An internal vaginal and anal exam is the gold standard to assess pelvic floor dysfunction and there is research to support that pelvic floor muscle training performed by a pelvic floor physiotherapist is highly successful at resolving pelvic pain and urinary incontinence; however, you choose what treatment methods you are comfortable with.

We ask consent all- the-time, every time.

+ Why choose Resilience Pelvic Health, a Calgary Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Clinic?

At Resilience Pelvic Health we are a Calgary pelvic floor physiothearpy clinic that is hightly trained to treat each patient from a biopsychosocial lens. Not only do we look at where the symptoms hurt in the body, but we also take a whole person approach and assess how emotional, physical, social and behavioral aspects of a person may be contributing to their symptoms. Pelvic floor physiotherapists commonly work as part of a team with your family doctor and medical specialists, to achieve optimal physical well-being.

+ Why choose Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Statistics show that 1 in 3 Canadian women suffer with some form of pelvic floor dysfunction, including chronic pain, incontinence, or discomfort during intercourse. Yet very few women tell their primary care physician that they are having symptoms and even fewer people seek help.

• Research indicates that internal vaginal and anal assessments are the “gold standard” method to assess pelvic floor dysfunction.
• The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recommends pelvic floor muscle training, weight loss and scheduled voiding as the first-line treatment (before surgery or medical intervention) for urinary incontinence in women.

Pelvic floor physiotherapists:

• Have a thorough understanding of the biomechanics and function of the body
• Have research to support that pelvic floor muscle training performed by a pelvic floor physiotherapist are highly successful at resolving pelvic pain and urinary incontinence.
• AND... we have post-graduate training to perform internal vaginal and internal anal assessments.

+ What is the Resilience Movement?

The resilience movement is you and me! A partnership where we inspire, educate, connect and break down barrier by taling about the vagina and the pelvic floor. Knowing that there is help available and starting a conversation about symptoms “down there” can help demystify and destigmatize all things related to the vagina, sex, pelvic floor, bladder and bowel.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy should be:

• Empowering
• Educational
• Comfortable
• Life-changing

These are real problems with real solutions. They can affect your quality of life and affect women of all ages. You are capable of resolving your symptoms and along the way, helping to create a voice for women around the world to help theirs.

Your stories are The Resilience Movement.

+ What will you do during a pelvic floor physiotherapy treatment?

Treatment for pelvic floor conditions is always 1-1 and individualized to you. Resilience Pelvic Health is unique in that it uses a biopsychosocial approach. This comprehensive approach involves taking a whole person approach and treatment can include education, behaviour modification, manual therapy, internal vaginal or anal treatment, acupuncture, sleep training, cognitive behavioral therapy, central nervous system techniques and exercise prescription. We commonly work in partnership with your medical specialist to achieve optimal pelvic wellness.

+ What can I expect for my first visit?

After submitting your questionnaires your pelvic floor physio session will be in a private room. The pelvic floor physiotherapist will ask you about your symptoms, listen to your story and ask you your goals for treatment. With these in mind the pelvic floor physiotherapist will guide you through a biomechanical assessment of the body. Functionally the pelvic floor physiotherapist may have you perform squats, jump, or lift depending on your symptoms. The pelvic floor physiotherapist will then ask you consent to do an examination of the abdomen and genital area including an internal vaginal and anal exam. The pelvic floor physiotherapist will then summarize their finding and together you develop a plan based on your client-led goals.

+ Will there be an internal vaginal or anal exam?

Depending on your symptoms the pelvic floor physiotherapist may or may not do an internal exam the first session. The gold standard for assessing pelvic floor dysfunction is with an internal pelvic floor exam however every assessment is individualized; after establishing your goals the the pelvic floor physiotherapist will explain the physical examination and then will ask consent if it is ok to proceed with an internal vaginal and/or anal assessment. The examination involves using 1 or 2 gloved fingers inserted into the vagina or anus to assess the movement, tissue feel, strength, endurance, stability and coordination of the system.

+ When would an internal exam not be in the best interest of the patient?

Although an internal vaginal and anal exam are the gold standard for assessing pelvic floor dysfunction, some examples of when an internal pelvic floor exam are not appropriate are: if the patient does consent to have an internal pelvic floor exam, an active urinary tract infection, poor skin integrity of the perineum or vulva, pain with light touch or pressure, pregnant women who are on pelvic floor rest(such as if they have an incompetent cervix) or women who have never had penetrative vaginal intercourse.

+ Do I cancel my appointment if I am menstruating?

There is no need to cancel your pelvic floor physiotehrapy appointment if you are mentrating. Every pelvic floor physiotherapy treatment does not require internal vaginal or anal work. If it is your first assessment and you have a very heavy menstrual flow, you may want to consider re-booking.

+ How often and how many treatments will I need?

Post pelvic floor physiotherapy ssessment the pelvic floor physiotherapist will discuss your individualized plan. Depending on your symptoms, treatment frequency can vary. In the beginning it is commmon for patients to have 1-3 treatments per month and decrease the frequency as you improve. The goal is to empower you with tools needed for recovery!

+ Can I bring my baby or children to the appointment?

Absolutely! We love our mamas! As Resilience Pelvic Health we are a Calgary pelvic floor physiotherapy practice that operates out of a medical clinic. The children must stay in our small private treatment room - snacks, bottles, or toys are helpful as as they sit beside mom at the head of the bed; babies can stay on mom, in carseats or strollers. The older children can stay in the waiting room if you prefer. We also offer virtual video physiotherapy assessments and treatments - a great conveneint option

+ Is a Online Video Assessments and Treatment really beneficial?

YES! Online Video pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions allow the pelvic floor physiotherapost to perform a thorough assessment and identify the root of the problem. The pelvic floor movement, strength and presence of tension can be identified through the questionnaires, your symptoms, breathing, back and hip movement and having the patient place their hands on different areas of your body. Client-led goals form the foundation of the pelvic floor physiotherapy plan and a prescriptive exercise program is curated just-for-you. Online Video pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments are an excellent opportunity to progress exercise programs, stay in the comfort of you home and empower you to gain tools for recovery.

+ Does the pelvic floor physiotherapu have to look down there?

With patient consent a visual examination of the vagina and area is common in both lying in standing; in these positions the patient may be asked to cough, jump, etc. as the pelvic floor physioherapist observes your pelvic floor muscles.