Many women live with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction without realizing there are effective treatments available. Bladder leakage, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery issues are very common, but they’re not something you have to accept.
At Pulse Physiotherapy in Calgary, we help women reconnect with their bodies through evidence-based pelvic floor physiotherapy. This blog outlines five clear signs that it may be time to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist and how treatment can help you feel stronger, more confident, and more in control of your pelvic health.
Signs You May Need Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
1. Persistent Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is often misunderstood or dismissed, especially when it becomes a regular part of daily life. Many women experience a dull ache or sharp pain in the pelvis that comes and goes or lingers throughout the day. This discomfort may intensify with prolonged sitting, movement, or during specific activities like cycling or exercise. While some pain may be linked to menstruation or other conditions, persistent pelvic pain often points to dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles may be too tight, poorly coordinated, or overactive.
Before starting with pelvic floor physiotherapy, a combination of internal and external assessments is used to identify muscular issues contributing to pain. Treatment often involves gentle manual therapy, targeted stretches, and education to reduce tension and improve muscle balance.
2. Urinary Incontinence or Urgency
Bladder control issues are one of the most common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction. If you leak urine when you sneeze, laugh, cough, or exercise, you may be dealing with stress incontinence caused by weakened or poorly timed pelvic floor muscle contractions. Some women also experience urge incontinence, where there’s a sudden, intense need to urinate that’s hard to control. Both issues are more common than people think, but they’re not something you have to live with.
Through pelvic floor physiotherapy, your body works to retrain muscle coordination and restore control. This may include breathwork, neuromuscular re-education, and exercises tailored to your body’s needs. This supports bladder health by restoring the strength and timing of your pelvic support system.
3. Pain During or After Intercourse
Intimacy should never hurt. Yet for many women, discomfort during or after intercourse becomes a regular experience, one they may feel too embarrassed to talk about. This type of pain can be due to a variety of pelvic floor issues, including tightness, overactivity, or muscle guarding. Emotional stress and trauma can also contribute to physical tension in the pelvic region.
This issue must be approached with sensitivity and care. A detailed history and physical exam is conducted to identify the cause of discomfort. Treatment focuses on improving muscle relaxation, enhancing blood flow, and helping the body release protective tension patterns. Through safe, gradual techniques, women regain comfort and confidence in their intimate relationships.
4. Constipation or Bowel Strain
Chronic constipation or difficulty with bowel movements is another overlooked sign of pelvic floor dysfunction. You might notice that you strain frequently, feel incomplete after using the bathroom, or need to change positions to pass stool. These issues may stem from pelvic floor muscles that don’t relax properly when it’s time to have a bowel movement.
During a pelvic floor physiotherapy session, your therapist assesses muscle coordination and looks at how posture, breathing, and daily habits may be affecting bowel function. The techniques you learn will support better timing and coordination of the pelvic floor during bowel movements, helping to reduce reliance on straining and encouraging more natural, comfortable elimination.
5. Postpartum Recovery Challenges
Pregnancy and childbirth have a significant impact on pelvic floor health. Even with a healthy delivery, the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues in the pelvic region go through intense changes. Symptoms like urinary leakage, pelvic heaviness, or pain during movement may appear days or weeks after delivery. For others, symptoms may not surface until they return to exercise or resume sexual activity.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy supports postpartum recovery by helping women rebuild strength and restore function safely. Assessments and treatment plans are tailored to your delivery history, symptoms, and personal goals. Whether you're weeks or years postpartum, it’s never too late to benefit from targeted pelvic care.
How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Helps
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is not just about exercises; it’s about restoring function, reducing discomfort, and helping you feel at home in your body again. Every treatment plan starts with a detailed evaluation, including internal and external assessments, depending on your comfort level. Then a personalized program is designed, which may include manual therapy, breathing exercises, posture retraining, strength building, and education.
The goal is to address the root causes of your symptoms and not just mask them. Whether you’re dealing with muscle tightness, weakness, poor coordination, or a combination of factors, the approach is focused on helping you move better and feel better in your day-to-day life.
Common Myths About Pelvic Floor Health
Pelvic floor issues are surrounded by stigma and misinformation. Here are a few myths we frequently hear:
- Myth: Only women who have had babies need pelvic floor therapy.
While postpartum care is important, pelvic floor dysfunction can affect women of all ages and life stages, including those who’ve never been pregnant. - Myth: Leaking is just part of getting older.
Ageing doesn’t mean losing control. Bladder leaks are common, but they are treatable with the right care. - Myth: Pelvic floor therapy is only for people in pain.
Preventive care can help identify dysfunction early and protect your health long-term. You don’t have to wait for pain or symptoms to start treatment.
By addressing these myths, more women are empowered to seek the care they deserve.
Regain Comfort and Confidence With Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
If you're experiencing any of the signs above, bladder leaks, discomfort during intimacy, or lingering postpartum symptoms, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help. At Pulse Physiotherapy in Calgary, we create a safe, supportive space where women can explore their symptoms and receive personalized, evidence-based care.
Our physiotherapists are highly trained in pelvic health and committed to helping you feel stronger and more confident in your body. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, but it’s never too late to seek help.
Reach out to Pulse Physiotherapy today at 403-805-9459, email us at pulsephysioyyc@gmail.com or click here to get in touch online.