Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: What to Expect @ PelviFloor Physiotherapy

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Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Ottawa is a growing field that offers life changing benefits for people struggling with incontinence, pelvic pain, or postpartum recovery. If you're considering pelvic floor physiotherapy for the first time, knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and at ease.

At PelviFloor Physiotherapy, we specialize in compassionate, evidence based pelvic health care tailored to your needs. This article walks you through exactly what happens during your first pelvic floor physiotherapy visit from intake to personalized treatment planning.

What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that focuses on treating dysfunction in the muscles, nerves, and tissues of the pelvic region. This type of therapy is beneficial for people of all genders and can address a wide range of concerns, including:

• Urinary incontinence or leakage

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Postpartum recovery

• Painful intercourse

• Constipation

• Core weakness or diastasis recti

• Tailbone pain or lower back pain related to the pelvis

Why Choose PelviFloor Physiotherapy in Ottawa?

Our clinic provides a safe, respectful, and private environment where you can explore your symptoms, understand your body better, and start your healing journey. We take time to listen, educate, and support every client with customized, one-on-one care.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

1. Intake & Health History Review

   
   

   When you arrive at PelviFloor Physiotherapy in Ottawa, you’ll be welcomed by your therapist and asked to complete an intake form. This form includes your medical history, pelvic symptoms, and specific goals for treatment. If you’ve been referred by a doctor or have any imaging results, bring them along, but a referral is not required.
   

2. Private Consultation with a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

   Your physiotherapist will meet with you in a private treatment room to review your concerns and symptoms. You’ll be asked about:

   • Bladder and bowel function

   • Menstrual or sexual health

   • Pregnancy or postpartum history (if applicable)

   • Pain, pressure, or dysfunction in your pelvic area

   • Activity level, posture, and daily habits
     

   This is a judgment free space where your comfort and consent come first. You're encouraged to ask questions at any time.
   

3. Physical Assessment (External and/or Internal)

   With your consent, your physiotherapist may perform a physical assessment to better understand your condition. This may include:

   • Posture and movement evaluation

   • Abdominal, low back and hip examination

   • Pelvic floor muscle exam: this may involve a gentle internal vaginal or rectal exam, which is always explained thoroughly and only performed with your full, informed consent. Consent is ongoing, anytime you would like to stop, please let your therapist know. No questions asked.
     

   This assessment helps determine your pelvic floor’s tone, strength, and coordination which are crucial for developing a tailored treatment plan.
   

4. Pelvic Health Education

One of the most empowering aspects of your first visit is education. You’ll learn:

• How your pelvic floor functions

• How breathing, posture, and daily habits impact your symptoms

• What you can start doing right away to improve your pelvic health
  

We use models, visuals, and easy to understand explanations to help you connect with your body.

Customized Pelvic Floor Treatment Plan

At the end of your session, your therapist will provide a personalized treatment plan, which may include:

• Home exercises (stretching or strengthening) and breathing techniques

• Manual therapy

• Bladder or bowel retraining strategies

• Posture and movement modifications

• Frequency of follow-up visits
  

Your plan is designed to fit your lifestyle and support your goals, whether that’s symptom relief, prevention, or postpartum recovery.

Common Conditions Treated at Our Ottawa Pelvic Floor Clinic

Our physiotherapists treat a wide range of pelvic floor issues, including:

• Postnatal pelvic floor weakness

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Endometriosis-related pain

• Tailbone and sacroiliac joint pain

• Chronic constipation

• Interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome

• Post-surgical pelvic care (e.g., hysterectomy, prostatectomy)

Book Your First Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment in Ottawa

If you're ready to take the first step toward healing, we're here to help. At PelviFloor Physiotherapy in Ottawa, we offer professional, compassionate care in a supportive environment.

REQUEST APPOINTMENT

TL;DR

Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Ottawa is an evidence-based treatment that supports people dealing with incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, postpartum recovery, and other pelvic health concerns. At PelviFloor Physiotherapy, your first visit starts with an intake form and private consultation to review your health history and goals. With your consent, the therapist may do a physical exam (including posture, abdominal/hip check, and possibly an internal pelvic floor assessment) to understand muscle strength, tone, and coordination. You’ll also receive education on how the pelvic floor works, how breathing, posture, and habits affect symptoms, and what you can do right away to improve your health. The session ends with a personalized treatment plan that may include exercises, manual therapy, bladder/bowel strategies, and follow-up recommendations. The clinic emphasizes a safe, respectful, and supportive environment tailored to each client’s needs.

Book your first appointment today and experience the difference personalized pelvic health care can make.