Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on the pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for supporting the bladder, bowel, and uterus.

These muscles can become weakened or damaged due to a variety of factors, including pregnancy, childbirth, aging, surgery or even neurological conditions.

If you are experiencing pelvic pain, discomfort during sex, urinary incontinence, or other issues related to your pelvic floor, pelvic floor physiotherapy may be able to help. This type of therapy involves working with a trained therapist who can help you learn how to properly contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles, as well as provide exercises and other techniques to strengthen and improve their function.

Here are some of the key benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy:

1. Improved bladder and bowel control: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles that control urination and bowel movements, leading to improved bladder and bowel control. It is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, fecal incontinence, or constipation.
2. Reduced pelvic pain: Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to chronic pelvic pain in both men and women. Pelvic floor physiotherapy techniques, such as manual therapy and relaxation exercises, can help alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall comfort.
3. Enhanced sexual function: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can address issues affecting sexual function, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), and difficulty achieving orgasm. By strengthening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, individuals may experience improved sexual sensation and function.
4. Pre- and postpartum benefits: Pregnancy and childbirth can significantly impact the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapy during pregnancy can help prepare the muscles for labor and delivery, potentially reducing the risk of complications such as perineal tearing. Postpartum, pelvic floor exercises and rehabilitation can aid in the recovery of the pelvic floor muscles, addressing issues like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
5. Management of pelvic organ prolapse: Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend into or protrude from the vaginal opening. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can provide non-surgical management options, including exercises, positioning strategies, and lifestyle modifications, to help support the pelvic organs and alleviate symptoms.
6. Pre- and post-surgical support: For individuals undergoing pelvic surgery, such as prostatectomy, hysterectomy, or repair of pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor physiotherapy can play a crucial role in pre- and post-operative care. It can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles before surgery, promoting optimal recovery and improving surgical outcomes.
7. Improved core stability and posture: The pelvic floor muscles are an integral part of the core musculature, along with the deep abdominal and back muscles. By targeting the pelvic floor, pelvic floor physiotherapy can improve core stability and posture, leading to better overall body mechanics and reduced risk of injuries.
8. Education and self-management: Pelvic floor physiotherapy includes education about pelvic floor anatomy, function, and proper techniques for exercising and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. This knowledge empowers individuals to actively participate in their own care and make informed decisions about their pelvic health.

If you are considering pelvic floor physiotherapy, it is important to find a qualified therapist who has specialized training in this area. They will be able to provide you with a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your unique needs and goals.

At the end of the day, pelvic floor physiotherapy can be a life-changing treatment for those experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction. If you are struggling with these issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified pelvic floor physiotherapist today.

If you are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction and want to explore the benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy, book an appointment with our pelvic floor physiotherapist. Your pelvic floor health is too important to ignore!

Sports massage therapy is a specialized form of massage therapy designed to help athletes and active individuals enhance their performance, reduce the risk of injury, and speed up recovery from sports-related injuries. This type of therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, using various massage techniques.

Here are some ways that sports massage therapy can help you reach your peak performance:

Improved muscle flexibility and range of motion

Sports massage therapy can help improve muscle flexibility and range of motion, allowing you to move more freely and perform better. Tight muscles can cause pain and stiffness, limiting your mobility and reducing your athletic performance. Sports massage therapy can help relieve muscle tension and increase flexibility, making it easier for you to move and perform at your best.

Reduced risk of injury

Sports massage therapy can help reduce the risk of injury by improving muscle function and reducing muscle tension. When muscles are tight and stiff, they are more prone to injury, especially during intense physical activity. By loosening up tight muscles and improving flexibility, sports massage therapy can help prevent injuries and keep you on top of your game.

Faster recovery from sports-related injuries

Sports massage therapy can also help speed up recovery from sports-related injuries. When you experience an injury, it can take time for your body to heal and recover. Sports massage therapy can help stimulate blood flow to the injured area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. It can also help reduce scar tissue, allowing for faster recovery and return to activity.

Improved mental focus and relaxation

Sports massage therapy can also help improve mental focus and relaxation, which are crucial for athletic performance. When you are stressed or anxious, your body may tense up, reducing your ability to perform at your best. Sports massage therapy can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, allowing you to focus better and perform more effectively.

Individuals who spend long hours sitting at a desk can experience muscle tension and stiffness, and sports massage therapy can help relieve this tension and improve range of motion. It can also help individuals with chronic pain caused by conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or back pain.

Additionally, sports massage therapy can help correct muscle imbalances, which can occur as a result of poor posture, injury, or overuse. This can help prevent injuries and improve athletic performance.

