Specialized assessment and treatment for pain and dysfunction of the pelvic floor

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a lot more than just some kegel exercises. It involves the holistic assessment and treatment of a group of muscles involved with your urinary, bowel and sexual functions, as well as core stability.

Pelvic floor specialists at The Bridge utilize patient education, breathing/postural exercise and manual therapy to help reduce pain, restore function, and build strength in the muscles and joints of the pelvis, low back and hips.

The goal of pelvic floor physio is to de-stigmatize, help resolve, and prevent common pelvic dysfunctions that many people have been told are a normal part of aging or pregnancy.

Our Pelvic Floor services are offered at:

• The Bridge in Millennium Place

• The Bridge – South Edmonton

Victoria Wilk – The Bridge in Millennium Place

Men’s & Women’s Pelvic Health Physio

I am most fulfilled when helping other people overcome whatever injury, or condition is preventing them from enjoying life, or achieving their goals. Knowing I have a hand in people’s happiness is why I do this job. In both my personal and professional life, I pride myself on being an advocate for others, whatever that may look like.

Pelvic health physiotherapy feeds both of these passions of mine. I chose this specialty to help individuals of all anatomies whose pelvic health issues are preventing them from doing whatever they want to in life! More importantly, I want to advocate for and empower these individuals to not feel shame around these issues, and to be someone with whom they feel comfortable and safe navigating their path to recovery.

Leanne Jacobs – The Bridge South Edmonton

Men’s & Women’s Pelvic Health Physio

My interest in pelvic health stems from the fact that the pelvic floor is part of our deep core stability system. In order for us to move and function effectively and efficiently, the pelvic floor needs to be working well within this system. Conditions of the pelvic floor can be very debilitating and greatly affect your quality of life, but there is very high quality research to support pelvic floor physio!

Pelvic health issues are far more common than you might think, but it’s not talked about enough due to the sensitive nature of this area of practice. I aim to educate you and make you as comfortable as possible along the way. I love helping people move and function better, so you can get back to living your best life!

Joelle Stenger – The Bridge in Millennium Place

Women’s Pelvic Health Physio

As a physiotherapist I have a keen interest in learning more about the complexities of the human body so that I not only can better myself, but also provide better care to my patients. I first decided to dive into the world of pelvic floor therapy because of my own experience with it as a runner.

I recognized the  powerful change it had on me and knew I wanted to help others experience the same benefit. Pelvic floor therapy is an integral part to many people’s healing journeys and I look forward to helping you through yours! 

Common Questions

Who would benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Contrary to popular belief, pelvic floor physio isn’t just for women. The treatment approach can be used to treat all people of all anatomies that are suffering from pain or reduced function in their pelvis, low back, and hips. This includes men, who are often under treated for issues of the pelvic floor.

What can I expect from a pelvic floor assessment?

A pelvic floor assessment always begins with a detailed history of your experiences with pelvic floor pain or dysfunction, an external exam, and if indicated, an internal examination pending your consent.

Breathing patterns, posture, muscle tone and strength will be assessed so that the proper treatment and exercises can be given. Treatment may include muscle release techniques that can be done both externally and/or internally.

By the end of your treatment, you will have a better understanding about the condition of your pelvic floor and you will be sent home with a personalized treatment plan and exercises to complete away from the clinic.

Follow up sessions will focus on treating the root cause of the symptoms through hands on manual therapy, exercises, breathing techniques, and more!

What is an internal exam? Do all pelvic floor treatments require one?

The internal exam provides us with information on the strength of your pelvic floor muscles, can identify trigger points, and determines how the pelvic floor is functioning. This is completed vaginally and/or rectally. 

This is not a requirement for treatment and is dependant on comfort level, consent and the goals of the session. Pros/cons of every treatment option will be presented to the patient, depending on the findings of our assessment. 

The goal of the session is to evaluate your condition while respecting consent and personal boundaries at every moment. Due to to the sensitive nature of internal work, consent will be asked every session and patients are welcome to withdraw consent at any time, no questions asked.

Can’t I just do kegels?

Kegels can be an effective way to regain muscle control and strength in the pelvis, but are not always an appropriate treatment depending on each individual’s situation. Many patients have issues such as urinary leakage that actually stem from tissues in the pelvis being overactive. There is no one size fits all solution!

What do I need to bring?

We recommend to wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move around in. A doctor’s referral is not necessary to receive pelvic floor treatment.

More details

Pelvic floor sessions are always conducted one-on-one by a trained Physiotherapist specializing in pelvic treatment and exercise prescription. The cost per session is $170 for 60-minutes and $85 for 30-minute sessions. Assessments are always 60-minutes and follow ups will vary depending on your initial sessions findings. 

For more information please contact us at 780.464.5915 or email info@thebridge.fit to see if pelvic floor physiotherapy could be of benefit to you.

Booking Information

Online booking

You’ll have direct access to book and reschedule all of your appointments, check your appointment notes and get reminder notifications to your phone with our online booking platform.

Private insurance direct billing

Pelvic treatments are able to be direct billed to nearly all major private insurance providers for physiotherapy, including Alberta Blue Cross, Sunlife, Great West Life, Manulife, and many more. Don’t see your provider on that list? Give us a quick call or email to double check.