Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Treatment in Toronto
Comprehensive assessment and treatment for pelvic floor conditions, serving all genders and ages at our Danforth and Little Italy locations since 2012.
What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of conditions involving the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, nerves, and connective tissue. It is also called pelvic health physiotherapy or pelvic physiotherapy, and it addresses a wide range of urinary, bowel, pelvic pain, and sexual health concerns.
The pelvic floor plays a foundational role in the body, providing support for the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs while contributing to core stability and continence. When the pelvic floor is not functioning well, it can lead to symptoms that significantly affect daily life.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy may be appropriate if you are experiencing:
Incontinence
Urinary or fecal incontinence, urgency, frequency, or nocturia
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain, pressure, heaviness, or burning
Painful Intercourse
Pain during or after sex, vaginismus, or other forms of sexual dysfunction affecting comfort and intimacy.
Prolapse and Post-Surgical Recovery
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse or recovery concerns following pelvic, abdominal, or gynaecological surgery.
Peri to Post-Menopause Pelvic Health
Pelvic floor changes related to hormonal shifts, including dryness, prolapse, incontinence, or pelvic pain during perimenopause and beyond.
Prenatal and Postpartum Concerns
Pelvic floor changes, pain, or dysfunction during pregnancy or following delivery, including caesarean recovery.
Post-Prostatectomy and Male Pelvic Health
Incontinence, pelvic pain, or dysfunction following prostate surgery, or other male pelvic health concerns.
Our Approach to Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy at Proactive
Proactive Pelvic Health Centre was founded in 2012 by Angelique Montano-Bresolin, PT, BSc PT, HBA Kin, a Registered Physiotherapist and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto. Our team of registered pelvic floor physiotherapists brings a biopsychosocial, trauma-informed approach to every assessment, taking into account the physical, psychological, and social factors that can influence pelvic floor function.
We do not use a one-size-fits-all protocol. Every patient receives a care plan tailored to their specific symptoms, goals, and history. Our multi-disciplinary clinic means that when your recovery calls for collaboration with chiropractic, sexology, osteopathy, nutrition, somatic therapy, acupuncture, or traditional Chinese medicine, those practitioners are available under the same roof.
Pelvic floor conditions are common and highly treatable. Proactive sees patients of all genders and ages, from pediatrics through post-menopause, including post-surgical, LGBTQ+, and male pelvic health concerns.
Helpful Link:
Understanding the Scope of Pelvic Physiotherapy
What to Expect at Your First Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment
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Initial Assessment
Your first appointment begins with a thorough health history and a detailed discussion of your symptoms, goals, and any concerns. Your physiotherapist will explain everything before proceeding, and all treatment is carried out with your informed consent.
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Physical Assessment
With your consent, a complete physical assessment is performed. This may include external and internal examination of the muscles, joints, and tissues affecting the pelvic region, including the abdomen, lower back, hips, pubic symphysis, and sacroiliac joint. The goal is to identify the specific structures contributing to your symptoms.
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Your Plan of Care
Following the assessment, your physiotherapist will work with you to create a care plan specific to your symptoms, dysfunction, and goals. Because every case is unique, your treatment will be customized from the first session.
Pelvic Floor Treatment Methods
There are a range of evidence-based treatment approaches used at Proactive, selected based on your individual assessment findings.
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Currently the gold-standard approach for pelvic floor dysfunction. Hands-on techniques include stretching, facilitation, soft tissue massage, mobilization, and myofascial and trigger point release to the affected muscles and tissues.
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An individualized exercise program targeting the pelvic floor and surrounding musculature, including the thorax, hips, and lower limbs. Proper posture and breathing techniques are incorporated throughout.
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A series of specific postures and breathing patterns that reduce pressure in the abdomino-pelvic area while reflexively recruiting the pelvic floor. Helpful for urinary incontinence, prolapse, and general posture.
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A form of neuromodulation that stimulates the posterior tibial nerve at the ankle. Shown to be effective in up to 80% of patients with overactive bladder (OAB), and helpful for urinary and fecal incontinence.
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An electrical or mechanical device provides auditory or visual feedback to help you recruit pelvic floor muscles more effectively, improving continence and reducing pelvic pain symptoms.
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Also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Electrical impulses facilitate pelvic floor muscle contraction to improve strength and address pelvic pain and urgency symptoms.
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Understanding how diet, lifestyle, voiding habits, and bowel hygiene affect the pelvic floor is a cornerstone of recovery at Proactive. Many patients see meaningful improvement from education and behavioral changes alone.
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May include heat, cold, TENS, bladder and bowel tracking, guided imagery, and relaxation techniques, depending on your presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
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Yes. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects people of all genders, and our team has training and experience in male pelvic health, post-prostatectomy care, erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain in men, and gender-affirming pelvic health care. All appointments are conducted with sensitivity and confidentiality.
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No. You do not need a referral from a doctor to book a pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment at Proactive. You can book directly through our online booking system.
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Comfortable clothing that allows easy access for the physical assessment is recommended. Your physiotherapist will provide draping and ensure your comfort throughout.
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Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a registered physiotherapy service and is covered by many extended health benefit plans. Proactive is a self-pay clinic: patients pay at the time of service and submit to their own insurer for reimbursement. We recommend checking your plan's physiotherapy coverage beforehand.
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This varies depending on your condition, symptoms, and how your body responds to treatment. Your physiotherapist will give you an honest recommendation after the initial assessment. Some patients see significant improvement in a short course of sessions; others benefit from ongoing treatment for more complex conditions.
Book Your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment in Toronto
Proactive Pelvic Health Centre has been providing evidence-based pelvic floor physiotherapy to Toronto patients since 2012. We offer appointments at our East Toronto clinic on the Danforth and our West Toronto clinic in Little Italy. Virtual pelvic health physiotherapy is also available for patients across Ontario.
Did you know?
1 in 3 women
experience urinary incontinence
Over 30% of females
perform kegal (pelvic floor) exercises incorrectly
30-50% of females
have minor pelvic organ prolapse after a vaginal delivery
All women in France are given access to pelvic floor physiotherapy after having a baby.