The Pelvic Health Physiotherapists of Alberta (PHPA) have prepared the following guidelines regarding when to seek treatment from a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
Consult a pelvic health physiotherapist during pregnancy if you have:
- Pain in your pubic bone, groin, back, pelvis, buttocks, or legs
- Difficulties doing everyday tasks such as rolling over, walking, or getting in/out of a vehicle
- Leaking urine when you laugh, cough, sneeze, walk, etc.
- Bulging or tenting of your abdomen when you lift your head off a pillow (abdominal diastasis)
- Pain with penetrative sex
- Vaginal varicose veins
- Questions about preparing for labour & delivery
Consult a pelvic health physiotherapist after delivery if you have:
- Scarring from c-section, tearing, or episiotomy
- Leaking urine, gas, or stool when you cough, sneeze, exercise, etc. or not making it to the bathroom on time
- Problems emptying your bladder or bowel completely or frequently
- Pain with penetrative sex
- Pressure, heaviness, or bulging in your vagina or rectum
- Ongoing pain in your vagina, rectum, pelvis, pubic bone, abdomen, or low back
- Bulging or tenting of your abdomen during any exercise