Welcome to Brentwood Physio’s Pelvic Floor Clinic in Calgary, your destination for pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Our pelvic floor therapy specialist, a mother of two, has decades of experience improving pelvic floor function and addressing issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and pre/postpartum concerns.
Whether you’re seeking relief or looking for answers, click the button below to book an appointment or enjoy a complimentary 5-minute consultation to discuss your needs and take the first step toward recovery.
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
The pelvic floor is like a group of muscles that go from your lower back to the front of your tummy. Think of them as a basket that holds up and protects your important pelvic floor organs, like your bladder, uterus (for women), or prostate (for men), and your rectum.
These muscles, when functioning properly, play a vital role in bowel, urinary, and sexual health. If you’re experiencing pelvic floor problems, it’s time to turn to the specialists who can help – a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist in Calgary.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a special kind of physiotherapy that helps with the muscles and parts in your pelvic area. It’s all about making those parts work better so you can have fewer problems like peeing or belly pain. It uses manual therapy, soft tissue exercises, biofeedback and other tools to help you feel better and have a healthier life.
Pelvic Floor Problems are Common!
An enormous number of people in Calgary suffer from pelvic health problems. Did you know that 1 in 3 women experiences urinary incontinence, and over 50% have minor organ prolapse after giving birth?
About 40% of women are experiencing one pelvic floor issue, roughly 17% dealing with two disorders, around 6% facing three problems, and approximately 2% suffering from four different conditions, according to research.
Additionally, a study involving 1,446 women found that 55.8% experienced urinary incontinence, 10.4% dealt with fecal incontinence, 14.0% had symptomatic uterine prolapse, and 18.7% reported pain in the pelvic area.
Most people have heard of, and tried Kegels, but without proper guidance and internal feedback, they may be doing them incorrectly.
Left untreated, symptoms can worsen over time. That’s why it’s crucial to seek help from an experienced Pelvic Floor Therapist in Calgary. Visit us at 789 Northmount Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada, and start your journey today!
Your 1st Appointment with a Pelvic Floor Physio
1. Arrival
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed into a comfortable and private treatment room to ensure your privacy throughout the visit.
2. Initial Consultation
Your pelvic floor physiotherapist will take a detailed medical history and ask about your health concerns. Our therapists handle these discussions with care and professionalism. The therapist will explain that pelvic health problems are common and can be effectively treated, providing reassurance throughout your journey.
3. Physical Examination
A physical exam will be conducted to assess your pelvis, lower back, and hip joints, muscles, and ligaments to identify contributing factors.
4. Internal Examination (Optional)
An internal examination may be recommended for a thorough evaluation, but if you’re uncomfortable, we can start with an external assessment and progress when you’re ready.
5. Creating a Treatment Plan
Together with your therapist, you’ll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. The entire assessment visit typically takes about an hour.
6. Ongoing Support
We’ll provide continuous guidance and support throughout your treatment journey, adjusting your plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
Pelvic Floor Therapy Successfully Treats These Common Symptoms
- Incontinence: Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements, leading to unintentional leakage.
- Urgency: A sudden, strong need to urinate, often difficult to delay, regardless of bladder fullness.
- Urinary Frequency: Needing to urinate more often than usual, which can disrupt daily activities.
- Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent discomfort or pain in the pelvic region, often affecting quality of life.
- Constipation: Infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often accompanied by abdominal discomfort.
- Painful Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during or after sexual activity, impacting intimacy and well-being.
- Nocturia: Frequent waking at night to urinate, interrupting sleep and rest.
- Prolapse: The descent of pelvic organs, causing a sensation of pressure or bulging in the pelvic area.
Common Pelvic Floor Conditions
| Incontinence | Constipation |
| Urinary urgency/frequency | Levator Ani syndrome |
| Pain with bowel movements or urination | Persistent genital arousal disorder |
| Overactive bladder | Interstitial cystitis |
| Pelvic Pain | Painful Bladder Syndrome |
| Painful Intercourse | Endometriosis |
| Prenatal pelvic pain | Tailbone pain/Coccydynia |
| Postpartum pelvic pain | Pudendal Neuralgia |
| Tears during delivery | Low Back Pain |
| Prolapse | Hip pain |
| Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (Diastasis Recti) | Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain |
Exercises
Pelvic Floor Muscle Contractions
- Tighten and lift your pelvic floor muscles as if stopping urine flow.
- Hold for 5-10 seconds, then relax.
- Repeat 10 times.
Bridges
- Lie on your back with knees bent.
- Lift your hips towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes and pelvic floor.
- Hold for 3 seconds, then lower.
- Repeat 10-15 times.
Squats
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Lower into a squat position, keeping knees behind toes.
- Engage your pelvic floor as you rise back up.
- Repeat 10-15 times.
Quick Contract
- Quickly tighten and release your pelvic floor muscles as fast as possible.
- Repeat 10 times in quick succession.
Meet the Team
FAQ’s
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to impairments in the ability of pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and tissues to properly support pelvic organs, maintain continence, and allow normal urination, defecation, and sexual function. Common disorders include urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain syndromes.
How is pelvic floor dysfunction assessed and treated?
The first appointment begins with a review of medical history and examination to evaluate pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination. Based on findings, the physiotherapist explains their assessment and outlines a customized treatment plan which may include exercises, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, manual therapy, and lifestyle education.
