Pelvic Physiotherapy
1 in 2 women and 1 in 9 men will experience urinary incontinence at some point during their life. Many women think it is normal to pee a little when they exercise or to cough and not be able to make it to the bathroom in time. We now know through research that pelvic floor rehabilitation can help. The Cochrane Collaboration (2010) concluded that physiotherapy should be the first line of defense for stress, urge and mixed incontinence in women.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. This can happen as the pressure within the abdomen increases quickly like when we laugh, cough, jump or run. An involuntary loss of urine can also happen when you feel a sudden strong urge to void and are unable to hold it long enough to make it to the bathroom.
Who is at risk?
The risk of incontinence increases after having one or more children, post-menopause, with prostate enlargement or post prostatectomy, chronic straining, being obese or being over 40 years of age.
Role of the pelvic floor muscles.
The pelvic floor muscles look like a hammock and act as a sphincter to prevent urinary and fecal leakage. They also work to support the internal organs and stabilize our back and pelvic girdle. The pelvic floor muscles need to be able to contract to maintain continence and relax to allow urination and bowel movements. Like any other muscle in the body, these muscles can get too tight leading to pain, constipation, urgency and frequent urination. When these muscles are not strong enough, it can lead to urinary and fecal incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse.
What to expect at your pelvic health physiotherapy assessment?
An hour-long assessment will be completed to get a comprehensive history of your pelvic health and determine the factors leading to incontinence or pelvic pain. Your physiotherapist will discuss ways of decreasing symptoms though changes in behaviour. An internal exam may be conducted to assess the strength and tone of the pelvic floor muscles and a comprehensive treatment plan will be discussed.
Why do we do an internal exam?
The muscles of the pelvic floor are hidden inside the pelvis; we cannot see them. Research has shown that doing an internal exam is the best way to assess the pelvic floor muscles and ensure that strengthening exercises are being done correctly. If you are uncomfortable having an internal exam or are not suitable for an internal exam for any reason, other treatment and assessment options are available as well.
Prices
60 min Initial Assessment - $150
60 min Follow-up Session - $150
30 min Follow-up Session - $85
90 min Pessary Fitting Assessment - $200