Pelvic health is an important part of a woman’s overall health, but it is not always something people feel comfortable talking about.
Problems such as bladder leakage, pelvic pain, discomfort during pregnancy, or changes after childbirth are common, but that does not mean you simply have to live with them.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help women understand what is happening in their bodies and work toward better strength, movement, comfort, and function.
At Retrieve Health Centre in New Westminster, physiotherapy can support women through different stages of life, including pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and other pelvic health concerns.
If you are looking for pelvic floor physiotherapy in New Westminster, learning more about pelvic health can be a helpful first step.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues located at the bottom of the pelvis.
These muscles play an important role in everyday life. They help support the pelvic organs, including the bladder and bowel, and are also involved in bladder and bowel control.
The pelvic floor also works with the abdominal, back, and hip muscles to support movement and stability.
Like other muscles in the body, the pelvic floor can become weak, tight, or difficult to control.
This can happen for many reasons, including pregnancy, childbirth, changes in activity, surgery, injury, or other physical changes.
What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a type of physiotherapy that focuses on the muscles and tissues around the pelvis.
It is not only about doing Kegel exercises.
Depending on your symptoms, pelvic floor physiotherapy may focus on:
- Pelvic floor strength
- Muscle relaxation
- Coordination
- Breathing
- Core strength
- Hip and lower back movement
- Bladder and bowel habits
- Recovery after childbirth
- Managing pelvic pain
- Returning to exercise
The treatment is based on your individual symptoms and goals.
Some women may need to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles, while others may need to learn how to relax muscles that are too tight.
That is why an assessment is important before starting a specific exercise program.
Who Can Benefit From Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be helpful for women experiencing a variety of concerns.
You may want to consider an assessment if you experience:
- Urine leakage when coughing, sneezing, or exercising
- A strong or frequent need to urinate
- Difficulty controlling your bladder
- Pelvic pressure or discomfort
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sexual activity
- Changes after childbirth
- Difficulty returning to exercise after pregnancy
- Abdominal or core weakness
- Discomfort during pregnancy
- Changes in bowel control
You do not have to wait until your symptoms become severe before asking for help.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings many changes to the body.
As your baby grows, your posture, movement, muscles, and joints can change. Hormonal changes can also affect your body during pregnancy.
Some women experience:
- Pelvic pain
- Lower back pain
- Hip discomfort
- Pelvic pressure
- Bladder leakage
- Difficulty exercising
- Pain with certain movements
- Changes in core strength
Pregnancy physiotherapy in New Westminster can help women understand these changes and learn safe ways to stay active and comfortable during pregnancy.
Treatment may include exercises, movement advice, education, and strategies to help manage symptoms.
Your physiotherapist can also help you understand how to modify certain activities as your pregnancy progresses.
Preparing Your Body for Birth
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can also be part of preparing for childbirth.
The pelvic floor needs to be strong, but it also needs to be able to relax and coordinate with the rest of the body.
A physiotherapist can teach you about:
- Pelvic floor awareness
- Breathing
- Relaxation
- Positioning
- Movement
- Core and pelvic floor coordination
The goal is to help you understand your body and feel more prepared for the physical changes that come with childbirth.
Your physiotherapist can also discuss exercises and strategies that are appropriate for your stage of pregnancy.
Postpartum Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Your body goes through significant changes during pregnancy and childbirth.
After having a baby, it can take time to recover.
Some women experience symptoms such as:
- Bladder leakage
- Pelvic pressure
- Pelvic pain
- Abdominal weakness
- Back or hip discomfort
- Pain during sexual activity
- Difficulty returning to exercise
- Changes in bladder or bowel control
These symptoms can sometimes be overlooked because new mothers are often focused on caring for their baby.
However, you deserve support with your own recovery too.
Postpartum physiotherapy in New Westminster can help you understand the changes your body has gone through and develop a gradual plan for recovery.
Your treatment will depend on your delivery, symptoms, activity level, and personal goals.
When Can You Start Postpartum Physiotherapy?
There is no single timeline that works for every woman.
Your recovery depends on many factors, including whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section, whether you experienced complications, and how you are feeling physically.
A physiotherapist can help assess your current condition and guide you through appropriate exercises and activities.
If you are experiencing pain, leakage, pressure, or difficulty returning to your normal activities after childbirth, you do not necessarily need to wait until these problems become severe before asking for help.
Pelvic Floor Problems Are Not Just About Pregnancy
Although pregnancy and childbirth are common reasons women seek pelvic floor physiotherapy, pelvic health concerns can happen at many different stages of life.
Women who are not pregnant or who have never given birth can also experience pelvic floor problems.