In conclusion, sports massage therapy can be an effective tool for athletes and active individuals looking to enhance their performance, reduce the risk of injury, and speed up recovery from sports-related injuries. If you are interested in sports massage therapy, consider booking an appointment with one of our registered massage therapists.

With regular sports massage therapy, you can reach your peak performance and achieve your athletic goals. Click here to book your Sports Massage Therapy session now!

Ankle mobility is an important aspect of physical health that is often overlooked. However, limited ankle mobility can lead to compensations in other joints, pain, and injury. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve ankle mobility, and doing so can have numerous benefits for your overall health and wellbeing.

Anterior pelvic tilt is a postural misalignment in which the front of the pelvis drops and the back of the pelvis rises. This creates an excessive arch in the lower back and can cause a number of physical problems such as lower back pain, hip pain, and poor posture.

The pelvis is the bony structure that connects the spine to the legs. It is tilted forward slightly to help support the weight of the upper body and provide balance. However, if the pelvis tilts too far forward, it can cause the lower back to arch excessively, leading to anterior pelvic tilt.

Anterior pelvic tilt is commonly caused by factors such as sitting for long periods of time, poor posture, weak or tight muscles in the hips and thighs, and pregnancy. It can be corrected through exercises that strengthen the muscles of the lower back, hips, and thighs, as well as through posture correction and stretching.

Below are some of the common causes of anterior pelvic tilt:

• Prolonged sitting: Sitting for long periods of time can cause tightness and weakness in the muscles of the hips and thighs, which can contribute to anterior pelvic tilt.
• Poor posture: Slouching or standing with poor posture can also lead to anterior pelvic tilt, as it puts extra stress on the lower back and hips.
• Muscle imbalances: Weakness in the muscles of the lower back and glutes, and tightness in the hip flexors and hamstrings, can cause anterior pelvic tilt.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the growing fetus can cause the pelvis to tilt forward, leading to anterior pelvic tilt.

The signs and symptoms of anterior pelvic tilt can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Lower back pain: One of the most common symptoms of anterior pelvic tilt is pain in the lower back, particularly in the area around the lumbar spine.
• Hip pain: Anterior pelvic tilt can cause tightness and discomfort in the hips, particularly in the front of the hip joint.
• Poor posture: Anterior pelvic tilt can cause the spine to curve excessively, leading to a hunched or rounded posture.
• Tightness in the hamstrings: Anterior pelvic tilt can cause the hamstrings (the muscles at the back of the thigh) to become tight and inflexible.
• Difficulty standing for long periods: People with anterior pelvic tilt may find it difficult to stand for long periods of time, as it can cause discomfort and pain in the lower back and hips. Difficulty performing certain exercises: Anterior pelvic tilt can affect the body’s alignment during exercises such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts, making them more difficult to perform correctly.

How We Can Help

If you’re looking to further correct your anterior pelvic tilt and/or lower back pain, please enroll into our Bulletproof Your Lower Back Rehab Program!

This 12 week lower back rehab program includes easy to follow exercises and stretches (accessible through our app) and completely takes the need out of guessing what exercises work for you. Best of all, it only requires 10 – 15 minutes every other day!

Or if you’re located in the Toronto area, book an appointment with one of our health care practitioners to get started in developing a personalized rehab plan for your anterior pelvic tilt and/or lower back pain!

The glutes, located in the buttocks, are the primary hip extensors during the squat. These muscles are responsible for extending the hip joint and driving the lifter out of the squat position. The glutes are heavily engaged during the upward (concentric) phase of the exercise.

In addition to the primary muscle groups, the squat also engages the core, lower back, and upper back muscles. The core muscles, including the rectus abdominis, obliques, and erector spinae, are heavily engaged to stabilize the torso during the squat. The upper back muscles, including the trapezius, rhomboids, and rear deltoids, are also engaged to stabilize the barbell on the back during the exercise.

How We Can Help

If you’re struggling with squat mobility issues and want to improve your performance, then our Unlock your Squat Mobility Rehab Program is just what you need. This comprehensive program is designed to help you overcome common mobility restrictions and achieve a full range of motion in your squat.

Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance, a fitness enthusiast looking to get stronger, or just someone looking to move better in your everyday life, this program can help you achieve your goals. You’ll learn a variety of mobility exercises, stretches, and drills that are specifically designed to improve your squat mobility.

Or if you’re located in the Toronto area, book an appointment with one of our health care practitioners to get started in developing a personalized rehab plan to help you build a stronger and pain free squat!