Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of various conditions that involve the pelvic floor. This includes the muscles, ligaments, connective tissueand nerves of the pelvic region. The pelvic floor muscles assist with bladder, bowel and sexual function. With dysfunction of the pelvic floor, symptoms can include:
- Incontinence Issues
- Constipation/ Bowel issues
- Pelvic Pain
- Prolapse
- Pain with intercourse
- Diastasis Recti
Amanda Mallette (Pelvic Health Physiotherapist) has extensive post graduate training in assessing and treating the pelvic floor to assist with the above issues and also on exercise rehabilitation following abdominal surgery, labour or trauma.
Pre-Natal Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor muscles are intimately involved in carrying and labouring baby. They should be prepared during pregnancy and for labour so that they can be in optimal function during and post delivery.
An assessment would determine if the pelvic floor tissues are hypotonic (weak)and need to be strengthened versus hypertonic (tight) and need to be relaxed prior to strengthening.
As a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Amanda can also customize an appropriate exercise program to manage any symptoms during pregnancy and to prepare for post partum recovery.
Amanda can also perform and teach perineal massage to help decrease or prevent the risk of tearing during delivery.
Post- Partum Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pregnancy and labour can cause significant changes to your body and pelvic floor. As a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Amanda can help assess the tissues post partum and treat accordingly. She determines if diastasis recti and/or prolapse is present and works to decrease the severity. Amanda ensures that the pelvic floor is working appropriately to reduce or eliminate potential incontinence, constipation or pelvic pain issues. With regards to a cesarian birth, pelvic health physiotherapy can assess and treat scar tissue and ensure there are no adhesions causing undue tension or prevention of core activation.
Amanda can also guide you in your return to exercise/sport and help you progress appropriately during your post partum journey.
