Do I need a doctor’s prescription?​

No. You do not need a doctor’s prescription to access our services; however, some insurance companies may need a referral for reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company to determine if you need a doctor’s referral to access your physiotherapy benefits.

Is this covered by OHIP or my extended health benefits?

We are not covered by OHIP. If you have extended health benefits, our pelvic physiotherapy falls under your physiotherapy coverage. Check with your health benefit provider for your coverage as all plans may differ from one another.

Why do you do an internal exam?

Your assessment and treatment program will be specific to you, your needs and your comfort level. These are delicate personal issues and your rehabilitation is respected as a sacred and highly personal process. We will always proceed within the realm of what you are ready for and capable of. The physiotherapist treating you is a highly trained, sensitive professional who will discuss any issues with you before carrying out any treatment. An open dialogue of how you are finding the treatment and any difficulties you are having emotionally or physically will be ongoing and will help guide your care.

In many European counties, internal examination and treatment of the pelvic floor has been the norm for years. In some countries, pelvic floor physiotherapy is even covered by government health care after childbirth, and always the first option before pelvic surgeries are considered. When the pelvic floor muscles are assessed internally, the research has shown that the treatments carried out by a physiotherapist for pelvic floor problems are highly successful for both pelvic pain and incontinence. Assessing the pelvic floor without doing an internal exam is like an orthopaedic surgeon or a physiotherapist doing a knee exam through a pair of jeans. Treating any other part of the body without touching the affected body part to see which muscles are tight, or weak, and how the joints move and glide would be completely unacceptable. Internal palpation is an integral part of treating the pelvic floor and is the Gold Standard for pelvic floor care. (pelvichealthsolutions.ca)

Can I bring my baby with me?

If you have an infant, you are always welcome to bring them with you; however, coming to sessions solo is preferred, simply because we can concentrate on you. The entire visit can be spent working through your assessment and treatment. This is understandably not always possible and your baby is always welcome. Please be aware that if you bring your baby, it is possible we may have to curtail the amount of work we can do within the session if you need to tend to baby and pause treatment. Patients are often scheduled back to back and sessions will need to end on time in order to honour the time of the next patient. Please remember you are responsible for the safety of your baby while on the premises.

What can I expect during your pelvic floor assessment and treatment?

In your pelvic floor assessment and follow up appointment we will:

• Take a detailed personal and medical history

• Assess your posture and spine

• Check for muscle imbalances

• Assess the strength, tone and function of your pelvic floor muscles and core (this is done with an external and an internal exam of the pelvic floor)**

• Check for Diastasis Recti (abdominal separation)

• Check for pelvic organ prolapse

• Assess and treat any scar tissue from tears or incisions from previous births or surgeries in our pelvic floor and abdomen

• Create a comprehensive treatment plan that may include exercise, manual therapy, education and self-management of your symptoms

• Address any questions or concerns you may have in regards to your care

** An internal Pelvic exam is the Gold Standard for Pelvic floor care. If you are uncomfortable or have questions please talk to your physiotherapist for the best possible treatment for you.