Tag Archives: Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Leakage of urine, Pelvic Health, Pelvic health physiotherapy

Incontinence: What To Do When You Can’t Control Your Bladder

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What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is when person leaks urine by accident due to loss of control of the bladder muscles. The severity of incontinence may vary from occasional incidents, like leaking while coughing or laughing, to more severe like having sudden strong urges where you are unable to make it to the toilet in time.

How does the bladder function normally?

These organs make up our body’s urinary system, which is how our body creates and removes urine from the body

Normally, the brain and the bladder work in close partnership to control urination. First, urine gets stored in the bladder until it receives the signal from brain to empty it. The bladder is one of the pelvic organs, meaning that the pelvic floor muscles provide support to it and hold it in the proper position. Usually, the bladder muscle stays in the relaxed position while it holds urine. At the same time, the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body is closed by a sphincter (controlled by the bladder muscle), so that urine doesn’t leak. Once you receive the signal from the brain, the bladder muscle contracts, opening up the sphincter and lets the urine out of the urethra.

What are the different types of urinary incontinence?

  1. Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is where the leaking occurs with several activities of daily routine like coughing, sneezing, running, laughing, jumping, exercising or lifting heavy. These activities exert lots of pressure on the bladder due to weak pelvic floor muscles, results in urine leakage. As expected, the chances of leaking increase the fuller the bladder is. This is one of the most common types of incontinence, especially in elderly women. However, unlike some people believe, urinary incontinence is not a normal sign of aging. Instead, it is a problem which should and can be properly treated.

Risk factors for stress incontinence:

Postpartum women are at a high risk due to damage to tissues or nerves that may occur during delivery. Women with vaginal and forceps delivery are also at higher risk than with c-section
or vacuum delivery. Additionally, men after prostate surgery can develop this. For example, the removal of the prostate gland in cancer patients may weaken the sphincter muscles which lies below the prostate gland.

Othe contributing factors include:

  • Chronic illness with high frequency of coughing
  • Smoking which can cause frequent coughing
  • Obesity: Excess body weight puts more pressure on pelvic organs and can lead to stress incontinence
  • History of pelvic organ prolapses: Depending on the level of prolapse, mild bladder prolapse can cause occasional incontinence.

2) Urge incontinence

It is a type of incontinence that causes the sudden urge to void the bladder and results in involuntary leakage of urine. In other words, you may leak the urine before you reach the bathroom.

Urge incontinence is most commonly associated with an overactive bladder. The muscles in the bladder squeeze more frequently than normal. As a result, you feel like you have to use the bathroom frequently even though the bladder is not actually full.

Risk factors for urge incontinence:

  • Diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to increased chance of urinary tract infection and frequent urges to urinate. People with uncontrolled sugar levels may have damaged the nerve controlling the bladder, leading to urge incontinence.
  • Hysterectomy: Damage to the nerve around the bladder during this procedure can lead to incontinence
  • Spinal cord damage due to direct trauma or injury
  • Stroke
  • Prostate problems like prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate

How can incontinence be treated?

Incontinence can be treated through consultation with a specialist. It is important to gain the proper education and understand the condition of incontinence. A pelvic health physiotherapist can help you understand the basic function of the urinary system. With this understanding, they can teach you different techniques to control the leakage, frequency, and urgency of it.

For example, some of these techniques may include:

  • Toileting positioning education regarding proper liquid intake and its importance
  • Breathing exercises
  • Double voiding methods
  • Keeping a log of urinary leakage (bladder diary)
  • Pelvic floor strengthening exercises
  • Electrical stimulators
  • Internal manual techniques

How do I get help?

Our physiotherapy clinic PhysioNow has 9 locations to serve you across the GTA, from Burlington to Etobicoke

At PhysioNow, our pelvic floor physiotherapists can guide you in your recovery from incontinence and other pelvic-related conditions.  With locations across the GTA including Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, and Etobicoke, we will have a location suited to you. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment.

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Endometriosis and Pelvic Physiotherapy

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What is endometriosis?

