What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues at the base of the pelvis. These structures support the bladder, uterus, rectum, and prostate, and play a central role in core stability, continence, and sexual function. When these muscles become weakened, overactive, or poorly coordinated, the effects can be wide-ranging and significantly disruptive.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that addresses these conditions through both internal and external assessment and treatment. It is appropriate for people across a wide range of presentations, including:
- Urinary or fecal incontinence, urgency, or leakage
- Pelvic pain, including chronic pelvic pain and pain during intercourse
- Prenatal preparation and postpartum recovery
Pelvic floor conditions are also commonly associated with low back pain, hip pain, abdominal separation (diastasis recti), and recovery from gynecological, urological, or colorectal surgery. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is appropriate for people of all genders and at any life stage.
How We Approach Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy at Pro Health
Pelvic floor physiotherapy at Pro Health is led by Claudia Scrivener, MScPT, a physiotherapist with over 30 years of clinical practice in manual orthopedic and pelvic health physiotherapy. Claudia has trained and worked in both British Columbia and Alberta, and has experience as a curriculum designer and instructor in this specialty.
Claudia's approach combines thorough internal and external assessment with individualized treatment planning. Depending on your presentation, treatment may include:
- Manual therapy and soft tissue work
- Targeted pelvic floor exercises and neuromuscular retraining
- Education on bladder habits, bowel function, and movement patterns
Every treatment plan is built around your specific assessment findings, not a generic protocol. Claudia works collaboratively with the rest of the Pro Health team, which allows for coordinated care when pelvic floor concerns intersect with chiropractic, general physiotherapy, or naturopathic treatment.
What to Expect at Your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment
Step 1: Intake and History
Step 2: Assessment
Step 3: Treatment and Home Care
What Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help You Achieve
Pelvic floor physiotherapy addresses function, not just symptoms. Patients who complete a course of treatment commonly report:
- Reduced or resolved urinary leakage and urgency, with improved bladder control during daily activity
- Decreased pelvic pain, including improvement in symptoms related to intercourse, pregnancy, or postpartum recovery
- Improved core stability and return to exercise, including running, lifting, and higher-impact activity
Results vary depending on the nature and duration of the condition. Claudia will provide a realistic assessment of expected outcomes at your first appointment.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFPT) is a specialized branch of physiotherapy involving internal and external assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor muscles.
Claudia Scrivener
Book NowFrequently Asked Questions about Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
No. While postpartum recovery is one of the most common reasons people seek pelvic floor physiotherapy, it is appropriate for people of all genders and ages. Men frequently benefit for conditions including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and post-prostatectomy recovery.
It may. An internal assessment provides the most accurate picture of pelvic floor muscle function and is often necessary to guide treatment effectively. Claudia will explain the process in full before the assessment and will only proceed with your consent. External assessment and treatment options are also available.
Pricing for pelvic floor physiotherapy at Pro Health is in line with standard physiotherapy rates in Calgary. Initial 60-minute appointments are priced accordingly, with 30-minute and 60-minute follow-up options. Please call us at (403) 547-9011 for current rates. Many extended health benefit plans cover physiotherapy, including pelvic floor physiotherapy.
This depends on your condition and goals. Some patients see significant improvement in four to six sessions. Others with more complex or long-standing presentations benefit from a longer course of treatment. Claudia will give you a realistic estimate after your initial assessment.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a form of physiotherapy and is covered by most extended health benefit plans. We recommend confirming your coverage with your insurance provider before your first appointment.
Book Your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment in Calgary
Claudia Scrivener, MScPT, is accepting new patients at Pro Health in Nolan Hill, NW Calgary.
Initial appointments are 60 minutes and include a full assessment and individualized treatment plan. Same-day appointments may be available. To book, use the button below or call us at (403) 547-9011.
Pro Health Chiropractic & Physiotherapy
318 Nolanridge Cres NW, 430Calgary, AB
T3R 1W9 View Staff & Treatments
