What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Pamela completed her master’s in physical therapy at the University of Saskatchewan, and then moved to Vancouver Island where she has been practicing for over a decade. Pamela works with a variety of different conditions and injuries with a specialization in Pelvic Health and caring for women pre and postnatally as well as throughout pregnancy. We are so excited to welcome Pamela to the Matraea Family!

To book an appointment with Pam please call: 236-969-4951 or email pam@boechler.net For more information visit: pamelaboechler physiotherapy.com

Cowichan Women’s Health Collective

What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

Pelvic health physiotherapy is a standardized method for the assessment and treatment of the pelvic fl oor muscles. The pelvic fl oor muscles stabilize the bottom of the pelvic cavity and support our internal organs. These muscles further contribute to the maintenance of core stability and relate to the functions of our bowel, bladder, and sexual function. Pelvic health education and techniques are a growing body of evidence-based research to provide a fi rst-line defense against incontinence, pelvic pain and many other conditions.

Pelvic health and the pelvic fl oor muscles can be impacted by pregnancy, injuries, abdominal and pelvic surgeries, hip and low back conditions, muscle strain, and posture. Rehabilitation of these muscles can contribute to the improvement of many conditions including: urinary and/or fecal incontinence, interstitial cystitis, vaginismus, vulvodynia/ vestibulodynia, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual function, painful intercourse, pregnancy related pain (pre and post partum), lower back pain, tailbone injury and stabilization of the pelvic region in men and women.

Pelvic fl oor treatment is customized to each patient’s needs and goals. This can include pelvic fl oor muscle re-training, evaluation of bladder and bowel habits, nutritional advice, education, manual therapy techniques for the pelvic fl oor and the lumbosacral areas as needed.

What is recommended for pelvic fl oor physiotherapy during and after pregnancy?

Pelvic fl oor physiotherapy is an integral part of pre- and post-partum care. In France and other parts of Europe, it has long been the custom for every woman who goes through a vaginal or C-section delivery to see a physiotherapist as part of her post-partum recovery process. Muscles are massaged, lengthened, stretched and strengthened before and after birth to prevent prolonged weakness that can lead to incontinence, or tightness of the tissues which can result from a tear or episiotomy. These dysfunctions can overtime contribute to pelvic pain, discomfort and limitations in function.

It is typically recommended that a pelvic fl oor physiotherapy assessment is done as soon as a woman is aware she is pregnant, and a treatment plan is created around this timeframe. It is also recommended to schedule a follow up appointment at approximately 35 weeks gestation in order to help prepare the pelvic fl oor muscles for birth. In addition, an assessment for every mother at 6 weeks postpartum is recommended in order to discuss pelvic fl oor and abdominal recovery as well as a plan for return to physical activity.

Written by Pamela Boechler The Cowichan Women’s Health Collective acknowledges our settler relationship to the unceded territory of the Hul’q’umi’num’ speaking peoples upon which we live.

PRACTITIONER & SERVICES AT MATRAEA CENTRE: Dr. Rikst Attema, ND and Dr. Jenna Waddy, ND--Naturopathic Medicine; Sophie Barbant-Hayward, M.A., RPC--Substance Abuse Therapy; Sonia Furstenau, MLA—Cowichan Valley Constituency Offi ce; Kate Koyote, RM—Midwifery Services; Candice Wray, RN--Two Moons Lactation Consulting; Amanda Slydell--Tax Preparer Extraordinaire; Amber Burwash and Erin Sheen—The Place to Mortgage; Hayley Sinai, M.A— Youth and Family Counselling and Intuitive Reading; Pamela Boechler - Physiotherapist and Kendra Thomas, CVAP & Warmland Women’s Support Services Society--Sexual Assault Support

and Crime Vicitim Assistance Advocacy

www.matraea.com I 170 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan I 1-844 Matraea