What is pelvic floor physiotherapy?
A specialized area of practice, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy requires additional education following physiotherapy licensing.
Erin Hennessy, PT., completed her clinical Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto and has completed several courses through Pelvic Health Solutions, Embodia and is a certified PfilAtes trainer.
She has developed this Birth Prep guide with the intention to give tips that may be helpful during delivery and the early postpartum days.
Here is what Erin has to say about the Birth Prep guide:
As a soon-to-be Mum there are many things that are
about to change. Quickly, your world is going to
revolve around your baby.Sometimes its magic and sometimes their arrival
doesn’t look anything like what you had imagined.
Either way, you are doing the best you can. Be gentle
with yourself. There are supports available if you need
them.
Related Article: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Supports Pain Management and Gets You Moving!
What can I expect in a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment?
During your assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and core. Your therapist will:
- ✓ Evaluate hips, low back, the thorax and connective tissue as needed to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan to address dysfunction
- ✓ Do an internal exam (the gold standard of care for pelvic floor physiotherapy) via the vaginal opening and/or the rectum
- ✓ Create a personalized treatment plan and home exercise program to best serve your needs.
A pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment during pregnancy can:
- ✓ Help assess any underlying dysfunction of the pelvic floor
- ✓ Address current symptoms/issues
- ✓ Ensure pelvic health is optimized before childbirth
- ✓ Have a known baseline which will help to guide rehabilitation after delivery
Our Free Birth Prep Guide includes:
-
✓ An introduction to Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
- ✓ Activity Guidelines for Pregnancy
- ✓ Three Handpicked Exercises to Lengthen the Pelvic Floor
- ✓ Birth Bag Checklist
Download our FREE Birth Prep Guide here!
Interested in our complete Birth Prep Guide? Topics include:
- • Pelvic Floor & Core Anatomy
- • Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
- • Deep Breathing/Core Connection
- • Exercises to Lengthen the Pelvic Floor
- • Perineal Massage
- • Birth Positions
- • Open Glottis Pushing
- • What to Expect Post-Delivery
- • Healing Helpers
- • Ways Your Partners Can Help
- • Transfers/Early Movement Techniques
- • First Bowel Movement
- • Red Flags
- • Early Postpartum Exercises
- • Activity Guidelines (0-6 weeks)
- • Breastfeeding Stretches
- • 6 Week Post-Partum Checkup
- • Belly (Cesarean) Birth
- • Postpartum Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
