Pelvic floor physiotherapy in British Columbia (BC), Canada is a specialized area of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles for both men and women. These muscles play a key role in bladder, bowel, and sexual function, as well as core stability and support for pelvic organs.
What it involves:
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first visit starts with a conversation. Your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and goals — including your bladder, bowel, and (if relevant) obstetric history — so they understand your full picture before recommending anything.
From there, they'll complete an external assessment, looking at your posture, movement, and muscle function around your lower back, hips, and abdomen. Depending on your goals, your physiotherapist may also discuss an internal assessment (vaginal and/or rectal), which is considered the most accurate way to evaluate pelvic floor strength, coordination, and tension.
An internal assessment is never mandatory. It's explained in full beforehand, requires your consent, and you can pause or stop it at any point, for any reason.
Based on what your physiotherapist finds, you'll leave with a personalized plan, which may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, breathing and posture strategies, and education you can apply at home between visits.
Pelvic floor physiotherapists in BC are licensed physiotherapists and registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) who have taken additional training and certification in pelvic health. Their work includes:
- Assessing the strength, coordination, and function of pelvic floor muscles
- Assessments completed with an internal (vaginal/rectal) and/or external examination techniques
- Providing education on bladder and bowel habits, posture, breathing, and movement patterns
- Teaching pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, relaxation, and coordination work
- Addressing pain conditions, including pelvic pain, tailbone pain (coccygodynia), and painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
How to access it:
- No referral is required (though some insurance providers may ask for one).
- Services are typically offered in private clinics
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Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy FAQ
What conditions can pelvic floor physiotherapy treat?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help manage a wide range of pelvic health concerns, including:
- Urinary incontinence or leakage
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Pelvic pain
- Pain with intercourse
- Pregnancy-related pelvic pain and discomfort
- Prenatal and postpartum recovery
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Constipation and bowel dysfunction
- Pain or difficulty with bowel movements
- Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
- Tailbone (coccyx) pain
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Erectile or ejaculation-related concerns in men
- Recovery following pelvic or abdominal surgery
Pelvic floor physiotherapists work with people of all ages and genders and can collaborate with other healthcare professionals when additional support is needed.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist?
No. You do not need a doctor’s referral to book a pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment at painPRO. However, some extended health insurance plans may have specific requirements for coverage, so we recommend checking with your provider if applicable.
What happens during a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment?
Your first appointment will begin with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals. Your physiotherapist may assess your posture, breathing, movement, abdominal and pelvic muscles, and other areas that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Depending on your concerns and with your consent, an internal pelvic floor assessment may also be recommended. Your physiotherapist will explain what this involves and answer any questions before proceeding. An internal assessment is not required and will never be performed without your consent.
Do I need an internal examination?
Not necessarily. An internal assessment can provide useful information about pelvic floor muscle strength, coordination, tension, and function, but it is only performed when appropriate and with your informed consent.
There are many ways to assess and treat pelvic floor concerns without an internal examination. Your physiotherapist will work with you to determine the approach that feels appropriate and comfortable.
What should I expect during my first pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment?
Your first appointment is primarily focused on understanding your concerns and determining how pelvic floor physiotherapy can help. Your physiotherapist will discuss your symptoms, goals, and relevant medical history before completing an individualized assessment.
You will have an opportunity to ask questions throughout the appointment, and your physiotherapist will explain their findings and recommendations. Together, you will develop a treatment plan based on your needs and goals.
Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help during pregnancy?
Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help manage many common pregnancy-related concerns, including pelvic girdle pain, low back pain, pelvic pressure, urinary leakage, and changes in pelvic floor function.
Physiotherapy can also help prepare your body for labour and provide education around breathing, pelvic floor relaxation, positioning, and strategies to support recovery after delivery.
Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help after having a baby?
Yes. Pregnancy and childbirth can affect the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, bladder and bowel function, and overall movement. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can support recovery following both vaginal and caesarean births.
Treatment may address urinary or bowel concerns, pelvic pain, abdominal weakness or diastasis recti, pain with intercourse, pelvic organ prolapse, and returning to exercise and other activities.
Can men benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Absolutely. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is not just for women. Men may benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy for concerns such as urinary leakage, pelvic pain, bowel dysfunction, erectile or ejaculation-related concerns, prostate-related symptoms, and recovery following prostate or pelvic surgery.
Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with painful intercourse?
Yes. Pain with intercourse can have many contributing factors, including pelvic floor muscle tension, previous injury or surgery, hormonal changes, scar tissue, or other musculoskeletal factors.
A pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess the muscles and surrounding structures and develop an individualized treatment plan to help reduce pain and improve comfort and function.
Will pelvic floor physiotherapy be painful or uncomfortable?
Your comfort and consent are always the priority. Some assessments or treatments may involve areas that are sensitive or uncomfortable, but your physiotherapist will explain what they are doing and work within your tolerance.
You are always able to ask questions, pause treatment, or decline any part of an assessment or treatment.
What should I wear to my pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Depending on your assessment, your physiotherapist may ask you to change into shorts or other appropriate clothing.
If an internal assessment is recommended, your physiotherapist will explain what to expect beforehand and ensure your privacy, comfort, and modesty are maintained throughout the appointment.
How many pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your symptoms, goals, and progress. Following your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will recommend an individualized treatment plan and discuss an expected timeline.
Your plan may change as your symptoms improve and you become more independent with your exercises and strategies.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy covered by extended health insurance?
Many extended health insurance plans cover physiotherapy, including pelvic floor physiotherapy. Coverage varies between plans, so we recommend confirming your coverage with your insurance provider before your first appointment.
painPRO offers direct billing to many insurance providers. Receipts and documentation are also available for reimbursement if required.
When should I see a pelvic floor physiotherapist?
You don't have to wait until your symptoms become severe. Consider seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist if you are experiencing urinary or bowel changes, pelvic pain, discomfort with intercourse, pelvic pressure, leakage during exercise, pregnancy-related discomfort, or difficulty returning to activity after childbirth or surgery.
Pelvic health concerns are common, but they are not something you simply have to live with. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and develop a plan to improve your comfort, function, and quality of life.