 

Endometriosis DiseaseEndometriosis is a condition where tissues which is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus which can affect nearby organs including the bowel and bladder. The tissue thickens
and does shed with the monthly cycle.  At times when tissues get trapped and does not exit the body it can progress to form cyst called endometriomas. At last, it results in irritation to surrounding tissues and organs forming scar tissue and adhesions.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms includes,
Firstly, Pelvic pain.
Secondly,  Heavy periods.
Infertility.
Abdominal bloating.
Urinary and bowel concerns.
lastly,  Fatigue.
However, endometriosis can be mistaken for other conditions such as Irritable bowel syndrome, Inflammatory pelvic disease. Therefore, early diagnosis will help in managing the symptoms.

Treatment options available:

There is no cure for endometriosis currently. Although, treatments to manage the symptoms includes,
1. Hormone therapies.
2. Over the counter medication.
3. Pelvic physiotherapy.
4. Surgery.

Pelvic health physiotherapy in Endometriosis

Pelvic health physiotherapy can help to reduce the symptoms, improve the function, improve the flexibility and improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. The techniques help to relax the muscles which ultimately help to ease the symptoms. How does pelvic floor physiotherapy help in endometriosis,

  • Relieve endometrial pain: Approaches to down train the pelvic floor muscles and introducing bio-psychosocial approach to help in relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.
  • Reduce painful sex: Helping with stretches and breathing techniques, dilators, and hands on techniques to reduce the tension and resistance in the pelvic floor area.
  • Reduce abdominal bloating or endo belly by helping in assisting venous and lymphatic drainage
    in our body.
  • Painful urination: by educating on proper water intake, and voiding techniques and by
    maintaining a bladder diary to reduce the effects pressure causing pain when bladder fills up.
  • Painful bowel movements: Education and advices on diet and positions on easy bowel movements along exercises to manage the situation.

Also, pelvic floor therapy post endometriosis surgery would help to retrain pelvic floor muscles to relax and to coordinate contractions. This helps to reduce spasms during menstruation.

Lastly, Bio psychosocial component of pelvic floor physiotherapy helps in identifying and addressing the psycho social aspects and its influence on normal function of your body. Relaxation techniques and hands on techniques to calm down the senses that could be the trigger to pain can be managed to a great extent.

Take away message – If you are suffering from endometriosis and are finding difficulty to manage its symptoms, our team of qualified Pelvic PT will help you assess and guide through the whole treatment. Book your appointment today!

General Category, pain with intercourse, Pelvic Health, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, pelvic pain

Postpartum Pelvic Physiotherapy

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Postpartum pelvic physiotherapy

 

What is postpartum pelvic physiotherapy?  This type of specialized physiotherapy treatment helps women who have gone through pregnancy and childbirth.  During pregnancy, there can weakening of pelvic floor muscles.  Additionally, childbirth can lead to overstretching or injury to the pelvic floor muscles.  These changes can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.  Consequently, women may experience several pelvic floor problems as a result of these changes.  Postpartum pelvic floor physiotherapy helps women with the healing and strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles after a pregnancy.

What is the pelvic floor?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pelvic floor refers to a group of muscles found in the base of the pelvis.  Most importantly, the pelvic area of the body is the home to organs like the bladder, uterus in women, prostate in men and rectum.  The muscles of the pelvic floor support these organs and act as a foundation for their function.

The pelvic floor muscles are often stretched or injured during the process of pregnancy and labour.  This may lead to several different issues for women after they have a baby.  However, the pelvic floor muscles are like any other muscles of the body.  This means that physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for pelvic floor dysfunctions.

All in all, for more information on pelvic physiotherapy, please visit the Women’s Health Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Common postpartum pelvic floor conditions

Urinary incontinence:

  • involuntary leakage of urine during daily activities, any strenuous activities, coughing, and/or sneezing
  • there may also be a strong urge to pass urine and not able to make it to the toilet.

Bowel incontinence:

  • Feces leak involuntarily or there is inability to control the urge to defecate.

