Pelvic Floor Therapy
Develop improved function, awareness, and quality of life.
Available at: Cordova Bay | James Bay | Vancouver
Why Pelvic Health?
The main functions of pelvic floor are to support our organs (bladder, uterus, and intestines), control urination, control defecation, and to support healthy sexual functioning.
Dysfunction in the pelvic floor is not uncommon after having a baby, with menopause, persistent pain conditions, post prostatectomy, after hormonal changes or trauma.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Initial Visit: 60 minutes
Subsequent visits: 30-45 minutes
Visits can be done either in-person or virtually via secure video consults from anywhere in BC. All appointments can be direct billed to most extended health providers.
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If you are booking an initial appointment, please click “Book Now” and select the location nearest to you and your preferred contact method. You will be booked with one of our Pelvic Health Program Physiotherapists to start your recovery journey. Pelvic health treatment is for all genders.
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Initial Assessment
Our physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to help identify areas of concern and assess pelvic floor muscle function. Together, you and your physiotherapist will create a treatment plan and set goals to work towards.
An important note: Your physiotherapist may suggest performing an internal vaginal or rectal exam to assess the strength, control, and coordination of your pelvic floor. While this is the best way to assess the area directly, it is not required. You and your physiotherapist will discuss the assessment and treatment options that you are most comfortable with during your first visit together.
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Follow Up Treatment
We recommend booking book your first follow up after the initial assessment to help facilitate a comprehensive treatment plan. Treatment will include specific exercises for your pelvic floor. Our physiotherapist will help guide your session with exercise, lifestyle changes, bladder and bowel behaviour techniques and hands on therapy.
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Pelvic floor dysfunction can have a large impact on our physical, emotional, social and mental health. Our pelvic health program is focused on the overall health and physical function of the pelvic floor and can help clients physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our evidence-based, multidisciplinary pelvic health program includes close collaboration with our mental health team to help individuals develop improved function, awareness and quality of life.
BOOK NOW
Clinic
UPCOMING CLASSES
Personalized based on your needs, your team may include:
Clinical Counselling
Psychology
Physiotherapy
OUR PRACTITIONERS CAN SUPPORT YOU WITH:
BLADDER PAIN SYNDROME ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION MANAGEMENT OF INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE PELVIC PAIN WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS PELVIC PAIN WITH OR WITHOUT SEXUAL INTERCOURSE PRE OR POSTPARTUM PEOPLE URINARY OR FECAL LEAKAGE DURING COUGHING, SNEEZING, LAUGHING, OR EXERCISING URGENCY URINARY/FECAL INCONTINENCE POST MENOPAUSAL CHANGES POST PROSTATECTOMY
OUR PELVIC HEALTH TEAM
A LITTLE ABOUT SUSANNAH
Susannah’s gentle, trauma informed approach creates a safe space to address your concerns. She uses a biopsychosocial, neuroscience approach to assess and treat pain and other symptoms such as urinary urgency. Using movement, breath, mindfulness and pleasure to heal and reclaim our bodies is part of what Susannah explores with her patients. Susannah is deeply inspired by her patients’ ability to heal themselves. Seeing people reconnect to their body, release layers of shame, and reclaim their sex lives is a beautiful thing!
A LITTLE ABOUT ALEX
Away On Maternity Leave
Alex (she/her) started dancing at the age of 3 and fell in love with movement. She spent her childhood in the dance studio and on the stage, completing ballet exams and performing at local Festivals. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at York University in 2009. This love of movement (and anatomy) inspired a career in Physiotherapy. Her treatment style focuses on education and exercise with an emphasis on what you can do at home to meet your goals.
A LITTLE ABOUT CATHERINE
Catherine is a seasoned Physiotherapist with a deep passion for patient well-being. Specializing in orthopedics and pelvic health, she tackles issues from pelvic pain to common injuries. Merging strength training with tailored rehab, she offers a holistic recovery. Beyond her expertise, Catherine's genuine care and commitment make each patient's journey unique and supported.
