What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy focused on assessing and treating the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic region. These muscles form the base of the pelvis and play a vital role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and core stability. When the pelvic floor is weakened, overly tight, or dysfunctional, it can lead to a wide range of uncomfortable and often distressing symptoms.

Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is beneficial for people of all genders and life stages. Common conditions treated at Physiolab include:

  • Urinary or fecal incontinence (leaking when coughing, sneezing, or exercising)
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pelvic pain, including vaginismus and vulvodynia
  • Postpartum recovery and diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
  • Prenatal discomfort, including pelvic girdle pain and symphysis pubis dysfunction
  • Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., hysterectomy, prostatectomy)
  • Painful intercourse or sexual dysfunction

If you have been told to “just do Kegels” but aren’t seeing results, a proper pelvic floor assessment is essential — many people with pelvic dysfunction actually have an overactive (too tight) pelvic floor, which means Kegel exercises can make symptoms worse.

What to Expect During Your Assessment

Your first appointment at Physiolab begins with a detailed intake conversation. Your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, pregnancy and birth history (if applicable), and your goals. A thorough external assessment of your posture, core, hips, and lower back will follow. With your consent, an internal pelvic examination may also be performed — this is the gold standard for accurately assessing pelvic floor muscle function, tone, and coordination.

Everything is done at your own pace, and your comfort and privacy are always the priority. You are always in control and can stop at any point.

Postpartum Pelvic Floor Recovery

The postpartum period is one of the most common times people seek pelvic floor physiotherapy in Vancouver. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or cesarean section, your pelvic floor undergoes significant stress during pregnancy and birth. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help address leaking, pelvic heaviness or pressure, scar tissue sensitivity, diastasis recti, and low back or hip pain that persists after delivery.

Our physiotherapists work collaboratively with you to create a return-to-exercise plan that is safe, evidence-based, and tailored to your body and your goals — whether that’s returning to running, lifting, or simply playing with your kids without discomfort.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy at Physiolab

At Physiolab, our pelvic health physiotherapists are trained in both internal and external assessment and treatment techniques. We take a whole-body approach, recognizing that the pelvic floor does not function in isolation — it works closely with your diaphragm, deep abdominals, and hip muscles. Treatment may include manual therapy, biofeedback, therapeutic exercise, education, and breathing re-training.

We are located across four Vancouver locations: Olympic Village, Hastings-Sunrise, Little Mountain, and Keefer. Direct billing is available for most extended health plans, and we welcome ICBC and WorkSafeBC referrals.

Stop letting pelvic floor dysfunction hold you back from living fully.

Our specialized pelvic floor physiotherapists in Vancouver are ready to help. Book your assessment online or call us today — relief is possible.

Book Now

What Our
Patients Say

★★★★★
I followed Maryla here from another clinic and am very glad I did. She originally helped me quickly and completely recover from hurting my back during pregnancy (which was not improving on its own), and she has been key during both my pregnancies and postpartum in maintaining my pelvic floor. I wish I had known about pelvic floor physio sooner — it has made such a difference.
J
Jenny Cooper
★★★★★
I have been seeing Mecca for pelvic floor physio and she has been such an encouragement to have on my journey to strengthen my pelvic floor muscles and gain core strength again after having babies! She puts me at ease and does an excellent job at educating me along the way so that I'm empowered to keep up with my exercises at home.
R
Rachel Dirks
★★★★★
Very attentive and shows genuine concern, has a lot of knowledge on Pelvic Floor Physio, was recommended by H.I.M. Great for LGBTQ, you'll feel welcomed and your privacy will be respected. Rehabilitation exercises were recommended along with an ultrasound imaging were done to monitor muscle function.
E
Ernest Junior
★★★★★
I have been going to see Maryla for pelvic physio and she is amazing! She has literally changed my life! I was suffering from a whole array of pain and tension and after only a few treatments she has not only helped alleviate the pain but also given me hope and confidence in the healing process. Highly recommend!
H
Hayley Leonovas

FAQs

Common questions about pelvic floor physiotherapy, postpartum recovery, incontinence, and pelvic pain treatment in Vancouver.
What is pelvic floor physiotherapy and what does it treat?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that assesses and treats the muscles, ligaments, and tissues of the pelvis. It addresses conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, postpartum recovery, diastasis recti, prenatal discomfort, and sexual dysfunction.

Do I need a referral to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist in Vancouver?

No referral is needed to book pelvic floor physiotherapy at Physiolab. You can book directly online or by phone. If you are covered under ICBC or WorkSafeBC, a referral from your doctor may be required — contact us and we can guide you through the process.

What happens during an internal pelvic floor assessment?

An internal assessment involves a gentle examination of the pelvic floor muscles through the vaginal or rectal canal to assess muscle tone, strength, coordination, and any areas of tension or weakness. It is always done with your full informed consent and at your comfort level. You can pause or stop at any time.

Is pelvic floor physiotherapy only for women after childbirth?

No. While postpartum recovery is a common reason to seek pelvic floor physiotherapy, it is appropriate for people of all genders and life stages. Men often benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy following prostate surgery, or to address pelvic pain and incontinence. Teens, older adults, and athletes also seek treatment.

How many pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, symptoms, and goals. Some people notice significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Others with more complex or long-standing issues may benefit from longer-term treatment. Your physiotherapist will provide a clear plan after your initial assessment.

Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with leaking when I run or sneeze?

Yes. Stress urinary incontinence — leaking during physical activity, coughing, sneezing, or laughing — is one of the most common and treatable conditions addressed through pelvic floor physiotherapy. Treatment may include strengthening exercises, coordination training, and lifestyle modifications.

Can I do pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy?

Yes, prenatal pelvic floor physiotherapy is safe and highly recommended. It can help with pelvic girdle pain, symphysis pubis dysfunction, incontinence, and preparation for labour and delivery. Our physiotherapists are experienced in working with pregnant clients throughout all trimesters.

What is diastasis recti and can physiotherapy help?

Diastasis recti is the separation of the two sides of the rectus abdominis (the ‘6-pack’ muscle) that commonly occurs during pregnancy. It can contribute to core weakness, back pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor physiotherapy addresses diastasis recti through targeted core rehabilitation exercises and breathing strategies.

Does Physiolab direct bill for pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Yes, Physiolab offers direct billing to most major extended health insurance providers. ICBC and WorkSafeBC claims are also accepted. Contact us before your appointment to confirm your coverage details.

Our
Locations

We are proud to serve multiple convenient locations, ensuring quality physiotherapy care is always within reach.