FAQ

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles suspended within the pelvis, similar to a hammock. These muscles are assessed internally, either vaginally or rectally. If this feels like a barrier, we encourage you to have a conversation with your physiotherapist. We are here to provide reassurance and discuss current research while respecting your boundaries. Occasionally, with persistent pain, the internal component occurs later in the treatment plan once external muscles and tissues have been addressed and you feel confident in this next step of treatment.

A kegel is a contraction of your pelvic floor muscles (imagine squeezing to try to stop the flow of urine). Pelvic health physiotherapy is so much more than strengthening these muscles. In fact, in certain instances contracting these muscles can make your symptoms worse. An evidence-based approach recommends assessing these muscles first and then designing a personalized treatment plan around these findings.

Likely not. You do not need a doctor’s note or a referral. However, your extended health care provider may require a doctor’s note in order for you to utilize your benefits. Unfortunately, this treatment is not covered by OHIP.

In order to treat pelvic health patients, physiotherapists are required to complete specialized courses. These courses have detailed theoretical and practical components. In addition, Pelvic Health physiotherapists need to be rostered with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.