Pelvic organ prolapses:

    • Uterine prolapse: Sensation of heaviness or pulling in the pelvis, vaginal bleeding, uterus protruding out of the vagina, felling like sitting on a ball, urine leakage, problem with sexual intercourse.
    • Cystocele: Bladder does not empty completely, feeling of bulge in vagina, difficulty in urinating, stress incontinence.
    • Rectocele: Difficulty with completely emptying the bowel

Coccydynia:

Pain in the tailbone area. Pain with sitting on hard surface, can`t sit for longer duration.

Pelvic pain:

Pain in the pelvic area with walking, sharp pain in sitting or dull aches in pelvic area during standing for longer duration, hip or groin pain feeling like uterus pain, pain during sex and pubic pain with physical activity.

Pain during intercourse

 

Low back pain:

Low back pain while doing certain activities such as bending, lifting, walking, carrying and relieved with rest.

Causes of pelvic floor dysfunction:

Urinary Incontinence

Incontinence is due to the damage caused to pelvic floor muscles, fascia, ligaments and nerves supporting and controlling the bladder. Most importantly, vaginal delivery is a major factor for incontinence problems.  Certainly, the delivery process may overstretch the pelvic floor muscles during the pushing phase of delivery or if the baby is too big or heavy.  As a result of these changes, urinary incontinence may occur.

Bowel incontinence:

Bowel incontinence is commonly caused by an episiotomy, forceps delivery or perineal tears leading to injury to anal sphincter.

Pelvic organ prolapses:

Pregnancy and vaginal delivery are the common factors leading to the prolapse of the uterus. Other factors include aging and menopause.

Coccydynia:

Injury to the Coccyx (tail bone) can occur during the pushing phase of child birth or with a forceps delivery.

Pelvic pain:

Pelvic pain can happen due to injury to the pudendal nerve or pelvic floor dysfunction.

Pain during intercourse:

Pain during intercourse can occur due to lacerations and tears in the perineal area or episiotomy scar.

Low back pain:

Low back pain after childbirth is often caused by postural changes, diastasis recti, or from stress on the pelvic girdle.

Treatment of Pelvic floor conditions:

 

Urinary incontinence:

  • Stress urinary incontinence is treated with pelvic floor re-education:
    • pelvic floor muscle exercises
    • pressure biofeedback
    • vaginal cones and pelvic floor training
  • Urge incontinence or mixed incontinence is treated with:
    • biofeedback and pelvic floor muscle training.

To clarify, these techniques will help to teach voluntary control of the pelvic floor muscles which is the key to the treatment of this condition. For example, your therapist will teach you certain positions to empty the bladder properly and give you instructions on using pelvic floor muscles while doing strenuous activities. Pelvic floor muscle training will help to improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles.  Additionally, your therapist will help you to learn the correct pelvic floor muscle contraction by:

    • assessing the pelvic floor area for proper contractions
    • giving you verbal cueing
    • biofeedback using electromyography to assess the muscles.
  • Bowel incontinence or fecal incontinence:  Fecal incontinence is treated through the training of the pelvic floor muscles, volumetric training through rectal balloon catheters, external electrical stimulations and behavioral bowel training.

Pelvic organ prolapses

Pelvic floor muscle training in the correct way can help prevent and treat prolapse of pelvic organs. A good outcome needs proper instructions and close follow up to help recovery. Wearing pessaries will help too.  Certainly, your physiotherapist can teach you the use of pessaries as a conservative treatment.  Additionally, your physiotherapist will prescribe pelvic floor exercises.  These exercises will help to improve the symptoms of prolapse and prevent further descent of the organs in the pelvis.

Coccydynia

Mobilization of coccyx, pelvic floor relaxation and stretches along with ergonomic advice will help to relieve the pain related to the injury to coccyx.

Pelvic pain

Post-natal pelvic pain due to pelvic floor dysfunction is treated through training of pelvic floor muscles.

Pain during intercourse

Stretching of the perineal area, scar mobilization and self-massage techniques will help to treat the pain.

