Holistic pelvic health physiotherapy + wellness in Victoria, BC:
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

OUR SERVICES

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized therapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of the muscles, ligaments and connective tissues around your pelvis including the internal ones that support the bladder, uterus and rectum and combining this with a whole-body approach to improving pelvic health. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is effective in managing a range of health issues. Your entire body functions together and our pelvic health physiotherapists will look at all areas when doing their assessments. Whether you’re dealing with issues like incontinence, back/hip/tailbone/pelvic pain, endometriosis, pain with intercourse, pregnancy related symptoms or focusing on your postpartum recovery, our compassionate and skilled therapists are here to provide personalized care, ensuring that your concerns are understood and addressed through customized treatment plans in a safe, welcoming space. During pregnancy, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help prepare your body for a smoother childbirth experience. Postpartum, it supports your recovery by addressing concerns such as diastasis recti, pelvic organ prolapse, and lingering pelvic pain.

Book your appointment today to begin your journey toward relief, recovery, and renewed pelvic health.

    • Preparing you to have an empowered, positive birthing experience (vaginal or c-section)

    • Pelvic floor and core health throughout pregnancy

    • Exercise during pregnancy

    • Incontinence (urinary or fecal)

    • Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)

    • Pelvic girdle pain (including back pain, pelvic pain, hip pain, pubic symphysis pain, tailbone pain)

    • Round ligament pain

    • Pelvic organ prolapse

    • Incontinence (urinary and fecal)

    • Perineal tearing / episiotomy recovery

    • Scar management (perineal and c-section)

    • C-section recovery

    • Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)

    • Pelvic organ prolapse

    • Postpartum exercise and return to running

    • Retraining the pelvic floor muscles

    • Pain (including back pain, pelvic pain, hip pain, pubic symphysis pain, tailbone pain)

    • Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)

    • Preparing you to have an empowered, positive birthing experience (vaginal or c-section)

    • Hands on labour skills for your partner

    • Pelvic floor muscle anatomy and function during labour and delivery

    • Reducing the risk of perineal tears

    • Labour & delivery postiions

    • Pushing strategies

    • Pain management education

    • Movements and exercises for birth prep and labour

  • C-section scars can lead to symptoms such as:

    • Numbness

    • Itchiness

    • Sensitivity

    • Restricted movement

    • “Shelf” appearance

    • Puckering or pulling

    • Adhesions contributing to abdominal discomfort or tension

    These issues can affect abdominal and pelvic floor function, potentially leading to ongoing discomfort or dysfunction.

    During this appointment, your scar will be assessed, and treatments may include:

    • Massage: To improve scar tissue mobility and circulation.

    • Cupping: To lift and release adhesions, promoting tissue flexibility.

    • Manual Mobilization Techniques: To reduce restrictions and improve movement.

    • Desensitization Techniques: To address sensitivity and reduce discomfort.

    Perineal scars from tears or episiotomies can lead to symptoms such as:

    • Numbness

    • Itchiness

    • Sensitivity

    • Pain or discomfort

    • Restricted movement

    • Pulling or tightness

    • Adhesions that may affect pelvic floor function and surrounding tissues

    These symptoms can contribute to challenges with sitting, intimacy, bowel and bladder function, or general pelvic discomfort.

    During this appointment, your scar will be assessed, and treatments may include:

    • Massage: To improve scar tissue flexibility and circulation.

    • Manual Mobilization Techniques: To reduce tightness and improve tissue mobility.

    • Desensitization Techniques: To address sensitivity and reduce discomfort.

    You will also receive a personalized home program to complement in-clinic treatments and support your recovery.

