Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Toronto and Newmarket

Your first appointment starts with a conversation about what brought you in, your health history, bladder and bowel function, pregnancy and birth history if relevant, the activities you enjoy and what you would like help with.

Your physiotherapist may then assess things like your breathing, movement, hips, back, abdomen, core and pelvic floor function. An internal pelvic floor assessment may be discussed if it would provide useful information, but it is not automatically part of every first visit. Your physiotherapist will explain your options before anything is done.

Once the assessment is complete, we’ll talk through what we found and what treatment may look like. In many cases, treatment can begin at that first appointment.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be useful at many stages of life, but not everyone needs it simply because they have been pregnant or given birth. It is especially worth considering if you are experiencing leaking, pelvic pressure, pelvic pain, painful sex, difficulty returning to exercise, concerns about your C-section or perineal scar, or changes in how your pelvic floor feels.

Some people also choose to come during pregnancy to learn more about their pelvic floor and prepare for birth.

If you are not sure whether an appointment makes sense for you, our Care Navigator can help you decide where to start.

Yes, because recovery can look different depending on your pregnancy, birth and symptoms. After a vaginal birth, treatment may include support for pelvic floor muscle function, perineal tears or episiotomy recovery, pelvic pressure, leaking or pain.

After a C-section, we may spend more time assessing the abdominal wall, scar mobility, core function, breathing and how the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles are working together. An internal assessment or treatment is not automatically required after either type of birth. Your physiotherapist will recommend what is appropriate based on your assessment and what you are comfortable with.

No. Pelvic floor concerns can be addressed months or years after pregnancy and birth. If you’re dealing with leaking, pressure, pelvic pain, painful sex, core concerns or difficulty returning to certain activities, your physiotherapist will assess what is happening now and build a plan around your current symptoms and goals.

No. An internal assessment can provide useful information about pelvic floor strength, coordination, relaxation and tenderness, but it isn’t needed at every appointment and it may not be needed at all. Your physiotherapist will explain when they think it could be helpful and what other assessment options are available

No. An internal assessment is always optional. Your physiotherapist will explain why they are recommending it, what it involves and what information it may provide. You can ask questions, choose an external assessment instead, pause at any point or decide not to proceed.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy should not feel like something you have to push through. Some areas may feel tender or sensitive, especially if pain is one of the reasons you booked, but your physiotherapist will work within your comfort level and adjust the assessment or treatment as needed.

It depends on what you are coming in for, how long the concern has been there and what we find during your assessment. Some people need only a few appointments, while others benefit from more support over time. Your physiotherapist will give you a clear idea after your first visit and adjust the plan as you progress.

There is no single week that is right for everyone. Some people book earlier in pregnancy because they are dealing with leaking, pelvic pressure, pain or movement concerns. Others come later to learn more about pelvic floor relaxation, birth positions, breathing or perineal massage.
If you are not sure when to start, you can book based on what you want help with rather than waiting for a particular point in pregnancy.

There isn’t one right time for everyone. Many people book a postpartum pelvic floor assessment around six weeks after birth, but the timing can depend on how you gave birth, how you’re healing and what you’re experiencing.
If you have pain, leaking, pelvic pressure, concerns about your C-section or perineal scar, or questions about returning to activity, you can also reach out earlier. Your physiotherapist can adjust the assessment and treatment to where you are in your recovery.

Usually, yes, but we’re not interested in giving you a long list of exercises you’ll never have time to do. Your physiotherapist may give you a few specific things to work on between appointments, such as strengthening or relaxation exercises, breathing and core work, movement changes or bladder strategies.
What you take home will depend on what we find in your assessment and what will actually be useful for you.

Not always. Kegels can be useful when pelvic floor strengthening is actually what you need, but not every pelvic floor concern is caused by weakness. Some people need help with relaxation, coordination, timing or pressure management instead.
A pelvic floor assessment can help determine what your muscles are doing and whether Kegels should be part of your treatment at all.

Usually, no. Our goal is to help you keep doing the activities that matter to you. Depending on your symptoms and what we find during your assessment, your physiotherapist may suggest temporarily changing the way you run, lift or exercise while you build strength, coordination or tolerance.

We’ll work towards getting you back to the activities you enjoy, with a plan that makes sense for your body and your goals.

Yes. You can still come to your pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment during your period. If an internal assessment or treatment is being considered, you and your physiotherapist can decide whether you’re comfortable proceeding that day. There are plenty of other things we can assess and work on if you would prefer not to.

Often, yes. Your first appointment includes a thorough assessment so your physiotherapist can understand what is contributing to your symptoms. If there is enough time and treatment is appropriate that day, we can usually get started during the same visit.

That might include hands-on treatment, movement or breathing work, education, or a few specific things to practise at home. What we start with will depend on what we find and what you came in for.

Many extended health plans include physiotherapy, including pelvic floor physiotherapy, but coverage amounts and requirements vary by plan. Oona offers direct billing with many insurance providers whenever possible. If we can’t direct bill your plan, we’ll provide a receipt for you to submit.

It’s always worth checking your individual plan before your appointment so you know what is covered.

No. You can book pelvic floor physiotherapy directly at Oona in Toronto or Newmarket without a referral. Some extended health plans may require a physician’s referral for reimbursement, so check your individual plan if you are unsure.