Low back pain:

Low back pain is treated through postural correction, treatment of distastes recti, and pelvic floor relaxation exercises.

In conclusion, having  a baby is already a challenging time.  Do not let pelvic floor pain add to an already stressful experience.  Call PhysioNow today to book an assessment for postpartum pelvic physiotherapy!

 

 

 

 

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Physiotherapy Etobicoke

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Physiotherapy Etobicoke

Physiotherapy Etobicoke

How do I know what physiotherapy clinic to choose?

Physiotherapy is an important health care service in  Mississauga, Etobicoke and Oakville.  Many people need physiotherapy treatment to help with their pain and recover from their injuries.  Physiotherapy can help improve the quality of life for many people of all ages.

What are the problems that people run into with choosing a clinic?

In large cities like Mississauga, Etobicoke and Oakville, there is a lot of demand for physiotherapy.  As a result, there has been an increased number of clinics.  However, the problem that a lot of people have is that there are too many different clinics to choose from.    Unfortunately, there are quite a few clinics that do not provide good service and care for their patients.  Therefore, it becomes a guessing game as to which ones are actually good.

Things to consider

As someone who has never had physiotherapy before, it’s really hard to know which clinic to choose.  Is it important that it’s close to your home?  Should you choose the one that your family doctor recommends?  Do you ask your family and friends?  What about just searching on google?  There are so many options out there.  However, like many things in our lives, you have to find a good fit between what you need and what the clinic has to offer.

What are some of the characteristics that patients look for in a physiotherapy clinic?

  • Physiotherapists who are properly licensed
  • Multi-disciplinary practice
    • The team includes other health care professionals who complement physiotherapy
    • Examples include massage therapists, kinesiologists, osteopaths
  • Clean and organized
  • Easily accessible location
  • Direct billing to extended health care providers
  • Extended hours available to accommodate patient schedules
  • Pleasant and friendly team to provide a positive patient experience
  • Positive online reviews
  • Community recognition
  • Positive reviews from family and friends

Why choose PhysioNow?

PhysioNow is a company that meets all these characteristics.  The company has been in business for over 15 years and has brought high quality services to the community.  We strive to go above and beyond to offer the best possible care for our patients.

What does PhysioNow Offer?

  • Registered Physiotherapists
    • Our physiotherapists are registered and in good standing with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
    • The team at PhysioNow is very experienced and able to work with a variety of different injuries, including motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries and sports injuries
    • Our therapists also have extensive training in specialized areas of practice, including:
      • Concussion Rehabilitation
      • Vestibular Rehabilitation
      • Pelvic Health
      • Acupuncture
      • Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
      • Neurological Rehabilitation
      • Custom Knee Bracing
      • Custom Orthotics

Multidisciplinary Clinic 

      • All of our clinics are multi-disciplinary and offer both physiotherapy and massage therapy services to our patients
        • A lot of our patients see both our physiotherapists and massage therapists
        • These 2 health care services are complementary, and patients do well with their recovery when both services are incorporated into their treatment plan

Clean and Safe

        • Our clinics are also very clean and hygienic to make our patients feel safe and comfortable
        • We have taken extra Covid-19 precautions to meet all of the province guidelines
          • Firstly, we have installed plexiglass in our office space
          • Secondly, our beds and equipment are all sanitized after each patient
          • Additionally, we have our treatment rooms spread out so there is a safe distance between patients
          • Lastly, our on-site laundry allows us to keep our linens and towels fresh and clean
          • Our physiotherapy assistants do a wonderful job of keeping the clinic sanitized and organized

Easily Accessible  

        • All 4 locations are in easily accessible areas of Mississauga, Etobicoke and Oakville
          • They are close to major intersections and highways
          • All the locations also offer free onsite parking for our patients

Direct Billing  to Insurance Companies

        • PhysioNow also offers direct billing to most insurance companies
          • This is a very convenient service for patients because they do not have to worry about submitting their own claims
          • There are some exceptions depending on the insurance company and the patient’s specific policy
          • But for most patients, the insurance company will pay us directly and that saves the patient from having to pay out of pocket
          • Our staff can help with the details of a patient’s insurance plan