    • Pelvis related pain (including back pain, pelvic pain, hip pain, pubic symphysis pain, tailbone pain)

    • Vaginismus

    • Vulvodynia

    • Endometriosis related symptoms

    • Interstitial cystitis / bladder pain syndrome

    • Period pain

    • Pelvic organ prolapse discomfort

    • Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)

    • Pelvic trauma or injuries to the tailbone or pelvis

    • Penile or Testicular Pain

  • Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain or discomfort without a clear medical cause. Symptoms may include:

    • Burning, stinging, or raw sensations in the vulva

    • Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)

    • Pain with prolonged sitting, tight clothing, or physical activities

    • Tenderness or sensitivity to touch

    • Generalized or localized pain (e.g., vestibulodynia – pain at the vaginal opening)

    Vaginismus is the involuntary tightening or spasm of the pelvic floor muscles when penetration or insertion of something is attempted. Symptoms may include:

    • Difficulty or pain during vaginal penetration (e.g., with intercourse, tampons, or medical exams)

    • A burning or tight sensation when attempting insertion

    • Avoidance of intimacy or vaginal insertion due to fear of pain

    • Involuntary muscle contractions or inability to relax the pelvic floor

    Pelvic Health Physiotherapy for Vulvodynia / Vaginismus includes:

    • Pelvic Floor Muscle Assessment and Treatment

    • Manual Therapy

    • Desensitization Techniques

    • Education on Pain Mechanisms

    • Breathing and Relaxation Exercises

    • Dilator Therapy

    • Scar Tissue Mobilization

    • Posture and Body Mechanics

    • Personalized Home Program

    • Holistic Support

    • Neurological Reprocessing: Helping the brain adjust and respond more effectively to pain signals, reducing sensitivity and improving pelvic function.

  • Interstitial Cystitis or Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), are chronic conditions that cause bladder discomfort or pain, often accompanied by frequent urination and urgency. The pain can range from mild to severe and may be felt in the bladder, pelvic region, or lower abdomen.

    Common Symptoms

    • Pain or discomfort in the bladder or pelvic area

    • Increased frequency of urination (often more than 8 times a day)

    • Urgency to urinate, even if the bladder is not full

    • Pain during or after sexual intercourse

    • Discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis

    Pelvic health physiotherapy can help manage symptoms through techniques to reduce pelvic muscle tension, improve bladder function, and alleviate pain.

  • Dyspareunia is persistent or recurrent pain experienced during or after vaginal, penile, or anal penetration. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may occur at the vaginal opening (superficial) or deeper in the pelvis (deep).

    Symptoms

    • Burning, stinging, or sharp pain with penetration

    • Aching or pressure during or after intercourse

    • Tightness or difficulty relaxing pelvic muscles

    • Emotional distress, anxiety, or fear of intimacy

    How Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Help with Dyspareunia

    • Pelvic Floor Muscle Assessment and Treatment: addressing tightness, weakness or overactivity of the muscles

    • Manual Therapy

    • Desensitization Techniques

    • Education on Pain Mechanisms

    • Breathing and Relaxation Exercises

    • Dilator Therapy

    • Scar Tissue Mobilization

    • Posture and Body Mechanics

    • Personalized Home Program

    • Holistic Support

    • Retraining Neurological Processes: Helping the brain re-learn how to interpret sensations in the pelvic region, reducing pain responses and promoting healthier, more functional nerve signals.

  • Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). The symptoms of endometriosis can vary, but common ones include:

    • Chronic pelvic pain, especially around menstruation

    • Pain during or after intercourse

    • Painful bowel movements or urination, particularly during menstruation

    • Heavy or irregular periods

    • Fatigue

    • Infertility

    Endometriosis can impact the pelvic floor muscles, leading to muscle tightness, dysfunction, or referred pain, and pelvic health physiotherapy can help alleviate these symptoms.

  • Period pain refers to the cramping or discomfort that occurs before or during menstruation

    Symptoms of period pain include:

    • Cramping in the lower abdomen or pelvis

    • Lower back pain

    • Nausea

    • Bloating or digestive issues

    Pelvic health physiotherapy can help by addressing pelvic floor muscle tension, improving blood flow, and providing techniques to reduce discomfort during menstruation.

  • Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur when the bladder is unable to hold urine, or the muscles that control urination are weakened or overactive. There are different types of urinary incontinence:

    • Stress Incontinence: Leakage of urine during physical activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.

    • Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage before reaching the bathroom.

    • Mixed Incontinence: A combination of both stress and urge incontinence.

    • Overflow Incontinence: Frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn't empty completely.

