Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cost?
60 minute assessment or follow-up $155
45 minute follow-up $120
30 minute follow-up $85
Patients who are eligible for premium assistance through MSP will receive discounted rates. The net household income must be $28 000 or less to be considered eligible.
Can I Still Come When I Have My Period?
Yes, pelvic physiotherapists are prepared to assess and treat all patients, whether they are bleeding or not. It does not bother us. If you do not feel comfortable having internal work done while you are bleeding, just let me know. If you have any questions prior to your appointment, feel free to email or call me.
Are Kegels Enough?
This is a complicated question!
A kegel is a common term for a pelvic floor contraction used to build strength. It has been used by many in the healthcare system as a “fix-all” for pelvic complaints. Pelvic pain? Kegel. Incontinence? Kegel. Urgency? Kegel. Pelvic organ prolapse? Kegel. You get the picture. But is there any other body part for which one exercise magically fixes all problems and pains?
Absolutely not.
Kegels can certainly be helpful for people who have poor strength, endurance and tone in the pelvic floor muscles. When done correctly, kegels provide a good starting point for building body awareness and coordination. The internal nature of the pelvic floor muscles means they’re not easily visible, which can make it difficult to ensure the contraction is being performed correctly (and part of the reason why pelvic physiotherapists do internal exams!). In addition, sometimes kegels aren’t enough to change your symptoms. For example, if you only have incontinence when you run or jump, performing kegels only while lying down likely won’t be challenging enough to help you stop leaking. You will need to progress to exercises that challenge the pelvic floor in more dynamic ways, such as lower body strength moves (lunges, squats) and plyometrics.
Kegels are not for everyone. Most people with pelvic floor symptoms think they have a “loose and weak” pelvic floor. However, many types of pelvic floor dysfunction involve muscles that have too much tone (“too tight”). In these cases, repetitively performing kegels to build strength and tone is not helpful, and is often even counter-productive. Instead, the focus should be on learning to relax the pelvic floor muscles, which can be accomplished by breathing, body awareness, and stretching exercises.
If kegels are making your symptoms worse, please stop. Get assessed and get help that is specific to your body’s needs.
When Should I Come After Having a Baby?
If you’re coming for an internal assessment, anywhere from 4-6 weeks post-partum is a great time. Ideally, after the lochia (bleeding) has stopped.
If you are very early post-partum and having a lot of pain (e.g. low back or hips), you can make an appointment anytime!
If you’ve had a C-Section and would like some information on recovery, including in the very early post-partum period, that is a great reason to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. We can provide lots of education and movement/positional strategies to get you through those painful early days.
Can I bring my baby to my appointment?
Yes! Babies are always welcome!
Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Only For Women?
No!
Most pelvic health course content addresses both men and women. I have also taken courses on pediatric pelvic health.
Some conditions that men might seek help for include:
post-prostatectomy incontinence
chronic constipation
nocturia (nighttime urination)
pelvic pain
erectile dysfunction
Some conditions that children might seek help for include:
bed wetting
constipation
incontinence (bowel or bladder) with or without urgency