Convenient Hours

          • All the locations also offer convenient hours so that patients can make it work around their busy schedules
              • We have morning and evening hours available
              • The Mississauga locations also offer Saturday hours for those patients who are unable to attend during the week

Positive Patient Experience 

            • One of the biggest compliments we receive at PhysioNow is our commitment to providing a positive patient experience
              • All our staff members including administrators, physiotherapists, massage therapists and physiotherapy assistants are very friendly and outgoing
              • We all try to make every patient feel comfortable and enjoy their treatment experience

          • Positive Patient Reviews

            • All our clinics have great online reviews on Google
              • Our reviews are honest and from current and past patients
              • One of PhysioNow’s biggest source of referrals is through our existing patients who refer their friends and family
              • There is no higher compliment than someone referring their friend or family
              • It is a great sign of their trust in the care and services we provide

Community Recognition 

            • Since there are so many physiotherapy clinics across Mississauga, Etobicoke and Oakville, it is a special honour when there is community recognition
              • Specifically, our Etobicoke location was nominated for a 2019 GEM award
              • We were nominated by our patients who are residents of the Etobicoke-Lakeshore area
              • Unfortunately, we did not win the award, but it was an honour to be nominated and thought of so highly by our patients
              • In addition, our clinics have also been nominated for the Top Choice Awards for 2019 and 2020

Choose PhysioNow

All these wonderful aspects of our company have allowed us to succeed and grow over the last 15 years.  Therefore, we continue to work hard to make sure that we provide the best possible care for our patients.  As a result, our patients see results and finish their course of treatment feeling overall better and stronger.  In conclusion, PhysioNow ensures that our patients are able to get back to their life including home, work and play.

Call today to book your appointment at PhysioNow!

 

 

 

 

 

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Physiotherapy Mississauga

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Physiotherapy Mississauga

Why choose PhysioNow for Physiotherapy Mississauga?

• Over 16 years of providing top rated Physiotherapy Mississauga
There are 4 convenient locations- Erin Mills, Applewood, Lorne Park and Long Branch

• Awards/nominations? PhysioNow: nominated for a Top Choice Award in 2020.

• A team of highly qualified physiotherapists and massage therapists

All of our physiotherapists and massage therapists have several years of experience in their field and are registered in good standing with the College of Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy.

• Services we offer

Services are provided for all ages and for a variety of conditions. For instance,  our therapists are specialized in several areas including manual therapy, acupuncture, vestibular rehabilitation, concussion , sports injuries, pelvic health and soft tissue techniques.

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Lower Back Pain Treatments

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Donjoy Defiance ACL Repair Brace

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Return To Sport After ACL Ligament Repair

In addition, we  do custom orthotics and braces.  For your convenience, we are currently also offering our physiotherapy services virtually .

• Direct billing available

In addition, Direct billing is available to most of the insurance companies so it is convenient for you.  For instance, we also deal with third party insurers like MVA and WSIB.

• Flexible hours and free parking available

Above all, we are open for extended hours ( ) to help you at a time that is best for you.

What to expect at Physiotherapy Mississauga?

First, you have an assessment with our physiotherapist.  They will do a full check up of the problem area .

Next, the physiotherapist will then prescribe a treatment plan especially for you.

Further, they can also help you understand more about your condition.

We will answer your questions .

Lastly, changes may be made  in your daily routine.

As a result, this will  help you to get better faster.

COVID considerations: We take excellent precautions!

 

• Providing a face mask and use of 70% alcohol hand sanitizer for each patient upon arrival into the clinic

• Installation of sneeze guards at the front desk

• In addition, Sanitization of treatment beds after before each patient use

• Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces between every patient

• Switching out pillowcases with each patient use

• All staff will wear a gown and mask and wash hands between each patient contact

  • Social distancing throughout the clinic.
  • Lastly, no visitors are sitting in reception

If you are in need of Physiotherapy or Massage Therapy, Contact PhysioNow today.