Pelvic Health physiotherapy is a unique service meant to address issues involving the inside of the pelvis. This is a regulated service where special training has been provided to assess the internal muscles, organs, nerves and tissues. The Gold Standard for pelvic health assessment and treatment includes internal vaginal and/or rectal examination, but also, only performing whatever is comfortable for the patient to address their concerns and meet their goals. At Calgary Core Physio, we are proud to be able to offer Women’s Pelvic Health Physiotherapy to address common, but often neglected, pelvic health conditions.

A thorough medical history is gathered during assessment. Afterwards the outside of the body is assessed. This includes functional and biomechanical assessment of the back, exterior pelvis, hips, abdominal muscles and recruitment patterns, and breathing patterns. Next, the exterior and interior of the pelvis and its structures are assessed. Your therapist will evaluate muscle tone, muscle length, pain response, ability of these muscles to contract and relax, the presence of any pelvic organ prolapse and motor strategies used.

Typically, pelvic health assessments are not painful. Sometimes, however, certain structures or muscles can be painful either due to muscle tightness (think pushing on a muscle knot) or feedback from the brain. Communication with your therapist is ongoing to ensure comfort throughout assessment and treatment.  All pelvic health assessments and treatments are conducted in private rooms in order to ensure privacy.

• Hands on treatment both inside and outside of the pelvis
• Intramuscular stimulation and/or acupuncture
• Bladder retraining
• Education regarding management of bowel and bladder habits
• Core retraining involving breath work and abdominal muscles
• Progressive exercises to achieve movement and fitness goals