A LITTLE ABOUT ALISHA
Alisha (she/her) brings a broad breadth of clinical experience, as well as a special focus on Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. Alisha believes her role as physiotherapist is to guide and educate clients on how to be healthy in every aspect of their lives. Her treatments focus on helping people feel empowered to participate in the activities they love.
Alisha strives to help her clients feel like they can take on the day, and have the confidence to manage their injury. Alish has a strong passion for human health, physical rehabilitation and education. Alisha completed her Bachelor's degree at McGill University, as well as gained her physiotherapy masters degree from UBC.
A LITTLE ABOUT SIMONE
Simone is an experienced Orthopaedic and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist who brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to healing. Her genuine interest in people from all walks of life is evident in her approach to patient care. In the pelvic floor capacity, Simone works with individuals pre- and post-partum, including bladder/bowel issues and pelvic/sacral pain and will soon be trained to treat children with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Central to her treatment philosophy is the belief in empowerment through knowledge. Simone is committed to equipping you with the information and tools to understand your condition thoroughly. She paves the way for a more effective and lasting healing process by fostering active participation in your recovery journey.
A LITTLE ABOUT MICHELLE
Michelle has a passion for pelvic floor physiotherapy, and a special interest in the treatment of pregnant and post-partum people. She has pursued post-graduate training in the areas of incontinence, prolapse, bladder/bowel health, pregnancy & postpartum, and pelvic pain. Michelle is passionate about normalizing the discussion of, and pursuit of treatment for pelvic health concerns. Having recently returned from maternity leave, Michelle is looking forward to bringing the knowledge and lived experience she has gained as a new parent to her practice.
James Bay & Cordova Bay location
Cordova Bay location
Cordova Bay location
Vancouver location
James Bay location
James Bay location
COMMON QUESTIONS AND USEFUL INFORMATION
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The pelvic floor is two layers of skeletal muscle at the base of our pelvis that support our pelvic organs.
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The main function of our pelvic floor is to support our internal organs, assist in bladder and bowel control, and support sexual functioning. If you are experiencing any difficulty in these areas of your health, a pelvic floor appointment may be beneficial to you. You can also visit your doctor and discuss if pelvic floor physiotherapy is right for you. Some examples of pelvic health issues include:
Incontinence
Pelvic pain
Pain with intercourse
Prostate conditions
Post menopausal issues
Urgency
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No, pelvic floor physiotherapy is suitable for people of all genders. Many conditions affect the pelvic floor and can be treated effectively with physiotherapy.
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Our physiotherapist will take a detailed history to learn more about your pelvic health and help guide your treatment. We understand the vulnerability and privacy associated with this type of treatment. We try to make your visit as comfortable as possible by using warm cotton sheets, disposable bed pads and a blanket. Depending on your comfort level, a full physical examination of the pelvic floor can be performed. If you feel like you would like to defer an internal exam until the next visit, an external exam can be performed as a first step.
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An internal examination is necessary to provide the most effective treatment. This includes a vaginal and rectal exam and is the best way to assess the functioning of the muscles in your pelvic floor. Internal exams are done both lying down and standing and are something you can discuss in more detail with your physiotherapist to make sure you are comfortable.
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It's totally up to you! All examinations can be performed while menstruating. Our physiotherapist uses pads, gloves and lubricants to perform the examinations. Please remember to remove any tampons or menstrual cups before your appointment. If you do not feel comfortable coming in while menstruating, that is okay! We are happy to move your appointment to a more convenient time.
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Yes! Pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy is strongly recommended.
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No, this is a myth! Pelvic floor exercises are strongly encouraged during pregnancy and this is well supported in scientific research. They will not create tight or stiff muscles. Instead, pelvic floor exercises help create a strong, supple pelvic floor. This will decrease the risk of tearing and bladder/bowel dysfunction after giving birth. Our pelvic floor physiotherapist will help guide and teach you how to properly contract and hold your pelvic floor.
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Yes! We understand that during the first few months with your baby, leaving your child at home can be difficult. We love to see your little one and maybe even have a snuggle. Our treatment rooms are large and comfortable, and can accommodate a stroller.
If you still have questions, feel free to contact us!
THE TALL TREE DIFFERENCE