Changes in activity, injuries, surgery, hormonal changes, or other factors may affect pelvic health.
For this reason, women’s pelvic health in New Westminster is not limited to pregnancy or postpartum care.
If you are experiencing pelvic symptoms that are affecting your everyday life, a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment may help you better understand what is happening.
What Happens During a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment?
It is normal to feel a little nervous before your first appointment, especially if you have never discussed pelvic health with a healthcare professional before.
Your first appointment usually starts with a conversation.
Your physiotherapist may ask about:
- Your symptoms
- When the symptoms started
- Your pregnancy and childbirth history, if relevant
- Your daily activities
- Exercise
- Bladder and bowel habits
- Pain
- Your goals for treatment
Your physiotherapist will explain the assessment and answer your questions.
Depending on your symptoms and the type of assessment needed, your physiotherapist may look at your breathing, posture, movement, abdominal muscles, hips, and other areas related to your concerns.
An internal pelvic floor assessment may be discussed in some cases, but this should always be explained to you beforehand and performed only with your consent.
You should feel comfortable asking questions or discussing any concerns throughout the appointment.
Do You Need Pelvic Floor Exercises?
You may have heard that women should do Kegel exercises to strengthen their pelvic floor.
While pelvic floor strengthening can be helpful for some women, it is not the right solution for everyone.
Some women have pelvic floor muscles that are already very tight.
In these cases, repeatedly tightening the muscles may not be helpful and could potentially make symptoms worse.
This is why an individualized assessment is important.
Your physiotherapist can help determine whether your pelvic floor needs strengthening, relaxation, improved coordination, or a combination of different approaches.
Pelvic Health and Returning to Exercise
Many women want to return to exercise after pregnancy or an injury but are unsure when it is safe to do so.
You may notice symptoms such as leakage, pelvic pressure, or discomfort when:
- Running
- Jumping
- Lifting weights
- Doing abdominal exercises
- Going to the gym
- Playing sports
Rather than avoiding exercise completely, a physiotherapist can help you gradually build your strength and confidence.
The goal is to help you return to activities you enjoy in a way that works for your body.
When Should You Talk to a Physiotherapist?
Consider speaking with a pelvic floor physiotherapist if a pelvic health concern is affecting your daily life.
You may benefit from an assessment if you:
- Leak urine when exercising, coughing, or sneezing
- Feel pelvic pressure
- Have ongoing pelvic pain
- Experience discomfort during sexual activity
- Are recovering from childbirth
- Want help returning to exercise after pregnancy
- Have difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel
- Feel weak through your core or pelvic area
- Are experiencing pregnancy-related pelvic or back discomfort
You do not need to feel embarrassed about these symptoms.
Pelvic health is healthcare, and getting the right information can help you make informed decisions about your recovery.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in New Westminster
Every woman’s body and recovery journey is different.
Whether you are pregnant, recently gave birth, returning to exercise, or experiencing pelvic health concerns at another stage of life, the right support can make it easier to understand your symptoms and work toward your goals.
At Retrieve Health Centre in New Westminster, our physiotherapy services include support for women’s pelvic health, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery.
If you are looking for pelvic floor physiotherapy in New Westminster, contact Retrieve Health Centre to learn more about your options or book an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pelvic floor physiotherapy treat?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with concerns such as bladder leakage, pelvic pain, pelvic pressure, pregnancy-related discomfort, postpartum recovery, and difficulty returning to exercise. Treatment depends on your individual symptoms.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy only for women who have had children?
No. Pelvic floor concerns can affect women at different stages of life, including women who have never been pregnant or given birth.
Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help during pregnancy?
Yes. Physiotherapy can help some women manage pregnancy-related pelvic, back, and hip discomfort and prepare for the physical demands of childbirth.
Can physiotherapy help after childbirth?
Yes. Postpartum physiotherapy can help women gradually rebuild strength, improve movement, and address concerns such as bladder leakage, pelvic discomfort, and difficulty returning to exercise.
Do I have to have an internal examination?
Not necessarily. The assessment depends on your symptoms and treatment needs. If an internal assessment is appropriate, your physiotherapist should explain what it involves and obtain your consent before proceeding.
Are Kegel exercises right for everyone?
No. Pelvic floor exercises should be based on your individual needs. Some women need strengthening, while others may benefit from learning how to relax and coordinate their pelvic floor muscles.
Where can I get pelvic floor physiotherapy in New Westminster?
Retrieve Health Centre provides physiotherapy services for women’s pelvic health, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery in New Westminster. Contact the clinic to discuss your concerns and book an assessment.
