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Kingston Pelvic Health (KPH)

Kingston Pelvic Health (KPH)2022-01-10T21:25:02-05:00

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

 Preventative, Restorative, Educational

  • Preventative interventions are aimed at optimizing pelvic health during the reproductive years, as women transition through menopause, and for those who wish to take their core strength to a new level. Education and  individually prescribed exercises are provided by knowledgeable pelvic health therapists.

  • When pelvic health changes, pelvic health physiotherapists can assess for impairments and implement a restorative treatment plan. Restorative interventions often include a combination of education about pelvic anatomy and function, manual techniques to restore muscle and connective tissue health, and unique exercises to optimize awareness, contractility, and function of the pelvic floor muscles as they fire independently as well as part of the integrated body system.

  • Providing education and sharing our knowledge of a poorly understood area is a key component of pelvic health physiotherapy. Knowledge allows us to understand where we are, empowers us to change behaviors, and gives us tools to move forwards.

Physio Can Help!

“One in three women in Canada, has some form of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – impacting their lives in many ways. With the help of physiotherapy, patients receive tremendous results and can effectively overcome their condition.”

We want to thank the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia for creating this inspiring video and for highlighting the importance of pelvic floor health. If this video resonates with you Kingston Pelvic Health may be the right clinic for you. Don’t hesitate to call or email us today to get started on your journey.

Common Conditions and  Reasons to see a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

  • Bladder control problems

    • Stress urinary incontinence

    • Urge urinary incontinence

    • Overactive bladder: urinary urgency/frequency

  • Bladder pain

    • Interstitial cystitis (IC)

    • Bladder pain syndrome (BPS)

  • Persistent pelvic pain

    • Genito-pelvic pain or penetrative disorder​

    • Painful intercourse (Dyspareunia)

    • Vulvar pain (vulvodynia, vaginissmus)

    • Chronic pelvic pain

  • Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)

    • Cystocele​

    • Rectocele

    • Urethrcele

    • Enterocele

  • Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)

  • Pregnancy and delivery concerns

    • Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA)

    • Pre-natal education, perineal stretching

    • Delivery preparation

    • Post-delivery recovery and restoration

    • Post-partum core retraining

  • Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) ​

    • Grade 3 and 4 anal sphincter injury​

  • Scar tissue restrictions (c-section, vaginal delivery)

  • Evacuation difficulties

  • Constipation

  • Fecal incontinence

  • Rectal pain

  • Tailbone pain (Coccydynia)

  • Pudendal nerve irritability

  • Low back, hip and SI joint pain

  • Nocturia and childhood enuresis

What should I expect at my first appointment?

  • At Kingston Pelvic Health, we take pride in spending quality time with our patients, especially during the initial exam. On your first visit to the clinic, you should expect to be there 80-90 minutes.

  • Initial paper work and questionnaires are completed to screen for signs of pelvic floor dysfunction.

  • The therapist will take a thorough history of your concerns as well as will ask questions regarding your general health and well-being.

  • Most times, the physical exam will include a global assessment of posture, mobility, and lumbo-pelvic stability. Based on information obtained from the history, the therapist may do an internal exam to determine specific pelvic floor impairments and to teach individuals how to feel and control their pelvic floor muscles.

  • After the examination a treatment plan is discussed, goals are set, and treatment begins. Individuals leave the first session more knowledgeable about their pelvic health, with exercises and/or homework to complete, and a clear treatment plan in place.

  • In some cases, a pelvic exam is not deemed to be appropriate, either by the therapist or the individual, this does not preclude people from benefiting from pelvic health physiotherapy. Our clinicians are highly skilled at providing education and treatment for all comfort levels.

  • Treatment often includes elements of manual therapy, soft tissue release, posture re-training, breathing techniques, exercises and biofeedback as indicated. Our approach to treatment is personalized to address your specific condition, goals and needs.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is not only for women; men and children can also suffer from symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and could benefit from specific treatment techniques offered by a qualified pelvic floor physiotherapist.

FAQ

Is pelvic floor physiotherapy just for women?

No! Pelvic floor dysfunctions can affect both men and women of all ages.
Men should seek pelvic floor physiotherapy if they have:
  • Stress, urge and/or mixed incontinence associated with prostatectomies
  • Urinary frequency associated with pregnancy, prostatectomies, menopause and hormonal changes
  • Persistent pelvic pain
  • Painful intercourse
  • Painful bladder syndrome
  • Chronic prostatitis
  • Hip, low back and sacroiliac joint pain that has not responded to traditional care techniques

Why should I consult a physio during pregnancy?

Your should seek physiotherapy if you:
  • have pain in your pubic bone, groin, back, pelvis, buttocks, or legs
  • have difficulties doing everyday tasks such as rolling over, walking, or getting in/out of a vehicle
  • leak urine, gas, or stool when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or walk, etc.
  • have a bulging or tenting in your abdomen when you lift your head off a pillow (abdominal diastasis)
  • have pain with intercourse
  • have vaginal varicose veins
  • have questions about preparing for labour & delivery
Pelvic health physiotherapy is an appropriate and meaningful compliment to your pre- natal care. Pregnancy is the best time to gain postural awareness and to learn the correct way of performing a pelvic floor contraction or “Kegel”. Prevent and treat incontinence, prolapse, and pain; learn ways to reduce injury to your pelvic floor during labour and delivery.

Should I see a physio after pregnancy?

You should seek physio after delivery if you:
  • have scarring from c-section, tearing, or episiotomy
  • leak urine, gas, or stool when you cough, sneeze, exercise, etc. or not making it to the bathroom in time
  • have problems emptying your bladder or bowel completely or frequently
  • have pain with intercourse
  • have pressure, heaviness, or bulging in your vagina or rectum
  • have ongoing pain in your vagina, rectum, pelvis, pubic bone, abdomen, or low back
  • have bulging or tenting of your abdomen during any exercise
Whether you have had a vaginal delivery or a caesarean section, you will benefit from pelvic health physiotherapy to help you recover from the many effects of pregnancy and delivery. Treatment for back or pelvic pain, incontinence, prolapse, or abdominal diastasis is particularly helpful after delivery as you adjust to caring for your new baby.
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