Develop improved function, awareness, and quality of life.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
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We Offer: Direct Billing | Virtual Care | Community Care
Why Pelvic Health?
The main functions of the pelvic floor are to support organs (bladder, uterus, intestines), control urination and defecation, and aid sexual health. Pelvic health is for all genders, everyone is welcome.
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 - Pelvic Therapy
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.
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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.
Upcoming Classes
Available At: James Bay
Can’t make this date work? Sign up to receive an email notification on future Birth Prep Class dates by clicking the form below.
Pelvic Health Services
For more information on the services associated with our Pelvic Health program, or to book a follow-up appointment, see the links below:
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Counselling
Approachable, experienced, and compassionate.
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Dietitian
With an expertise in women and family health, we support your unique needs.
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Psychology
Compassionate, personalized care to enhance your well-being.
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Physiotherapy
Personalized, evidence based care,delivered at the highest standard.
Our Pelvic Health Team
James Bay
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!
Cordova Bay
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.
James Bay
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. Alisha 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.
James Bay
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.
Vancouver
A Little About Ashley
Ashley is passionate about evidence-informed practice, pain science, and a biopsychosocial approach to treatment. She loves to work alongside people as they rediscover the activities they love by leveraging the resilience and adaptability of the human body. Ashley collaborates with individuals to create a treatment plan that feels meaningful, manageable, and worthwhile for them. She takes care to create a space that feels welcoming, non-judgmental, and safe for folks from all walks of life.
Ashley offers both orthopedic physiotherapy and pelvic floor physiotherapy. She aims to bring increased awareness and decreased stigma to concerns related to pelvic pain, incontinence, prolapse, and bowel and bladder issues—which are common and treatable!
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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
Common Questions and Useful Information
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The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of our pelvis that supports our pelvic organs responsible for peeing, bowel movements and sexual function.
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The main functions of our pelvic floor are to support our internal organs, assist in bladder and bowel control, support sexual functioning and assist in the function of our core, lower back, and hips. If you are experiencing any difficulty in these areas, a pelvic floor appointment may be beneficial to you.
Some examples of pelvic health issues include:
Incontinence
Pelvic pain
Pain with intercourse
Prostate conditions
Postmenopausal changes
Bladder or bowel urgency and/or frequency
Pre and postpartum care
Pelvic organ prolapse
Support post-abdominal or pelvic surgeries
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A referral is not required to see a pelvic health physiotherapist. Pelvic health physiotherapy is covered under the same extended health benefits that cover regular physiotherapy.
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Pelvic floor physiotherapy is suitable for people of all genders. Many conditions affect the pelvic floor and can be treated effectively with physiotherapy. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be helpful at any stage of adult life, regardless of gender or childbearing history.
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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 that you may feel vulnerable or concerned about privacy during treatment. So, we aim 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 do not want an internal exam, that is okay! Our physiotherapists can still assess your pelvic floor, lower back, and hips in a way that feels comfortable and safe for you.
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An internal exam is one way to assess the pelvic floor muscles. However, it is not necessary for assessment and treatment. Your physiotherapist will chat with you about methods of assessing your pelvic floor that feel safe and comfortable for you and your body.
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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 are strongly recommended.
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No, this is a myth! Pelvic floor exercises and general full-body exercises are strongly encouraged during pregnancy. This is well supported in scientific research. These exercises help create a strong, adaptable pelvic floor with a good range of motion and flexibility. Our pelvic floor physiotherapists will teach you to properly contract and relax your pelvic floor. They'll also give you additional exercises to help prepare your body for birth.
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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!
in-person and online
How to Book
Book your location and service online, or contact us if you’ve got any questions.