What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy? Comprehensive Guide & How It Works

Do you struggle with bladder leaks, pelvic pain, or discomfort after childbirth — but aren’t sure where to turn?
You’re not alone. One in three women will experience pelvic floor dysfunction at some point, and men are not immune either. Fortunately, specialized help exists: pelvic floor physiotherapy.

At LV Physiotherapy in St. Catharines, our trained pelvic health physiotherapists provide safe, evidence-based care that helps you regain control, reduce pain, and restore confidence in your body.

Understanding Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy treats muscle dysfunction in your pelvic region through specialized assessment and targeted treatment approaches. This therapy addresses conditions like incontinence, pelvic pain, and core stability issues that affect daily life.

Pelvic Floor Physio Explained: What is it? 

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a form of physiotherapy that focuses on assessing and treating the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in your pelvic region. These structures support vital organs like your bladder, uterus, and rectum, and play an important role in bowel, bladder, and sexual function.

During your sessions, your pelvic floor physiotherapist may use:

• Gentle manual therapy to release tension
• Targeted exercises to restore strength and control
• Biofeedback or electrical stimulation to retrain muscle coordination
• Education and lifestyle guidance to prevent recurrence
  

Unlike general physiotherapy, pelvic floor treatment often includes an internal examination to assess muscle tone, strength, and coordination — always with your consent and comfort as the top priority.

How the Pelvic Floor Functions

Your pelvic floor muscles form a supportive “hammock” across the base of your pelvis.
They:

• Support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs
• Control continence (the ability to hold or release urine and stool)
• Coordinate with your deep core and diaphragm for stability
• Influence sexual function and pleasure

When these muscles are too tight, too weak, or poorly coordinated, problems can arise — from incontinence and prolapse to pelvic pain and reduced quality of life.

Common Pelvic Floor Disorders

At LV Physiotherapy, we help patients across Ontario manage a wide range of pelvic health conditions, including:

• Pelvic floor dysfunction:

Occurs when your muscles don’t work properly. This can mean they’re too tight, too weak, or don’t coordinate well with other muscles.

• Urinary incontinence: 

It is one of the most common issues you might face. This includes stress incontinence (leaking with cough or exercise) and urge incontinence (sudden, strong urges).

• Fecal incontinence:

Involves difficulty controlling bowel movements. Your pelvic floor muscles play a key role in maintaining bowel control.

• Pelvic organ prolapse 

Happens when your pelvic organs drop from their normal position. This occurs when supporting muscles and tissues become weakened.

• Pelvic pain: 

It can affect your lower abdomen, pelvis, or genitals. This pain may be constant or occur during specific activities like sitting or intercourse.

• Sexual dysfunction:

Often connected to pelvic floor problems. You might experience pain during intercourse or difficulty reaching orgasm.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Assessment Process

A thorough assessment includes reviewing your medical history, discussing symptoms, and performing physical examinations to understand your pelvic floor function. Your therapist will also identify lifestyle factors that may contribute to your condition.

Step 1: In-Depth Consultation

Your first session starts with a confidential discussion about your symptoms, goals, and medical history. We’ll explore factors such as:

• Pregnancy or birth experiences
• Surgeries, medications, or injuries
• Bowel and bladder habits
• Exercise, posture, and lifestyle patterns

This conversation helps us understand what’s contributing to your pelvic floor dysfunction and how we can tailor your treatment plan.

Step 2: Physical and Internal Examination

Your therapist may perform:

• Postural and movement assessment to see how your core, hips, and breathing patterns affect your pelvic floor
• Internal examination (vaginal or rectal) — only with consent — to evaluate muscle tone, strength, and coordination

This allows your therapist to pinpoint whether your muscles are too tight, too weak, or not activating correctly.

Step 3: Identifying Contributing Factors

Many lifestyle factors affect pelvic health:

• Posture: prolonged sitting or slouching
• Breathing: shallow breathing or bracing habits
• Exercise: heavy lifting without proper support
• Stress: muscle tension related to anxiety or holding patterns

Your therapist will teach you how to modify these factors to support long-term recovery.

Treatment Approaches in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy uses several proven methods to restore function and reduce symptoms. Your therapist will combine hands-on techniques, specific exercises, modern technology, and personalized education to address your unique needs.

1. Manual Therapy Techniques

Hands-on treatment helps release tight muscles, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
This may include:

• Myofascial release for tight connective tissue
• Trigger point therapy to reduce pelvic pain
• Internal manual therapy (if appropriate) to directly address deep muscle tension
• External soft tissue release for the hips, lower back, and abdomen

All treatments are explained beforehand, ensuring your comfort throughout.

2. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels and Beyond)

Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that strengthen or relax your pelvic floor muscles.
These include:

• Proper Kegel techniques (many people do them incorrectly)
• Core and breathing coordination exercises
• Functional training (lifting, posture, mobility)

The goal is not just strength, but balance and control.

3. Biofeedback and Electrical Stimulation

If you have difficulty sensing or controlling your pelvic floor, these tools can help:

• Biofeedback: sensors display your muscle activity on a screen, helping you see what’s happening in real-time.
• Electrical stimulation: gentle pulses activate weak muscles to improve strength and awareness.

These techniques are especially helpful for patients with low muscle tone or poor coordination.

4. Education and Lifestyle Modifications

Your physiotherapist teaches you about pelvic floor anatomy and how daily activities affect these muscles. Understanding your condition helps you make better choices for recovery.

• Proper bladder and bowel habits
• Relaxation and breathing strategies
• Posture adjustments for work and daily life
• Tips for sexual comfort and confidence

Your therapist may also design a home exercise plan to maintain progress between visits.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers measurable improvements in bladder control, pain relief, and sexual function. Many patients see significant changes within weeks of starting treatment.

Improved Bladder and Bowel Control

• Reduced urinary leaks and urgency
• Fewer nighttime trips to the bathroom
• Better coordination during bowel movements

Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation

• Relief from pelvic, hip, and lower back pain
• Reduced discomfort during intimacy
• Better posture and movement confidence

Enhanced Sexual Function

• Increased comfort and sensitivity
• Improved confidence and relaxation
• Stronger pelvic contractions for both men and women

Postpartum and Prolapse Support

• Faster recovery after childbirth
• Strengthened pelvic support for organs
• Reduced risk of prolapse worsening

Patients often notice results within a few weeks of consistent treatment.

Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy in Ontario

Pelvic floor physiotherapy isn’t just for postpartum women. It can benefit:

• Men recovering from prostate surgery
• Athletes with core instability or leaks during exercise
• Seniors managing incontinence or prolapse
• Individuals with chronic constipation or pelvic pain

At LV Physiotherapy, our team works with clients across St. Catharines and the Niagara Region to restore function and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pelvic floor physiotherapy painful?

No. Treatments are gentle and always done at your comfort level. You’re in control at every step.

Do I need a referral to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist in Ontario?

No referral is required. You can book directly at LV Physiotherapy.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients see improvement within 4–6 sessions, depending on the condition’s severity and commitment to home exercises.

Can men benefit from pelvic floor therapy?

Absolutely. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects men too, particularly those with prostate or bladder concerns.

Take Control of Your Pelvic Health Today
At LV Physiotherapy, we specialize in pelvic floor therapy for women and men across Niagara— helping you regain control, confidence, and comfort.