FAQ

• What kind of conditions do pelvic health physiotherapists treat?

  Pelvic health physiotherapists treat a wide range of conditions affecting the pelvic region such as: urinary/fecal incontinence ( involuntary loss of urine or stool) and/or urgency, pain during intercourse or with insertion (e.g. of a tampon), constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, genital and/or pelvic pain (e.g. interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome), persisting lumbar and/or hip issues, diastasis recti, pelvic conditions associated with menopause, vulvar dermatological conditions (e.g. lichen sclerosus), toileting issues in children (e.g. encopresis), and pre and post-natal care (including prevention of pelvic floor dysfunctions, return to exercise, breastfeeding difficulties, and scar treatment) to name a few. Our physiotherapists are also trained to do pessary fitting.  

• What training does a pelvic health physiotherapist have?

  Since 2012, physiotherapists in Canada need to obtain a Master’s degree in physiotherapy. In addition, pelvic health physiotherapists need to do supplementary training, through post-graduate courses, to assess and treat patients internally.

• What kind of treatment techniques do you use?

  Physiotherapists use a combination of approaches, including education, manual techniques and exercises. In some cases, they will use biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and cold laser.

• Is all of pelvic floor physiotherapy internal work?

  No. Internal work is only a part of the evaluation and treatment. The physiotherapist will also evaluate and treat, as needed, any dysfunctions in the lumbar/thoracic spine, abdomen, and hips, as these body parts are in close proximity to the pelvic floor.

• Is incontinence a normal part of aging?

  Although incontinence becomes more prevalent with age, it is not considered a normal part of aging. Pelvic health physiotherapy can help with your symptoms!

• Can men be treated in pelvic floor physiotherapy?

  Yes, men also have a pelvic floor and can benefit from physiotherapy treatments if they are experiencing urinary or bowel issues and/or pelvic pain, especially after surgery for prostate cancer.

• Do you treat pelvic health conditions in the trans population?

  Yes, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help individuals that have urinary symptoms or pelvic pain or have consequences from gender affirming surgeries.

• Can I do pelvic floor physiotherapy if I have an IUD or a vaginal ring (Nuvaring, Estring)?

  Yes, the treatments won’t have any impact on the IUD or ring.

• I already tried doing Kegel exercises - can pelvic floor physiotherapy still help me?

  Yes.  Depending on the problem, Kegel exercises are not always appropriate. The issue is that 40% of women do them incorrectly! This means they don’t see improvement and in some instances their symptoms get worse.  It’s always best to get examined by a trained professional and to get a treatment plan with exercises that are tailored to your needs!

• Is pelvic floor physiotherapy indicated if I already had or I am having pelvic surgery?

  Yes, depending on the type of surgery, pelvic health physiotherapists can advise you on the specific exercises you can do before and when you can resume them after the surgery.

• How long should I wait after having surgery to schedule a pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment?

  This will depend on the type of surgery you had. It would be best to book a free 20 min call and discuss this with one of our professionals.

• Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a pelvic health physiotherapist?

  No, a doctor’s referral is not required to see a physiotherapist. However, some insurance companies only provide physiotherapy coverage with a doctor’s referral. Please check with your insurance provider for further information.

• Can my psychologist refer me for perineal re-education?

  Absolutely! If your psychologist (or any other healthcare professional) has any information to transmit to your physiotherapist, he or she can send the information, with your consent, by fax or email, or you may bring that information with you on your first visit.

• Should I continue to see my psychologist/osteopath/massage therapist/acupuncturist/any other healthcare professional during my physiotherapy treatments?

  This varies from person to person, but we encourage you to discuss it with your physiotherapist.

• Will my healthcare insurance cover pelvic floor physiotherapy?

  If you are covered for regular physiotherapy treatments, then pelvic health physiotherapy should be covered. The amount covered will depend on your individual insurance policy.

• My condition started after a motor vehicle accident - can pelvic floor physiotherapy be covered through the SAAQ (Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec)?

  Yes, as long as the condition started as a result of a motor vehicle accident and that your physician gives you a prescription for pelvic floor physiotherapy. The SAAQ should reimburse some of your treatments (up to 55$ per treatment) and you would need to pay the difference. You will need to discuss this issue with your agent at the SAAQ and you may have to disburse the difference.

• Can you bill my private insurance directly?

  We do not bill directly to insurance providers. However, at each visit you will receive a receipt that you can submit to your insurance.

• What should I expect at my first appointment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist?

  The first visit consists of an evaluation, during which the physiotherapist will ask you questions about your symptoms and your medical history. She will then do a physical exam, which includes an evaluation of the lumbar area, pelvis and will most likely include an internal exam. After the evaluation, your physiotherapist will give you a personalized treatment plan and some advice and exercises to do.

