Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Etobicoke
At Mimico Medical we strive to treat the widest range of conditions possible in an evidence-based manner. Medical issues involving the pelvic floor are relatively common in both men and women and can cause significant pain and urinary dysfunction. Solid research shows that pelvic floor physiotherapy is an effective way to treat several of these conditions.
We are pleased to offer pelvic floor physiotherapy to our patients, delivered by the best physiotherapy team in the Etobicoke community. Our physical therapists can help you to significantly improve your quality of life through evidence-based treatments.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is made up of muscles between the tailbone and pubic bone. The pelvic floor forms the lower border of the pelvic cavity and is found in both males and females. These muscles are the primary source of support for the bladder and colon, as well as the vagina and uterus in women. The urethra, vagina and colon are encircled by muscles as they pass through the pelvic floor, through holes called sphincters. The integrity of the spasms in these muscles play a large role in regulating urination, defecation and sexual function. Dysfunction in these muscles can cause a host of clinical issues that may be embarrassing to discuss.
Custom Knee Brace Clinic
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor become tighter or weaker or both. In any case, they lose the ability to coordinate bowel movements and urination. Causes are related to traumatic injuries to the pelvis or medical conditions that weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Bladder symptoms can include difficulty emptying the bladder and various forms of incontinence. Bowel symptoms can include constipation, incomplete emptying and fecal incontinence. Sexual organs can also be affected, causing genital discomfort and spasms. Pelvic floor dysfunction is also associated with erectile dysfunction in men, and pain during sex in women.
A physiotherapist can usually make a diagnosis using a suggestive history and physical exam. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is non-invasive, and is an effective way to treat this dysfunction in the majority of cases. Although rare, severe or treatment-resistant cases may require support from a medical team to prescribe medicine, order diagnostic tests or perform surgery.
Acupuncture
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy (or PFPT) is a series of treatments and exercises focused on the pelvic floor muscles. The goal of PFPT is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve their tone and function. Patients can expect to see an improvement in pelvic floor related conditions.
A pelvic floor physiotherapist is trained in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. Treatment typically involves a combination of exercises and manual therapy.
Pelvic floor exercises focus on strengthening, relaxing and coordinating the pelvic floor muscles. Manual therapy is to target and relieve trigger points affecting pelvic floor function.
Shockwave Therapy
Contact Our Team of Physiotherapists Today
We are accepting new patients for postpartum physiotherapy and pelvic floor physiotherapy in Etobicoke. Use our online form to sign up today! We also offer acupuncture in Etobicoke.
Postpartum Physiotherapy
Both the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles are at-risk for injury while giving birth. This is true regardless of the type of delivery. A majority of women will experience a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles after giving birth.
Common pelvic floor issues postpartum are incontinence, organ prolapse, abdominal separation (diastasis recti), painful intercourse and everyday pelvic pain.
Our trained physiotherapists will consult with you regarding these complaints. Treatments for postpartum pelvic floor physiotherapy may include.
- Manual therapy and myofascial release
- Targeted exercises incorporating pilates and kegels
- Bladder training
Trigger Point Dry Needling
Postpartum Incontinence
Approximately 1/3 of women experience urinary incontinence in the first 3 months postpartum. Sometimes referred to as stress urinary incontinence, leakage commonly occurs when sneezing, laughing, jumping or exercising. Difficulty controlling urine is more prevalent in first-time mothers and the issue can last much longer than just a few months.
The most common cause of postpartum incontinence is weakened pelvic floor muscles due to childbirth. However this is not the only cause – so our trained physiotherapists will consider a range of treatments in consultation with you.
In the majority of cases, our physiotherapist will train patients in pelvic floor muscles exercises. Depending on the patient’s needs and physical condition, our physiotherapist will create a personalized exercise plan. Follow-up, exercise practice and continuing assessment will be performed over 3 months.
Manual Therapy
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and Back Pain
For both women and men, pelvic floor dysfunction is very often correlated with lower back pain. When many people talk about “the core” and its role in supporting the lower back, they tend to focus on the abdominal muscles. However, the pelvic floor is in fact the base support of the core and is just as critical to a strong spine and back.
Because we see such a high correlation between weakened core muscles and lower back pain, our physiotherapists consider pelvic floor dysfunction as part of their assessment. A 2018 study found that 95% of women that have lower back pain also have some form of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help alleviate the pain and disability associated with lower back pain. Recent scientific studies provide evidence of this. One 2013 study concluded that pelvic floor exercises combined with physiotherapy treatment provided significant benefits for patients suffering from lower back pain.
Our physiotherapists are ready to consult with patients with lower back pain and assess the role of pelvic floor dysfunction as part of a treatment plan.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy covered by OHIP?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is currently not covered by OHIP. Like many other physical therapy treatments it is covered by private insurance plans similar to those offered by different employers.
Contact Our Team of Physiotherapists Today
We are accepting new patients for postpartum physiotherapy and pelvic floor physiotherapy in Etobicoke. Use our online form to sign up today! We also specialize in dry needle therapy.
At Mimico Medical we are committed to expanding access to physical therapy treatment in our community of Etobicoke. We operate a clinic for custom knee braces for our patients that suffer from osteoarthritis. Explore our other physiotherapy services such as shockwave treatment and integrated manual therapy.
