Prenatal Physiotherapy in Leslieville, Toronto

Pregnancy and childbirth can increase the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction, making it essential to consult a pelvic health physiotherapist during this critical time. Our prenatal physiotherapy services at Leslieville, Toronto, are designed to support expectant mothers by addressing common concerns and preparing them for a healthy delivery.

Common Prenatal Concerns We Address at Revival:

• Diastasis Recti Abdominis (aka ‘Mummy Tummy'): This condition involves the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles as the baby grows. While some separation is normal, excessive DRA can weaken core strength, leading to issues like low back pain. 

• Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): PGP manifests as pain in the pelvis, lower back, hips, or groin, often due to misalignments in the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joints. You may also feel like the bone at the front called your pubic bone feels bruised, especially when lifting one leg to put on shoes etc. 

• Urinary Incontinence: Leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing, or exerting pressure on the bladder, often caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles OR feeling like you have to go to the bathroom all the time/wake up at night to pee often caused by tight pelvic floor muscles. 

• Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction: Generalized weakness or tightness in the pelvic floor muscles, leading to pain, discomfort, or difficulties with bowel and bladder control.

During your pelvic health physiotherapy assessment, we can establish baseline of your alignment, pelvic floor muscle and core strength, which is crucial for monitoring any changes after childbirth.

Preparing for Labour and Delivery

Your pelvic floor physiotherapist will provide comprehensive guidance on perineal care, breathing techniques, and optimal positioning during labour, helping you feel empowered and ready for childbirth. We typically cover a session on how to push to reduce tearing risk, session with your partner to cover perineal release/optimal birth positions and baby holding tips, as well as postpartum material. 

Postpartum Physiotherapy in Leslieville, Toronto

Postpartum physiotherapy is vital for recovery and preventive pelvic health care. Whether you've delivered via cesarean section or vaginally, our expert team can help you address and prevent common postpartum issues such as pelvic pain, sexual discomfort, and incontinence.

Common Postpartum Concerns We Address at Revival:

• Pelvic Pain: Postpartum pelvic pain can arise from tight pelvic muscles as a response to birth trauma or hormonal changes. Our physiotherapists are skilled in addressing these issues to restore comfort and function.

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: After childbirth, weakened pelvic floor muscles may allow pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) to descend or press into the vaginal canal, leading to a feeling of heaviness, pressure, or bulging.

• Episiotomy or Tear Healing Issues: Scar tissue from episiotomies or perineal tears can cause pain, tightness, and discomfort, particularly during sexual activity or physical exertion.

• Incontinence (Bladder or Bowel): We provide targeted interventions to strengthen weakened muscles and manage incontinence effectively.

• Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness: Generalized weakness in the pelvic floor muscles postpartum can lead to issues like incontinence, prolapse, and difficulty engaging core muscles effectively.

• Constipation & Hemorrhoid Management: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus, which can result from the strain of labor and delivery, may cause discomfort and exacerbate pelvic floor issues. Constipation can cause straining during bowel movements, which can increase pressure on the pelvic floor, potentially leading to or exacerbating pelvic floor and hemorrhoid issues.

Diastasis recti abdominis and pelvic girdle pain may persist postpartum, but our specialized care can help you recover fully. You will be assessed and treated by a pelvic floor physiotherapist at Revival, which will typically involve an internal exam.