understand your pelvic health
All too often women’s health can be overlooked. whether you’re pregnant, just had a baby, going through pre menopause, already in menopause or experiencing pain with sex, we still have a lot to learn about what our bodies and pelvic floor go through.
Due to this lack of education, we can become disconnected with that part of our body and how to keep it healthy.
the common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction
Urinary leakage
Urinary and fecal urgency/frequency
Fecal leakage
Constipation
Heaviness, bulging and pelvic organ prolapse
Recurring UTIs
Pelvic floor weakness
Endometriosis or period pain
Pelvic pain
Vaginismus
Pain during sex
Menopause/pre-menopause issues
Low back pain
C-section pain or scar tissue dysfunction
Pregnancy/postpartum pain, pressure and leakage
how physiotherapy can help
I’m a Physiotherapist passionate about bringing awareness to pelvic health and women’s health.
Through Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, my goal is to provide you with the care you need to address your pelvic health concerns while also promoting education about this little known but crucial part of our bodies.
pre/post-natal exercise program
My pre/post-natal exercise program was created to help women stay active during pregnancy and beyond. In my own clinical practice, I noticed that many women were interested in remaining active during their pregnancy or afterwards, but didn’t know where to start.
By developing an exercise program specifically for pregnancy and postpartum, I can help you approach exercise as a way to remain healthy, strong, and become more aware of your body as it goes through the wonderful changes of pregnancy.
Through one on one coaching, nutrition education, weekly check-ins, and a customized exercise plan, I will help you work out safely during your pregnancy and ease back into exercise post-partum.
Prepare your pelvic floor for birth
Get ready for the journey of childbirth with "Prepare Your Pelvic Floor for Birth" by birthwell. Join our comprehensive 6-week online course led by seasoned pelvic floor physiotherapists Nadia Qahwash and Laura Holland, where you'll gain invaluable knowledge and techniques to ensure your pelvic floor, core and perineum are well-prepared for both birth and postpartum.
Our expert instructors will guide you through a wide range of exercises designed to strengthen and relax your pelvic floor muscles. You'll also learn essential labour and birth positions, effective pain relief techniques, receive partner support strategies, tips for the first 6 weeks postpartum plus more!
With this course, you will have the confidence and tools you need to optimize your birth experience and embrace the postpartum journey with strength and resilience. Enroll now and embark on this transformative journey to empower yourself for a more positive birth experience!
faqs
When can I begin birth preparation?
Birth preparation can begin at any stage of pregnancy—it’s never too early or too late to start. At your first appointment, I’ll complete a thorough assessment to determine which exercises and techniques suit you best, based on your body and your goals. Many clients choose to come in during the early second trimester to start developing their personalized plan for labor and birth, but we’ll work together to create a timeline that feels right for you and your pregnancy. Whether you’re just beginning or closer to your due date, building strength, flexibility, and confidence is always possible—and I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way!
Are there any pregnancy symptoms that pelvic floor therapy can help with?
Yes, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help manage back pain, pelvic girdle pain, urinary urgency, and pressure from your baby as your pregnancy progresses.
When should I start pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy?
It’s ideal to start gentle pelvic floor exercises early in pregnancy, but it’s never too late. A physiotherapist can tailor exercises to your trimester and unique needs.
Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help during pregnancy?
Yes! Strengthening and learning to relax your pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy can reduce pain, support your growing baby, and prepare your body for labor and delivery.
How long will my workouts be?
The length of your daily workout program will depend on your exercise experience, fatigue levels and schedule. Pre pregnancy workouts can range anywhere between 20 to 45 minutes and post pregnancy exercises may vary between 20 to 40 minutes depending mainly on the schedule of your
baby.
Can I have internal pelvic floor treatment while I’m on my menstrual cycle?
Yes, it is generally safe to have internal pelvic floor treatment during your menstrual cycle. Internal treatment during menstruation is always optional and based on your comfort and consent. If you prefer not to have internal treatment while on your period, there are effective external treatment options available.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy painful?
Physiotherapy may involve some discomfort, especially if muscles are tight or sensitive, but it should never be painful. Your comfort and consent are prioritized throughout treatment.
How do I know if I need pelvic floor therapy?
If you experience symptoms such as leaking urine when coughing or exercising, pelvic heaviness, pain during sex, or difficulty controlling bowel movements, pelvic floor therapy may help. A professional assessment can confirm the need and develop a treatment plan suitable for you.
What are common pelvic floor issues?
Common concerns include urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pregnancy related conditions, postpartum related conditions, perimenopausal/menopausal changes to the pelvic floor and weak or tight pelvic muscles.
What is pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is specialized care that helps strengthen and rehabilitate the muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support your bladder, uterus, and bowel. It can improve symptoms like incontinence, pelvic pain, and prolapse.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy still recommended if I had a c-section?
Yes, pelvic floor physiotherapy is beneficial even after a c-section. The pelvic floor muscles, abdominal wall, and core can still be affected by pregnancy, surgical delivery, and postpartum changes. Common concerns such as core weakness, incision site or pelvic pain, incontinence, or difficulties with movement and recovery may still arise after a c-section and can be treated by pelvic floor physiotherapy.
How soon after giving birth can I see a pelvic floor physiotherapist?
You can start seeing a physiotherapist as soon as you feel ready, usually around 6 weeks postpartum, or earlier if there are specific concerns like pain or incontinence.
What can pelvic floor therapy do to help postpartum recovery?
Therapy can assist with healing after a vaginal or cesarean birth, restore pelvic floor strength, reduce pain, improve bladder and bowel control, and help support you on your journey back to exercise or physical activity.
Is it normal to experience leaking or discomfort after birth?
Yes, many women experience some leaking, discomfort, or pelvic heaviness after delivery. These symptoms improve with pelvic floor therapy and guided exercises.
Can pelvic floor therapy help with Diastasis recti?
Yes, physiotherapy can include core strengthening techniques to support healing of the abdominal separation often experienced after pregnancy.
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy still recommended if I had a c-section?
Yes, pelvic floor physiotherapy is beneficial even after a c-section. The pelvic floor muscles, abdominal wall, and core can still be affected by pregnancy, surgical delivery, and postpartum changes. Common concerns such as core weakness, incision site or pelvic pain, incontinence, or difficulties with movement and recovery may still arise after a c-section and can be treated by pelvic floor physiotherapy.