PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY AT THE WELLNESS HUB
Pelvic floor therapy for pregnancy, postpartum + beyond
Leaking, heaviness, pain, or a body that feels different since birth. None of it is something you have to live with. Pelvic floor therapy is a gentle, one-on-one way to understand what's going on + do something about it. Care in Stoney Creek + the greater Hamilton area.
Pelvic floor therapy is a gentle, one-on-one way to understand what your pelvic floor needs, + build a plan around your body + your comfort.
CARE THAT MOVES AT YOUR PACE
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles supporting your bladder, bowel, uterus + core. When they're not working well, it can show up as leaking, urgency, heaviness, pain with intimacy, or discomfort through your hips + low back. These concerns are common, but common isn't the same as something you have to put up with.
The first advice almost everyone hears is to do more Kegels. It's well meant, but it isn't always right. Pelvic floor concerns aren't only a strength issue, sometimes they're a tension issue, + in that case more Kegels can make things worse. Think of your pelvic floor like a hammock: it needs to be flexible as well as strong, + it needs to work with your breathing, your core + your hips. An assessment is how you find out which applies to you.
Care is one-on-one with our pelvic floor physiotherapists. You set the pace throughout, + that includes the internal assessment, which is always your choice.
What pelvic floor therapy can help with
Your pelvic floor does more than you'd expect. Pelvic floor therapy can be a supportive option whether you're pregnant, recently postpartum [once you're cleared], or years past either.
POSTPARTUM RECOVERY
Rebuilding strength + function after a vaginal birth or c-section. Bookable from 6 weeks postpartum, once you're cleared.
HEAVINESS + PRESSURE
A dragging or heavy feeling, or pressure that builds through the day. Often a sign of a pelvic floor working too hard, not one that's too weak.
Pregnancy
Support for the aches of a growing belly + preparation for birth. Many mamas start in the second trimester, though it can help at any stage.
PAIN + DISCOMFORT
Pelvic pain, discomfort with intimacy, or pain that hasn't been explained elsewhere. Gentle, hands-on care can help.
LEAKING + URGENCY
Leaking with a cough, sneeze, or workout, or feeling like you always need to find a bathroom. Common at any age, + often responsive to care.
HIP + LOW BACK PAIN
Your pelvic floor connects to your hips, core + low back. Treating one often supports the others.
What to expect during your visit
Your appointment is designed to feel calm, unhurried + led by you. Nothing happens that you haven't agreed to.
1. A gentle check-in + conversation
We start by talking through your history, your symptoms, previous births if you've had them, + what you're hoping to work toward. This part matters as much as anything hands-on.
2. A movement + breathing assessment
Your physiotherapist looks at how you move, how you breathe, + how your core, hips + low back are working together. A lot can be understood before anything internal is discussed.
3. An internal assessment, only if you choose
An internal assessment lets your physiotherapist check pelvic floor strength, feel for tension or tender spots, + see how the muscles respond to pressure. It's optional. It doesn't have to happen at your first visit, or at any visit, + there's plenty we can still learn externally if you'd rather not.
4. Your plan + support between visits
You'll leave with a plan built around your goal[s], plus simple exercises + guidance you can use at home so your progress keeps going between sessions.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists
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Chenya Bourne
Pelvic floor + Physiotherpist
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Megan Shanahan
Orthopedic + Pelvic Physiotherapist + Acupuncture Provider
FAQs about pelvic floor therapy
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Pelvic floor therapy is physiotherapy for the muscles that support your bladder, bowel, uterus + core. It can include hands-on work, breathing + movement retraining, + exercises you do at home. It's used for leaking, urgency, pelvic pain, heaviness, pregnancy + postpartum recovery.
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No. An internal assessment gives your physiotherapist detailed information, but it's always your choice. It doesn't have to happen at your first visit or at any visit, + a great deal can still be assessed externally if you'd prefer.
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Yes. Pelvic health care is safe during pregnancy + can help ease common prenatal aches + pains while preparing you for birth. Our physiotherapists typically treat from the second trimester until birth.
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We wait for your six week clearance from your OB, doctor, or midwife. From there we work on restoring strength + function + guiding you back to the movement you want to get back to.
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Not at all. Pelvic floor concerns affect people who have never been pregnant, at every age. Care is based on your symptoms + your goals.
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No referral is needed to book with us. Some insurance plans ask for one before they'll reimburse, so it's worth checking with your provider.
Pelvic floor therapy at Twh
Whether you're preparing for birth, finding your way through postpartum, or managing something that has nothing to do with having a baby, pelvic floor therapy can help you feel more at home in your body again.
Care at Twh is warm, one-on-one, + built around your goals. You set the pace, + the internal assessment is always your choice. Serving Stoney Creek + the greater Hamilton area, we're here when you're ready.