• What do I need to bring to my pelvic health appointment with the physiotherapist?

  Please be prepared to answer questions about your past medical history, relating to your current problem. This means to bring your doctor’s referral (if you have one), medication list, and/or test results if applicable.

• What should I wear to my first visit?

  It is preferable to wear comfortable clothing that will allow the therapist to easily see the lower back, pelvis, and hips. For the evaluation of pelvic floor muscles, you will have to remove your clothes from the waist down.

• Are the treatments done in a closed room?

  Yes, the evaluation and treatments are done in private, closed rooms.

• How long is the first appointment?

  The first appointment is an evaluation and treatment scheduled for 50 minutes total. Subsequent treatments are also 50 minutes in duration.

• How many visits will I need in pelvic floor physiotherapy?

  Each person has different needs.  At the end of the evaluation, your physiotherapist will be able to discuss a treatment plan that will meet your treatment goals.

• Should I still come for my pelvic health physiotherapy appointment if I have my period?

  Yes, there is no problem to do the physiotherapy evaluation and treatments during your period.

• Should I still come to my appointment if I have a vaginal infection (e.g. yeast) or a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

  No, it is best to get the infection treated before continuing physiotherapy.

• Is your office wheelchair accessible?

  Yes, the office is wheelchair accessible.

• Does your clinic have a biofeedback machine for pelvic floor exercises?

  Yes, our clinic has different biofeedback / electrical stimulation units for pelvic floor muscles.

• Are there additional costs for using the biofeedback machine?

  The use of the biofeedback equipment requires an internal vaginal electrode or anal electrode. Each patient needs to have their own probe for health reasons, which costs 60$, and can be purchased directly at the clinic.

• My doctor referred me for cold laser treatment. Does your clinic offer this and how does it work?

  Yes. Our clinic uses the Theralase Laser. Cold laser is used to help with tissue healing and minimizing scar adherences. We often use it to treat C-section scars or post-episiotomy/tear after delivery.

• Is it safe to have an internal exam while pregnant?

  Yes, it is safe to have an internal exam while pregnant, unless indicated otherwise by your OBGYN, physician or midwife.

• I am currently pregnant. Can I still come for pelvic floor physiotherapy and when is the best time to start?

  Absolutely! It is recommended to come towards the end of the 2nd trimester or beginning of the 3rd trimester, in order to evaluate the pelvic floor and to learn exercises that will prepare for the delivery. You may come sooner if you experience any urinary/fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or pain. It is recommended to discuss with your OBGYN, physician or midwife about starting physiotherapy if you have had any complications during your pregnancy.

• If I have an appointment for a prenatal visit to prepare for delivery, do I need my partner to come with me?

  Your physiotherapist will show you some exercises to prepare for delivery, these may be easier to do with your partner. While it can be very beneficial, it is not essential for your partner to be there.

• How long after a delivery should I come for pelvic floor physiotherapy?

  Generally, it is recommended to come 6 weeks after delivery, preferably after you have seen your OBGYN. But, if you experience pain or leakage, you should contact us to discuss an evaluation sooner. A pelvic floor muscles evaluation  will help you to know which abdominal muscle exercises can be resumed during the post-partum period.

• I had a C-section, do I still need pelvic floor physiotherapy?

  Yes. Many pelvic floor dysfunctions happen as a result of changes in your body during pregnancy, not just during delivery. It is recommended to have a pelvic floor evaluation around 6 weeks postpartum, regardless of the method of delivery.

• I gave birth 6 weeks ago and I feel great (no leakage, no pelvic organ prolapse, no pain). Should I cancel my follow-up appointment?

  No. Some women with pelvic floor dysfunction may only experience symptoms months and even years after their delivery (usually because of increased physical activity, hormonal changes…). It is best to identify weaknesses of the pelvic floor early in order to prevent problems later on. Your physiotherapist will also be able to advise you on your return to physical activity.

• Can I bring my baby with me to my appointments?

  Yes, your young baby is welcome to the appointments.

• Can I book an appointment online?

  Yes, please click here to access our online booking system.

• I’m not sure if I need to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist - is there someone I can talk to for more information?

  Yes, you can schedule a FREE 20 MINUTE ORIENTATION CALL with a pelvic floor physiotherapist for more information. She can answer your questions and determine if pelvic floor physiotherapy is right for you.

• How much do pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments cost?

  The cost of the first visit is slightly higher than the follow-up treatments and will differ depending on the physiotherapist you will see. Please contact us directly to find out the costs.

• What is your cancellation policy?

  If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know at least 48 hours (business) in advance. If not, we will be obliged to charge you an amount of 50% which will be excluded from your insurance receipt. This procedure makes it possible to offer the appointment to another patient who needs it and to respect the attending professional who reserves the time slot. If you miss more than 3x without valid justification, we reserve the right to close your file.