Understanding Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: Benefits, Treatments, and What to Expect

Pelvic floor issues affect many women at different stages of life, yet they often go unspoken or untreated. Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers targeted support to improve quality of life by addressing a range of concerns related to female reproductive anatomy.

Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses exclusively on female anatomy and helps women with a variety of conditions, including:

Pregnancy and Birth Preparation: Preparing the pelvic floor muscles for childbirth can reduce discomfort and improve delivery outcomes.

Postpartum Recovery: After vaginal or caesarean birth, pelvic floor muscles may weaken or become tight. Physiotherapy supports healing, restores muscle function, and helps manage pain or incontinence.

Urinary Incontinence: Leakage during coughing, sneezing, or exercise is common but not normal. Pelvic floor physiotherapy strengthens muscles to improve bladder control.

Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Issues like urgency, frequency, or constipation can be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Diastasis Recti: Separation of abdominal muscles after pregnancy can affect core stability.

Pelvic Pain and Painful Intercourse: Chronic pelvic pain or discomfort during sex may stem from tight or weak pelvic muscles.

What Does Treatment Include?

• ▸Initial Assessment: Detailed health history and physical exam, including external and (if needed) internal pelvic exam
• ▸Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to release tight muscles and improve tissue mobility
• ▸Movement Re-education: Learning to engage and relax pelvic floor muscles correctly
• ▸Functional Strengthening: Exercises to rebuild strength and endurance
• ▸Acupuncture: To help reduce pain and muscle tension
• ▸Education and Lifestyle Advice: Guidance on posture, breathing, bladder habits, and safe exercise

What to Expect During Treatment

Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes and may be weekly or biweekly depending on your needs. Internal examination is only performed if necessary and always with your full consent. You have full control over what happens during your sessions.

Why Choose Our Specialist

Becky Colwell is a pelvic health physiotherapist with over a decade of experience in musculoskeletal care. She is certified to perform both internal and external pelvic exams and creates tailored treatments that help women continue enjoying their favorite activities.

Taking the Next Step

If you experience symptoms like urinary leakage, pelvic pain, or challenges related to pregnancy and childbirth recovery, pelvic floor physiotherapy could help you regain control and comfort. Book your appointment at The G.O.A.T. Sport Medicine Clinic in Sherwood Park today.