What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a highly specialized form of Physiotherapy focused on the muscles + function of the pelvic floor. An assessment of the pelvic floor muscles can include postural analysis, a close look at the hips, spine, and abdomen, and an external + internal exam of the pelvic floor muscles themselves.

Do You Need Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can be life-changing for those who are experiencing:

  • Pelvic pain

  • Pain with sex / tampon use / pap exams

  • Leaks (or incontinence) with sneezing, jumping, running and so on

  • Increased urgency or a "small bladder"

  • Constipation

  • Low back pain, hip pain, SI joint pain, tailbone pain

  • Pelvic organ prolapse

  • Pregnancy related aches + pains

  • Postpartum recovery

  • Premenopausal / Menopausal concerns

  • Weakness of the "core" muscles

  • Painful periods and endometriosis

If you nodded while you read through this list, you may benefit from a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy assessment. It's a little secret that these types of problems can be significantly improved (if not completely "fixed") by working with a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist!

FAQs about Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

  • During a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy assessment, an in-depth conversation will take place in order for your pelvic floor physiotherapist to understand your history, your current concerns, your bladder/bowel/sexual function, your pregnancy + birth history, and so much more. Then, a physical exam will take place. This part can include a postural assessment, range of motion examinations, functional testing, sensory + neurological testing, and external + internal pelvic floor muscle exams.

  • Not at all. An internal pelvic floor muscle exam is an optional part of a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy assessment. As with everything that happens in your appointment, your verbal and written consent will be obtained before moving forward with an internal exam. And if you’re not comfortable or interested in having this part of the exam, options will be given to you. You definitely do NOT have to have an internal exam, so please don’t let this stop you from booking an appointment for some support!

  • Of course! Menstrual blood + fluid is something that Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists are comfortable with. But if you do not want to have an internal exam or treatment while on your period, that is totally understandable and entirely your choice.

  • Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can be really impactful during pregnancy. From managing back + pelvic pain, navigating exercising safely, addressing pelvic floor dysfunction like leaks, pressure, and constipation, preparing for birth + planning for postpartum, there is so much value in booking a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy appointment during pregnancy. And yes, leaks can be addressed during pregnancy!

  • As early as you feel ready! In the first few weeks postpartum, much can be done to help manage early postpartum recovery from a vaginal or c-section birth, prevent postural dysfunction + repetitive strain injuries that can occur from breast/bottle/chest feeding baby, and more. Most Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists will not do an internal pelvic floor muscle exam until 6 weeks (or until clearance from OB or midwife).

  • Absolutely! This is a very common experience, but it does not have to be your new normal. The right type of pelvic floor muscle training is evidence-based treatment for incontinence (leaks). Working with a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist to learn what the right type of exercises for you is key!

Meet Our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

Aliya Dhalla is a Registered Physiotherapist in Toronto with a B.Sc (Psychology) and a Masters in Physical Therapy.

She has completed continuing education courses on:

  • Female Pelvic Pain + Incontinence

  • Diastasis Rectus Abdominis + The Implications for Low Back + Pelvic Health

  • Cesarean Birth: The Role of Physiotherapy in Preparation + Recovery

  • Labour + Delivery: Maternal Support through Comfort Measures + Pelvic Biomechanics

  • Pregnancy, Pelvic Girdle Pain + The Pelvic Floor

  • Pediatric Incontinence + Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

  • Postnatal Fitness Specialist Training

  • Stott Pilates trained (Mat + Reformer)

Aliya has a unique approach to her Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy practice; she really likes to look inside + outside of the "box" when it comes to the pelvis and the pelvic floor ("box" is slang for "down there"). She takes into account the whole person - what's going on in their life, how their social + emotional support is, what previous injuries + surgeries they've had, what stage of life they are in, what pelvic floor symptoms they are experiencing, and most importantly - what their goals are. She treats with a combination of education, exercise, hands-on therapy, lifestyle modification, and sustainable strategies. She is known for her empathy, her ability to make others feel comfortable in the most awkward of situations, and her sense of humour.

 

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Toronto.

Aliya enjoys working with women+ during pregnancy + postpartum, loves helping people do the things they love without leaking, and teaching people how to have pain-free intimacy. She is also obsessed with making sure each of her patients are never constipated!

If you're in the Toronto area and are looking for a compassionate, relatable, highly experienced + skilled Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist, book an appointment with Aliya.

She is available Tuesdays, Thursdays, and occasional Sundays at 204 Spadina Ave, 1st Floor in Toronto (Queen + Spadina) within the Imprint Pilates Studio.