Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with concerns such as leakage or urgency, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, and core function through respectful, evidence-informed care.
When pelvic floor symptoms affect daily life
Pelvic floor concerns can affect confidence, exercise, sleep, work, and everyday routines. Some people notice leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or exercise. Others experience urgency, frequent trips to the bathroom, or difficulty trusting their bladder.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy may help with concerns such as:
- stress incontinence, such as leakage with coughing, sneezing, or activity
- urge incontinence, such as a sudden strong need to urinate
- urinary urgency or frequency
- pregnancy or postpartum recovery
- pelvic floor coordination
- core function and control
This service is currently focused on urinary incontinence, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, and core function. Pelvic pain is not currently treated through this service.
How pelvic floor physiotherapy works
Pelvic floor physiotherapy looks at how the pelvic floor muscles are working in relation to bladder control, breathing, posture, movement, and the core muscles. Treatment is based on your symptoms, health history, goals, and comfort level.
For urinary incontinence, the goal is to improve how the pelvic floor muscles function in relation to bladder control and in coordination with the core. Depending on what is contributing to your symptoms, this may include strengthening, relaxation, coordination, education, or changes to daily habits and movement strategies.
Your initial assessment
Your first session is typically about an hour and includes a detailed conversation about your symptoms, urinary habits, health history, pregnancy or postpartum history where relevant, and what you would like help with.
An internal pelvic floor examination may be recommended to assess how the pelvic floor muscles are functioning. This is only done with your informed consent. Your physiotherapist will explain what is involved, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your options before proceeding.
You can decline an internal exam at any time. Your comfort, consent, and privacy are central to the appointment.
What treatment may include
Your treatment plan will depend on your assessment and goals. Pelvic floor physiotherapy may include:
- education about bladder control and pelvic floor function
- pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation exercises
- coordination work with breathing and core muscles
- strategies for urgency, frequency, or leakage
- movement and exercise guidance during pregnancy or postpartum recovery
- manual therapy when appropriate
- home exercises or self-management strategies
Your physiotherapist will explain what they are recommending and how each part of the plan relates to your symptoms.
What to bring
For your initial visit, you may want to bring a list of current medications, relevant medical history, and any questions you would like to ask. Comfortable clothing is recommended so you can move easily if movement assessment or exercise is part of the session.
Moving forward
Pelvic floor concerns are common, but they can still feel personal or difficult to talk about. Your appointment is designed to be respectful, private, and clear, with treatment shaped around your comfort and your goals.
