Common Reasons People
Come to See Me
Pregnancy
Postpartum
Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
Painful Intercourse
Bowel & Rectal Conerns
Pre- & Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Perimenopause & Menopause
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with many of the common aches and pains experienced during pregnancy, including low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, pubic symphysis pain, rib pain, hip pain, and sciatica.
Pregnancy is also the ideal time to prepare for birth and postpartum recovery. Together, we can optimize your breathing, core and pelvic floor function, discuss pushing strategies for labour, and help you feel confident heading into delivery and the early postpartum period.
Whether you delivered vaginally or by Caesarean section, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you recover safely and confidently after birth.
Common concerns include urinary leakage, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, abdominal separation (diastasis recti), C-section scar recovery, and returning to exercise or running.
Even if you've had your baby months—or years—ago, it's never too late to address symptoms and improve your pelvic floor function. My goal is to help you feel strong, confident, and supported as you return to the activities you love.
Diastasis recti is a normal adaptation that occurs during pregnancy as your abdomen expands to make room for your growing baby. While the separation itself isn't the problem, how your core functions afterward can influence symptoms such as abdominal weakness, back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, or difficulty returning to exercise.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on restoring the function of your core—not simply "closing the gap." Through individualized assessment, breathing strategies, and progressive exercise, I'll help you rebuild strength and confidence in your body.
Whether you've recently had a baby or your children are now grown, it's never too late to improve the way your core functions.
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus, or rectum) descend and create pressure against the vaginal walls. This can result in symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness, pressure, or a bulge in the vagina, as well as difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels.
While prolapse is common, it is not something you simply have to live with. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help manage symptoms, improve support and function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy with confidence.
Treatment may include education, exercise, lifestyle strategies, and, when appropriate, pessary fitting to provide additional support.
Sex should not hurt. Period.
Many people experience pain or discomfort with penetrative intercourse, tampon use, or pelvic examinations—but that doesn't mean it's normal or something you simply have to live with. There are many reasons why pelvic pain can occur, including overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles, scar tissue, hormonal changes, endometriosis, or other underlying conditions.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help identify the source of your symptoms and provide individualized treatment to help reduce pain, improve function, and restore confidence.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with a wide range of bowel and rectal concerns, including constipation, difficulty emptying your bowels, leakage of stool or gas, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal pain, and tailbone pain.
Many of these symptoms are related to how the pelvic floor muscles coordinate and relax. Through a comprehensive assessment, I'll identify contributing factors and develop a personalized treatment plan to help improve bowel function, reduce pain, and restore confidence.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can play an important role both before and after gynecological or colorectal surgery. Before surgery, we'll assess your pelvic floor, discuss what to expect during recovery, and teach you strategies and exercises to help optimize your healing. After surgery, treatment focuses on restoring pelvic floor function, reducing pain, improving mobility, managing scar tissue, and helping you return to your daily activities with confidence.
Common surgeries include hysterectomy, endometriosis excision, prolapse repair, and anal sphincter repair.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can have a significant impact on your pelvic floor and overall pelvic health. You may notice symptoms such as urinary urgency or leakage, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, pelvic organ prolapse, or changes in bowel function.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you better understand these changes and provide strategies to manage symptoms through education, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and pelvic floor rehabilitation. When appropriate, I'll also discuss other treatment options that may complement your care, helping you stay active, comfortable, and confident through this stage of life.
What's Actually Normal?
Understanding what's normal is the first step toward recognizing when something isn't. Many pelvic floor symptoms are common—but that doesn't mean you have to live with them.
Healthy Bladder Habits
Aim to empty your bladder 5–8 times throughout the day (about every 2–4 hours).
Waking once overnight to urinate can also be completely normal.
Healthy Bowel Habits
A normal bowel pattern ranges from three times a day to three times a week, as long as it's consistent for you.
Your stool should ideally be soft and well formed (think banana consistency!).
Lubricant Matters
Lubricant isn't a sign that something is wrong—it's an important part of comfortable, healthy intercourse.
If you're experiencing vaginal dryness or discomfort, using lubricant can make a significant difference.
Leaking Isn't Normal
Urinary leakage is common—but it is never considered normal, even if it only happens occasionally.
The good news? It's often very treatable with pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Pain Isn't Normal Either
Pain with intercourse, tampon insertion, or pelvic examinations is never something you should simply accept.
Pain is your body's way of telling you something isn't functioning optimally, and it's worth getting assessed.
Prevention Matters
You don't have to wait until you have symptoms to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
Many people benefit from an assessment during pregnancy, after childbirth, around menopause, or simply to better understand their pelvic health.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy isn't just for when something feels "wrong." It can be helpful at every stage of life—from pregnancy and postpartum to perimenopause and beyond.
While you can benefit from an assessment at any time, here are a few common times I recommend checking in:
PREGNANCY - If you're having pelvic pain, leaking urine, pressure, or other symptoms, it's never too early to book an assessment. Even if you're feeling well, I often recommend an assessment during the second trimester (around 20 weeks) and again in the third trimester to prepare for birth, learn effective pushing strategies, and discuss early postpartum recovery.
POST-PARTUM – A pelvic floor assessment is recommended around 6 weeks postpartum, regardless of whether you had a vaginal or Caesarean birth. This visit allows us to assess healing, address any concerns, begin rebuilding your core and pelvic floor, and create a safe plan for returning to exercise, running, and other activities.
BEFORE OR AFTER SURGERY – Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help prepare your body for surgery and support your recovery afterward by improving pelvic floor function, managing scar tissue, reducing pain, and guiding a safe return to activity.
Not sure if now is the right time? Reach out—I'm always happy to help you decide whether pelvic floor physiotherapy would be beneficial for you.
Do I need a referral to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist?
No. You do not need a referral to book an appointment.
However, some extended health insurance plans require a physician's referral or prescription for reimbursement. If you're unsure, it's a good idea to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is covered under most extended health benefit plans that include physiotherapy coverage. I am a registered physiotherapist with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta, and my services are billed as physiotherapy.
Can I still come if I'm on my period?
Absolutely. You do not need to reschedule your appointment if you're menstruating. Your period won't affect your assessment, and we can still complete a full evaluation if you're comfortable doing so. If you'd prefer to postpone the internal examination or reschedule, that's completely your choice—we'll always work within your comfort level.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn't find the answer you were looking for, I'd be happy to help. Feel free to get in touch, and together we can determine whether pelvic floor physiotherapy is right for you.