Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with urinary incontinence?

Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is often recommended for people experiencing urinary leakage, urgency, or difficulty controlling their bladder. A physiotherapist can assess pelvic floor muscle function and develop a personalized treatment plan to improve muscle coordination, strength, and bladder control.

What happens during a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment?

A pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment typically includes a discussion about symptoms, medical history, bladder and bowel health, and lifestyle factors. The physiotherapist may also assess posture, breathing patterns, movement mechanics, and pelvic floor muscle function, with informed consent, to create an individualized treatment plan.

Is pelvic floor physiotherapy only for women after pregnancy?

No. While pelvic floor physiotherapy is highly beneficial during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, it can also help men, athletes, older adults, and individuals experiencing pelvic pain, bladder concerns, bowel dysfunction, or core instability. Treatment is tailored to each person's unique needs and goals.

Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with pelvic pain?

Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be effective for addressing pelvic pain caused by tight, overactive, or poorly coordinated pelvic floor muscles. Treatment may include manual therapy, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, movement retraining, and education to help reduce discomfort and restore normal function.

Published On: June 1st, 2026

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: Who It’s For and How It Helps

Q: What is pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on assessing and treating the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. It can help improve bladder and bowel control, reduce pelvic pain, support postpartum recovery, and enhance overall core function.

Q: Who can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can benefit people of all ages and genders. It is commonly used to help individuals experiencing urinary leakage, bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain, pregnancy-related concerns, postpartum recovery challenges, pelvic pressure, sexual health concerns, and recovery after prostate surgery.

An older woman is cared for by a physiotherapist.

When people hear the term pelvic floor physiotherapy, they often assume it’s only for women after pregnancy. While postpartum recovery is certainly one reason someone might seek treatment, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help people of all ages and genders with a wide range of concerns.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These muscles play an important role in everyday functions like using the bathroom, maintaining core stability, and even sexual health. When the pelvic floor isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to symptoms that affect comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

The short answer: more people than you might think.

New and Expecting Parents

Pregnancy and childbirth place significant stress on the pelvic floor. Many people experience symptoms such as:

Urinary leakage when coughing, sneezing, or exercising
Pelvic pressure or heaviness
Pain during intercourse
Difficulty returning to physical activity

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help prepare the body for childbirth, support recovery afterward, and address common postpartum concerns.

People Experiencing Bladder or Bowel Issues

Frequent urges to urinate, accidental leakage, constipation, or difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels can sometimes be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction.

A physiotherapist can assess how the pelvic floor muscles are working and create a treatment plan to improve coordination, strength, and control.

Individuals with Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can affect both men and women and may be related to tight, overactive, or poorly coordinated pelvic floor muscles.

Symptoms may include:

Pelvic discomfort or pressure
Tailbone pain
Lower abdominal pain
Pain during intimacy
Pain when sitting for extended periods

Treatment often focuses on reducing muscle tension, improving movement patterns, and restoring normal function.

Athletes and Active Individuals

High-impact activities such as running, jumping, and heavy lifting place additional demands on the pelvic floor. Some athletes experience leakage, pelvic pressure, or core instability during exercise.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help optimize muscle function, improve performance, and allow people to stay active with confidence.

Men with Pelvic Floor Concerns

Pelvic floor physiotherapy isn’t just for women. Men may benefit from treatment for:

Urinary leakage
Pelvic pain
Recovery after prostate surgery
Sexual dysfunction
Chronic pelvic tension

A personalized treatment approach can help address symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

What Happens During a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment?

Many people feel nervous before their first appointment, but pelvic floor physiotherapy is focused on education, comfort, and individualized care.

The initial assessment typically includes:

A discussion about symptoms and medical history
Questions about bladder, bowel, and sexual health
Assessment of posture, breathing, and movement patterns
Evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function (with informed consent) when warranted

Treatment plans are tailored to each person’s needs and may include exercises, breathing techniques, manual therapy, lifestyle modifications, and education.

Common Myths About Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Myth #1: It’s Only About Strengthening

Not always. In some cases, pelvic floor muscles are actually too tight and need to learn how to relax and coordinate properly before strengthening is appropriate.

Myth #2: Leakage Is a Normal Part of Aging or Motherhood

While these symptoms are common, they aren’t something you simply have to live with. Many people see significant improvement with proper assessment and treatment.

Myth #3: Pelvic Pain Is “Just in Your Head”

Pelvic pain is real and can have many contributing factors. A thorough assessment can help identify physical contributors and guide effective treatment.

The Bottom Line

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of care that helps address a variety of concerns related to bladder function, bowel health, pelvic pain, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and overall core function.

Whether you’re recovering from childbirth, dealing with leakage during workouts, experiencing pelvic discomfort, or simply looking to improve your quality of life, pelvic floor physiotherapy may provide solutions you didn’t know were available.

If symptoms are affecting your daily activities, seeking professional guidance can be an important step toward feeling stronger, more comfortable, and more confident in your body.

We offer pelvic floor physiotherapy in Lindsay. If you could benefit from pelvic floor physio in Kawartha Lakes give us a call and contact us today!