Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Supporting your core, bladder, bowel, and sexual health through specialized care designed to restore strength, function, and confidence.

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What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is a specialized form of treatment focused on the group of muscles involved in urinary, bowel, and sexual function, as well as core stability. These muscles stretch from the pubic bone to the tailbone and side to side between the sit bones, forming a supportive “trampoline” that plays a crucial role in bladder and bowel control, organ support, and pelvic stability.

At Focus Physio + Wellness, our physiotherapists assess and treat a wide range of concerns—helping to relieve pain, improve function, and restore confidence. While often associated with pregnancy or aging, pelvic floor dysfunction is common and treatable. Our goal is to help you prevent and resolve symptoms that many people are told to accept as “normal”—so you can move forward with strength and comfort.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

During your initial assessment, your therapist will take a detailed health history, perform an external exam, and, if appropriate, an internal examination. The external exam includes assessment of posture, strength, and mobility in your lower back, hips, and pelvis. Breathing patterns are also analyzed, as the diaphragm, core, and pelvic floor work together. Improper breathing or breath-holding can significantly impact pelvic floor function.

An internal examination—performed vaginally and/or rectally—provides valuable insight into pelvic floor muscle strength, trigger points, and overall function. The exam is always guided by your comfort and personal boundaries, with the goal of understanding symptoms without causing pain.

Based on your assessment, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan that may include education, visual aids, targeted exercises, manual therapy, activity modifications, and relaxation techniques.

Follow-up sessions focus on addressing the root cause of your symptoms through hands-on therapy, movement, breathwork, and ongoing support.

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Take the first step toward restoring comfort and confidence. Booking your pelvic health session is easy and confidential.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who would benefit from Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

ANYONE! Or just about anyone. Did you know that 78% of women with low back pain report a pelvic floor dysfunction? Individuals who may benefit from pelvic floor physio include people with unresolved low back pain, unexplained hip pain, tailbone pain, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), incontinence (leakage), constipation, internal pelvic pain (pain with intercourse, vaginismus, interstitial cystitis), pre and post natal women, post-menopausal women, men who are experiencing chronic pelvic pain, post-prostatectomy, and anyone who has undergone pelvic or abdominal surgery.

What are some conditions that would indicate a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy assessment?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! People often seek out physiotherapy when they have an acute injury. However, physiotherapists also have the expertise to help in injury prevention and movement optimization. After a detailed physical assessment, your physiotherapist can customize an exercise program that helps optimize movement mechanics to allow you function more efficiently.

What is an internal exam? What does it entail?

An internal examination is the assessment of your pelvic floor strength, tone, laxity, coordination, and connective tissue. To complete the internal exam, the physiotherapist will leave the room for you to undressed from the waist down and have you lie on the treatment table. A cover sheet will be provided. Using non-latex gloves and a sterile surface for lubricant, the physiotherapist will insert one or two gloved fingers into the vaginal canal and/or rectum. The physiotherapist will explain and ask for consent prior to each step of the assessment. **This exam is completed IF you are not experiencing acute pelvic pain, feel comfortable, and consent to the examination.**

Do all sessions require an internal examination? Do I have to have one?

No. An internal pelvic exam is not mandatory, but is the gold standard to assess how your pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue are working. An internal exam may be recommended to further investigate and evaluate symptoms, but this is based on comfort. The physiotherapist will discuss pros and cons to the internal component and give feedback throughout the assessment to allow a better understanding of the assessment findings. Often, external treatment options are taken after the assessment is completed, so an internal examination is not indicated for every follow up session. **You will always be asked to provide consent before any assessment or treatment is provided and you are welcome to remove your consent at any time.**

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Pelvic Health Physio?

In British Columbia, you are not required to have a referral in order to see a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. If you plan to use extended health insurance for the session, it is recommended you contact your insurance company to find out if you need a referral from your physician in order to receive reimbursement for physiotherapy. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is included within the physiotherapy portion of your health benefits.

How many sessions of Pelvic Health Physiotherapy will I need?

The number of sessions needed will vary depending on your condition, the nature of the problem/complexity, and personal goals. In general, you can expect anywhere from 6-12 treatments, but the physiotherapist will discuss the optimal number of sessions needed to achieve your goals as effectively and efficiently as possible.

What should I wear to my first appointment?

You do not need to wear anything specific, but comfortable clothing is encouraged. It is best to wear loose fitting or flexible clothing to allow the physiotherapist to get a sense of your body’s mobility.

Should I make an appointment before, during, or after pregnancy?

It is recommended to book an assessment after your first trimester (around 13 week’s gestation). The strengthening of the pelvic floor and core muscles is encouraged after your first trimester. Around 34 week’s gestation, the emphasis is on preparation for labour and delivery. After the baby arrives, we recommend waiting 6 weeks to ensure your body has had some time to heal and you have seen your family doctor for a postpartum follow up.

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