How can pelvic floor physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy techniques help relax, strengthen, and retrain the pelvic floor muscles to reduce symptoms of urinary/fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain disorders. With consistency, optimal pelvic floor strength and function can be restored long-term.
Parmeet Kaur
Physiotherapist & Pelvic Floor Expert
Parmeet is a highly skilled and dedicated physiotherapist at Brentwood Physio, renowned for her exceptional qualifications and expertise. With a comprehensive background in Physiotherapy and specialized certifications, she is a trusted authority in the field. Parmeet holds advanced certifications in Pelvic Health (Levels 1, 2, and 3) and is proficient in treating a wide range of pelvic floor conditions for all genders. Her specialized training in dry needling and vestibular rehabilitation further enhances her ability to manage complex musculoskeletal and balance disorders.
Whether you’re struggling with pelvic floor issues, muscle or joint pain, or dizziness, Parmeet’s holistic and patient-centered approach will guide you on your journey to recovery. She is committed to helping her patients achieve their best possible health outcomes and is always ready to welcome new clients to experience her expert care.
Why Choose Brentwood Physio
At Brentwood Physio, our team of experienced therapists has provided exceptional care to some of the most elite athletes, including NHL players, Canadian Masters Athletes, professional dancers, and Canadian 55+ Games Medalists. We bring the same level of expertise and dedication to every client we treat.
Your session with us will involve a personalized, hands-on myofascial treatment that targets both muscles and joints. We combine this with advanced joint mobilization and manipulation techniques to enhance your mobility and reduce muscle tension, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your well-being.
We go beyond just addressing immediate discomfort. Our commitment to long-term health includes teaching you corrective exercises to maintain your improved range of motion, prevent future injuries, and help you move with confidence. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to enhance your physical performance, Brentwood Physio in Calgary is here to support your journey to a healthier, stronger you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pelvic floor physiotherapy includes a thorough assessment of the pelvic muscles, manual therapy, and personalized exercises to improve strength and coordination. Techniques may involve pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, soft tissue mobilization, and lifestyle modifications. In some cases, gentle electrical stimulation is used to enhance muscle function.
You may need pelvic floor therapy if you experience symptoms such as incontinence, pelvic pain, or painful intercourse. Other indicators include difficulty with bladder or bowel control, a sensation of heaviness in the pelvic area, or discomfort during physical activity. A professional assessment can help determine if therapy is right for you.
Common symptoms include urinary leakage, difficulty controlling bowel movements, and a feeling of heaviness or bulging in the pelvic area. You might also experience lower back pain or reduced sensation during intercourse. These signs often indicate that your pelvic muscles lack necessary strength and support.
Strengthening a weak pelvic floor typically involves doing exercises like Kegels, which target these muscles. A physiotherapist may also recommend biofeedback, manual therapy, and lifestyle changes to improve your condition. Consistent practice of these exercises can help restore strength and function over time.
A weak pelvic floor often causes symptoms like incontinence and a feeling of heaviness, while a tight pelvic floor can lead to pain and difficulty with bowel movements or intercourse. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess muscle tone and function through both external and internal examinations to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Typically, it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks of consistent exercise to notice significant improvement. Progress depends on the severity of the issue and adherence to the prescribed exercise plan. Regular follow-ups with a physiotherapist can help track your progress and adjust the treatment as needed.
Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, are the most well-known and effective way to strengthen these muscles. Other beneficial exercises include bridges and squats, as they also engage the pelvic floor. A physiotherapist can recommend the best exercises based on your specific condition.
Coverage for pelvic floor therapy varies depending on your insurance provider and plan. Many extended health plans do cover physiotherapy, including pelvic floor therapy, but it’s important to check your specific policy details. At Brentwood Physio, we direct bill 97% of insurance companies in Canada.
A typical session begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history. The therapist may then perform a physical examination, including an assessment of pelvic muscle strength and function. Based on the findings, a personalized treatment plan is created, which may include exercises, manual therapy, and other modalities.
The cost of pelvic floor physiotherapy in Calgary typically ranges from $95 to $150 per session. Initial assessments may be higher, while follow-up sessions might be lower. It’s recommended to check with individual clinics for exact pricing and package deals.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps new mothers regain muscle strength and function after childbirth. It can prevent or treat incontinence, reduce pelvic pain, and support overall recovery. It also addresses issues like diastasis recti and promotes a quicker return to daily activities.
Yes, pelvic floor physiotherapy can significantly improve sexual function by addressing issues such as pain during intercourse and reduced sensation. Therapy focuses on relaxing or strengthening the pelvic muscles, improving blood flow, and enhancing muscle coordination, which can lead to better sexual health.
Yes, you can perform basic pelvic floor exercises like Kegels at home. However, without proper guidance, it’s easy to do them incorrectly, which can worsen symptoms. A physiotherapist can provide a tailored exercise plan and feedback to ensure you’re doing the right exercises correctly and effectively.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is generally safe, but there may be some discomfort during internal assessments or manual therapy. Rarely, exercises can cause temporary muscle soreness or worsen symptoms if not done correctly. It’s important to follow your therapist’s instructions to minimize any risks.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement. For internal assessments, you may need to undress from the waist down, so consider wearing a long shirt or bringing a cover-up for comfort. At our clinic we provide gowns or sheets for modesty during the session.
