Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, nerves, and tissues of the pelvic floor. It addresses a wide range of issues, including muscle weakness or tightness, incontinence, pain, and sexual dysfunction, often associated with childbirth or other pelvic trauma. Pelvic floor physiotherapists use various techniques, including exercises, manual therapy, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation, to restore proper function and alleviate symptoms. 

Here's a more detailed look:

What it is:
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized area within physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, nerves, and tissues of the pelvic floor. 

What it does:
It helps address dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to a variety of issues like:

• Muscle weakness or tightness 

• Incontinence (urinary and fecal) 

• Pain (pelvic pain, dyspareunia, vaginismus) 

• Sexual dysfunction 

• Pelvic organ prolapse 

• Constipation 

• Back pain 

How it works:
Pelvic floor physiotherapists use a variety of techniques to assess and treat pelvic floor dysfunction, including:

• • Exercises: Kegel exercises and other exercises to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor muscles 

  • Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to address muscle imbalances and release tension 

  • Biofeedback: A technique that uses sensors to provide real-time feedback on muscle activity, helping individuals learn to control their pelvic floor muscles 

  • Electrical stimulation: Using electrical currents to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles 

Who it's for:
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can benefit individuals of all ages and genders who are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction. It's particularly helpful for: 

• • Women after childbirth 

  • Individuals with incontinence 

  • Individuals with pain or sexual dysfunction 

  • Individuals with pelvic organ prolapse 

  • Individuals with constipation 

  • Individuals with back pain 

Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Ontario is generally not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). 

However, it may be covered by extended health benefits through private or employer insurance plans. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

OHIP Coverage:
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is not typically covered by OHIP for most adults. 

Extended Health Benefits:
Many private or employer-sponsored insurance plans cover pelvic floor physiotherapy as a physiotherapy benefit. 

Eligibility Exceptions:
OHIP may cover pelvic floor physiotherapy for specific groups:

• • Seniors: Individuals 65 years and older are eligible. 

  • Children and Adolescents: Individuals under 19 years of age are eligible. 

  • Hospitalized Patients: Individuals of any age admitted for an overnight hospital stay for a condition requiring physiotherapy are eligible. 

  • Ontario Works/ODSP Recipients: Individuals receiving these social assistance programs are eligible. 

Doctor's Referral:
While not always required for direct access to physiotherapy, a doctor's referral may be necessary if you are submitting claims to your extended health benefit plan