    Symptoms of urinary incontinence include:

    • Leaking urine during physical activities or when coughing or sneezing

    • A strong, sudden urge to urinate with little time to reach the bathroom

    • Frequent urination, including during the night

    • Involuntary leakage with minimal warning

    Pelvic health physiotherapy can help by addressing muscle imbalances, strengthening any weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control, and addressing any underlying issues contributing to incontinence.

  • Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, leading to the involuntary loss of stool. This can range from occasional leakage of stool to complete loss of control.

    Symptoms of fecal incontinence include:

    • Involuntary loss of stool, ranging from small amounts to complete bowel movements

    • Difficulty controlling gas or stool, especially during physical activities

    • Urgency or an overwhelming need to have a bowel movement with little warning

    • Feelings of incomplete bowel evacuation

    Pelvic health physiotherapy can help by addressing muscle imbalances in the pelvic floor, improving toileting techniques, strengthening any weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, improving bowel control, addressing any underlying pelvic floor dysfunction, and providing techniques to manage and prevent leakage.

  • Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) descend into or outside of the vaginal canal. The severity can vary, with some cases causing mild symptoms and others more significant discomfort or dysfunction.

    Types of pelvic organ prolapse include:

    • Cystocele: Prolapse of the bladder into the vaginal wall.

    • Rectocele: Prolapse of the rectum into the vaginal wall.

    • Uterine Prolapse: Descent of the uterus into the vaginal canal.

    • Enterocele: Prolapse of the small intestine into the vaginal area.

    Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include:

    • A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area

    • A bulge or protrusion in the vaginal canal

    • Incontinence (urinary or fecal)

    • Difficulty with bowel movements or urination

    • Pain or discomfort during intercourse

    Pelvic health physiotherapy can help by addressing muscle imbalances, strengthening any weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, improving organ support, teaching proper body mechanics, and providing exercises to reduce symptoms and prevent further prolapse progression.

  • Urinary urgency, or overactive bladder (OAB), refers to a frequent, sudden, and strong urge to urinate that may be difficult to control. It often leads to involuntary leakage and can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

    Symptoms of urinary urgency / overactive bladder include:

    • Sudden, intense urge to urinate

    • Frequent urination

    • Waking up multiple times during the night to urinate (nocturia)

    • Involuntary leakage after a strong urge to urinate (urge incontinence)

    How Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Help with Urinary Urgency / Overactive Bladder:

    • Bladder Re-training

    • Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

    • Bladder Diary

    • Education on Fluid Management

    • Relaxation Techniques

    • Behavioral Modifications

    • Posture and Body Mechanics

    • Holistic Support

    • Pelvis related pain (including back pain, pelvic pain, hip pain, pubic symphysis pain, tailbone pain)

    • Vaginismus

    • Vulvodynia

    • Endometriosis related symptoms

    • Interstitial cystitis / bladder pain syndrome

    • Period pain

    • Incontinence (urinary and fecal)

    • Urinary urgency / overactive bladder

    • Pelvic organ prolapse

    • Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)

    • Pelvic trauma or injuries to the tailbone or pelvis

    • Erectile dysfunction

    • Penile Pain

    • Testicular Pain

    • Trans / Gender diverse pelvic health conditions

    • Pre and post gender affirming surgery

    • Pre and post gender affirming surgery

    • Dysphoria related to genitalia

    • Post-surgical pelvic floor dysfunction / pain

    • Urinary incontinence

    • Erectile dysfunction

    • Vaginal stenosis or dryness

    • Pelvic pain

    • Perineal pain or discomfort

    • Scar tissue or adhesions from gender-affirming surgeries

    • Bladder dysfunction or urgency

    • Sexual dysfunction or pain during intercourse

    • Pelvic organ prolapse

    • Urinary Incontinence

    • Erectile Dysfunction

    • Pelvic Pain Syndrome

    • Prostatitis

    • Chronic Pelvic Pain

    • Overactive Bladder

    • Urinary Urgency

    • Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome

    • Pelvic Organ Prolapse

    • Fecal Incontinence

    • Post-prostatectomy Dysfunction

    • Testicular Pain

    • Inguinal Hernia

    • Prostate Health Issues

    • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

    • Tailbone Pain

Schedule an appointment today