Pelvic Health Physiotherapy 

Whether you are an athlete competing at a high level, currently pregnant, in postpartum recovery, or headed into menopause you might be dealing with unpleasant pelvic floor symptoms like bladder leaks, pelvic pain or prolapse pressure & heaviness.

These symptoms are common and so frustrating when you want to perform at your best. And too often, when athletes go to someone for help, the first response they hear is that they have to stop lifting, running or playing the sports. That is simply not the answer to your problems. 

If you are looking for a long term solution to help manage symptoms and improve your sports performance, all while staying active, we’ve got you covered. 

It doesn’t have to be “just the way it is” and you don’t have to settle!

Pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment in standing

What is pelvic health physiotherapy?

Pelvic health physiotherapy goes beyond the pelvis including a holistic full body approach to figure out the root cause of why you have symptoms.

We don’t just stick to the basics at HerSport Physio. With one-on-one sessions we will create a rehab program that fits your needs and matches the demands of your sport.

You will lift, load, run, and jump all while making sure your pelvic floor is tolerating things to keep you moving and active towards your sport goals.

Who we work with

  • Athletes who struggle with pelvic pain, bladder leaks, constipation or painful periods.

  • Athletes who have been diagnosed with a prolapse.

  • Pregnant people who want to train and stay active through their pregnancy.

  • Those preparing for birth.

  • Postpartum recovery for both vaginal or caesarian births.

  • Those heading into menopause who need help managing menopausal symptoms. 

  • Diastasis recti recovery and core strengthening.

  • Athletes with chronic hip pain or chronic back pain.

  • Pregnant or postpartum athletes who want to safely return to running, weight lifting or other sports. 

Pregnant athlete strength training with physiotherapist assessing her diastasis recti

Outcomes that HerSport Athletes have:

  • Pain relief and moving better

  • No leaks

  • Staying active through pregnancy

  • Diastasis recti recovery and stronger core

  • Return to running after baby

  • Less prolapse symptoms

  • Prepared for birth

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that are inside the pelvic bones. They run front to back and fan out to the sides. These muscles have a bunch of jobs to do, including being a big part of your main deep core and stability system.

    If operating well, they usually just do their job in the background without you actually thinking about them.

    These muscles:

    ・Help create hip, low back and core stability

    ・Act like a sump pump to keep fluid moving through the pelvis

    ・Help you stay continent and not leak urine or faeces

    ・Support your internal organs

    ・Have a role in sexual function

  • There are many ways we can see how the pelvic floor is working. We can watch your movement patterns, breathing and core bracing strategies, and test your hip and core strength.

    The pelvic floor can also be assessed internally, either vaginally or rectally. A physiotherapist can insert one or two fingers in the vaginal canal or rectum to have an idea of what the pelvic floor muscles are doing: how much tension or flexibility there is, how you managed downward pressure, how strong the muscles are and how well they can relax.

    The assessment is offered in multiple positions such as lying down, standing or squatting, to see how the pelvic floor responds in different positions and under different loads.

    Please note that an internal assessment is never mandatory. You can do part or all of the assessment, only if you are comfortable and decide that is right for you.

  • No, an internal assessment is never mandatory! Some people prefer to defer this type of assessment for a variety of reasons and that is completely ok.

    What is most important is that you fully consent to any assessment that is offered once the risks and benefits are explained to you. You can consent to a partial assessment and not everything that is offered.

    You are in the driver’s seat and get to decide what is best for you and what you want to include.

  • As early as you want. If you crave information or want guidance on exercise, you can come in your first trimester. It’s never too early to start educating yourself on pelvic floor function during pregnancy.

    It is also never too late to come in for an appointment if you prefer to wait until a later part of your pregnancy.

    If you have any new symptoms like leaking or pelvic pain, don’t wait to come in! There are lots of things we can do to help make you comfortable as you grow and progress through pregnancy.

  • No, you don’t have to wait until the traditional 6 week check up to get started. Whether you need help managing c-section recovery or new postpartum symptoms or want guidance on what exercises you can start to safely do, you can book within the first three weeks after you’ve had your baby. There are lots of things we can do for early intervention to get you started on your postpartum recovery.

    Keep in mind, if you do not feel ready to start physiotherapy, you can wait as long as you need. Having a baby is a big life change and sometimes there isn’t space to add another thing to this early adjustment period. We are here for you whenever you are ready.

  • Yes, you are welcome to have your baby come to any appointments you have. We are very used to having babies around so don’t worry if your baby needs to feed, or is a bit fussy. We aren’t phased and are happy to help as much as you need us to.

    Also remember, we offer virtual appointments which are an excellent option in those early postpartum days if packing baby up and leaving your house feels daunting.