A Pelvic Health Physiotherapist is specially trained to rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. Our physiotherapists can help to increase mobility and strength and reduce pain with manual techniques, gentle stretches, and exercise. This involves an assessment of the muscles, joints and connective tissues of the pelvis, low back, and hips. 

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

• Stress incontinence (urine leakage with laughing, coughing, or exercise)
• Urgency and frequency of urination
• Pelvic pain
• Bowel problems: constipation, fecal incontinence, pain during bowel movements
• Postpartum recovery
• Diastasis recti
• Birth preparation
• Sexual dysfunction
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pelvic surgery recovery, including vasectomy or c-section

If you are, you’ll likely respond well to Pelvic Health Rehabilitation.

Pelvic Health effects everyone

When people hear the term “pelvic health,” they usually think it only applies to women. But here’s the truth: everyone has a pelvic floor. 

At Optimize, our Physiotherapists are trained to treat women, women assigned at birth (AWAB), men, and men assigned at birth (AMAB).

Physiotherapist Courtney has a special interest in treating women and AWAB patients, especially before, during, and after pregnancy. Physiotherapist Peyton treats patients of all genders and has a special interest in treating men and AMAB patients.

what to expect

A Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Assessment

Assessment and treatment take place in a private room, one on one. Your initial assessment will take about 45-60 minutes.

Day one will start with a detailed discussion of current complaints, bowel and bladder function, and patient goals. We will review your complete medical history and may perform a physical examination.

Although an internal pelvic exam is the gold standard to assess the pelvic muscles, this is not a requirement! While it can be helpful, not everyone is comfortable with an internal exam for a multitude of reasons, and we can often get all of the information we need via external techniques.

Every assessment will be a little different depending on the individual and what is going on with them but most will involve an assessment of the muscles, joints and connective tissues of the pelvis, low back, and hips.

It is best to dress in comfy clothes that move well as we will want to see how well your back and hips move without clothes restricting you too much.

A Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Treatment

Pelvic health physio is non-invasive and tailored to you. We work together to build a plan that fits your body, goals, and lifestyle.

Here’s what that may include:

• Targeted Pelvic Floor exercises – These strengthen or relax specific muscles to improve function and can include: deadlifts, squats, and core work, not just pelvic floor contractions.
• Manual therapy – Hands-on techniques to release tension, usually external but internal is an option if that’s something you decide would help. Pelvic floor muscles are the same as any other muscle in the body, just like when you strain your hamstring and the muscle tenderness and tightness are relieved with massage, pelvic floor muscles can benefit from manual techniques.
• Education – We talk about lifestyle, bathroom habits, and how small tweaks can make a big difference. Fair warning: poop will be mentioned more than once.

meet our pelvic health physiotherapists

Courtney Von Wackerbarth

Courtney’s (she/her) graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy in 2018, and now thrives on collaborating with clients to develop effective treatment plans. Courtney specializes in Pelvic Health Therapy. A pelvic health physiotherapist is specially trained to rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor muscles are the same as any other muscle in the body and requires just as much attention.

Peyton Walker-Livingston

Peyton (she/her) graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2020. She continued on her passion for rehabilitation medicine while working as a Kinesiologist at Optimize and in 2024, graduated from the University of Alberta with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Peyton believes that everyone can reach their full potential through movement and a positive, inclusive environment. She strives to help her patients achieve their goals in a fun and enjoyable way and encourages them to remain active for life.

If you are ready to improve your pelvic health, book your appointment with one of our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists now.