PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY BEDFORD

WHAT IS PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY?

Your pelvic health is an important part of your overall wellbeing, yet concerns in this area are often difficult to talk about or simply accepted as something you have to live with. Pelvic floor physiotherapy provides a supportive, evidence-informed approach to understanding your symptoms and helping you feel more comfortable, confident and in control of your body.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an evidence based practice that works specifically on the muscles, ligaments, bones and wellbeing of the pelvis. The pelvis is the bony structure between your hip bones and houses the bladder, uterus and colon. The pelvic floor muscles stretch from the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis, to the coccyx (tail bone) located at the back of the pelvis, and remain between the ischial tuberosity (your two sit bones). The musculature of the pelvis may need to be stretched, or strengthened and can be positively impacted with physiotherapy treatment. This can be done by manually stretching the tissue or applying resistance to the tissues to help improve strength.

With over a decade of experience as a physiotherapist, and 4 years specifically with pelvic floor, Jessica works with patients through a wide range of pelvic health concerns and stages of life. Her approach is individualized, compassionate and focused on helping you understand what is happening in your body and what you can do to support your health.

PREGNANCY & BIRTH PREPARATION

Pregnancy brings significant physical changes, and preparing your pelvic floor and body for birth can help you feel more informed and confident as you approach delivery.

How we can help:

• Pelvic floor awareness and strengthening or relaxation

• Preparing your body for labour and delivery 

• Breathing, movement and positioning strategies

• Managing common pregnancy-related pelvic discomfort

• Birth preparation and recovery planning

Jessica also holds additional training and experience supporting patients preparing for and recovering from cesarean birth, including guidance around abdominal recovery, scar care and returning to movement and exercise.

POSTPARTUM PELVIC HEALTH

Your body goes through an enormous amount of change during pregnancy and birth, and recovery doesn't have to be something you navigate alone.

Whether you are recovering from a vaginal birth or cesarean section, we can work together to address your individual needs and support your return to the activities that matter to you.

How we can help:

• Pelvic floor dysfunction including difficulty coordinating the pelvic floor

• Urinary leakage or urgency

• Pelvic or abdominal discomfort

• Recovery following cesarean birth

• Returning to exercise and physical activity

URINARY INCONTINENCE

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that may include pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation, coordination with breathing, and movement-based rehabilitation.

PAIN WITH INTERCOURSE & DYSPAREUNIA

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help explore the physical factors contributing to pain, including pelvic floor muscle tension, scar tissue, changes following childbirth and other musculoskeletal factors.

Treatment is always approached at your pace, with respect for your comfort, boundaries and individual experience.

PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE

The hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause can affect your pelvic floor, bladder, sexual health, muscles and overall physical wellbeing.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can provide support through this transition, whether you are experiencing changes in bladder control, pelvic floor function, changes in sexual health, or concerns about maintaining strength and physical activity.

No two bodies - or experiences - are the same. Your assessment and treatment will be tailored to your symptoms, goals and stage of life. Our goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable asking questions, understand your options and feel empowered to take an active role in your pelvic health.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN ASSESSMENT

A detailed subjective history — during this time we will discuss your past medical history, including your pregnancy stories, specific questions about bladder and bowel function as well as sexual function. Anatomy of the pelvic floor muscles to be assessed as well as a step by step process of what will occur with the objective digital palpation will be discussed.

Objective assessment — the tissue health, including strength and tone will be assessed via both external and internal palpation. If you are not sure about internal palpations, no problem! We can work with whatever you are comfortable with.

Finishing up the session — we will review with education and a treatment plan.

We are aware that this is a sensitive topic and that it may feel very personal to share such information and our commitment to you is to help you feel comfortable and confident while effectively treating your unique concerns.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I have treatment if I am on my period?

Absolutely! Menstruation is a normal part of life. However, if you are not comfortable with this we can schedule your appointments around your cycle.

Is the internal exam required?

The internal digital palpation is strongly recommended. You are in complete control of the appointment, and if you would prefer not to have the digital internal palpation that is within your right and there are many other things we can work on externally or through exercise.

What do I wear?

Whatever you wear during your day is perfect - come as you are and we have everything you need to feel comfortable and confident during your pelvic floor assessment and treatments.