized Exercise Program: We create a customized exercise plan tailored to your unique needs, designed to strengthen, lengthen, or coordinate your pelvic floor muscles.

  3. Education and Lifestyle Modifications: We'll empower you with knowledge about your pelvic floor, how it functions, and how lifestyle factors can impact it. You'll learn about bladder irritants, bowel health, and strategies to manage your condition effectively.

  4. Manual Therapy: In some cases, our therapists may use gentle, hands-on techniques to release tight muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce pain or tension in the pelvic floor.

    This multi-faceted approach gets to the root of the problem, not just mask the symptoms. By addressing the underlying dysfunction and empowering you with knowledge and skills, we can provide lasting relief and help you regain control of your body.

Your Pelvic Health Team

Our pelvic health team are well known and respected in their field having extensive experience helping thousands of people experiencing issues related to pelvic health.

Gillian Lirette PT

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Gillian Lirette, a physiotherapist with over 20 years of experience, specializes in pelvic health. Passionate about helping those with incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, and more, she continuously updates her knowledge to provide the best care.

An avid golfer and believer in lifelong fitness, Gillian balances her career with a love for family and sports. Her expertise and dedication help patients achieve their wellness goals.

Krista Ross PT

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Krista Ross, a physiotherapist with a diverse background in orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, and more, is dedicated to providing person-centered care.

Krista's passion for empowering clients with knowledge and tools to achieve their health goals is complemented by her collaborative approach and focus on making therapy enjoyable. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, exploring new activities, and learning about holistic health.

Take the First Step Towards a More Confident You

You don't have to live with pelvic health issues!

Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution to many pelvic health issues.

Have questions? Want to speak to an expert before starting treatment?

Book a free consultation with one of our pelvic health team and discover how we can help you regain control and confidence in your life.

Initial visit includes consultation, exam and treatment.

Join us on our mission to improve quality of life of our community through expert rehabilitative care.

MEND|RX Inc

2471 Gladstone Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia - 902 454 2256

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