5 Signs You Need to See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

Your pelvic floor supports your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When these muscles are too weak or too tight, they can lead to problems like leaking, pain, and reduced quality of life. Pelvic floor issues are more common than most people think. They affect not just postpartum women, but also men, athletes, and people recovering from surgery or injury.

Many people struggle with pelvic floor issues for years before seeking help. Recognizing the warning signs early can make recovery faster and prevent further complications. Ignoring pelvic floor symptoms can make them worse over time. The good news is that these issues are treatable, and the proper care can help you feel more comfortable and confident again.

What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a form of physiotherapy that targets the root cause of the issue by assessing, strengthening, and relaxing the muscles of your pelvic floor. A pelvic floor physiotherapist uses techniques such as manual therapy, biofeedback, exercises, and a pelvic floor chair or machine to help restore normal function. Retraining how your muscles contract and relax helps you get back to doing the things you love without discomfort, embarrassment, or worry.

Why Pelvic Floor Issues Happen

Your pelvic floor muscles work with your bladder, bowel, and core to keep everything supported and functioning properly. When these muscles are healthy, they contract and relax in perfect coordination, giving you control over your bladder and bowel movements.

But if the muscles become strained, weakened, or overly tight, they can’t do their job as well as they used to. This imbalance can develop for many reasons — pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes, surgery, chronic constipation, high-impact sports, or even stress and poor posture.

5 Signs You Should See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

How do you tell if your pelvic floor is tight or weak? These five signs can help you recognize when something isn’t functioning properly and when it might be time to get assessed by a pelvic floor physiotherapist.

1. Persistent Leaking or Loss of Bladder Control

If you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise, you may have stress incontinence. Urgency incontinence — when you suddenly feel like you can’t hold it — is also a red flag. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can strengthen the muscles that control urination and dramatically reduce or eliminate leaking, giving you back your confidence.

2. Pelvic Pain or Pressure

Ongoing pelvic pain, pressure, or pain with intimacy may indicate an overly tight pelvic floor. Other tight pelvic floor symptoms include difficulty inserting tampons, pain during bowel movements, and chronic tension in the pelvis. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can teach you how to relax these muscles, release trigger points, and relieve discomfort.

3. Difficulty Starting or Fully Emptying Urination or Bowel Movements

If you often strain to urinate, take a long time to start, or feel like your bladder or bowels never empty, it could be a sign that your pelvic floor muscles aren’t coordinating properly. This lack of coordination can cause tension, incomplete emptying, and even discomfort after using the washroom.

4. Core Weakness or Postpartum Recovery Challenges

After pregnancy or abdominal surgery, you may notice core weakness, lower back pain, or a sensation of heaviness. These are common signs of a weak pelvic floor or diastasis recti. You might also feel unstable during movement or have trouble returning to your usual activities, which can signal that your core and pelvic floor aren’t working together the way they should.

5. You’ve Tried Kegels but Aren’t Seeing Results

If you’ve been doing Kegels and still notice leaks, pelvic pain, or a feeling of heaviness, it could mean your pelvic floor muscles aren’t responding the way they should. Sometimes this happens because the exercises aren’t being done correctly, or because the muscles are already too tight and need relaxation, not more strengthening.

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Helps

Pelvic floor physiotherapy strengthens the muscles and restores proper coordination and balance in your pelvic floor. These muscles need to contract, relax, and work with your core and diaphragm at the correct times. When they don’t, you may notice leaks, pain, or difficulty going to the washroom.

Your physiotherapist’s goal is to retrain these muscles so they can support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs the way they should. Depending on whether your pelvic floor is too tight or too weak, treatment may include:

• Targeted strengthening exercises to build endurance and reduce bladder leaks
• Relaxation and stretching techniques to release tight pelvic floor muscles and ease pain
• Breathing and posture training to help your pelvic floor work together with your core
• Biofeedback tools or gentle stimulation to teach your muscles when to contract and when to relax

Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Covered by OHIP?

In most cases, pelvic floor physiotherapy is not covered by OHIP, but many extended health benefit plans provide coverage. Check with your insurance provider, and we’ll gladly help you understand your coverage options so you can get the care you need.

If you’re experiencing any of the signs above, don’t wait. The sooner you address pelvic floor issues, the faster you can return to living comfortably. We offer pelvic floor physiotherapy in Richmond Hill. Our experienced physiotherapists use advanced techniques and equipment to help patients safely strengthen or relax their pelvic floor muscles.

Book your consultation today and take the first step toward better pelvic health.

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