A FOUNDATION FOR POSTPARTUM HEALING
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
What is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
All individuals have a pelvic floor. It is a system of muscles, ligaments and fascia that span the bottom of the pelvis and support the pelvic organs. These muscles assist with normal urinary, bowel, and sexual function.
Pelvic floor physical therapy addresses imbalances in pelvic floor muscle length, muscle strength and muscle coordination to treat pelvic floor-related conditions. Cathy's specialty training gives her the skills to evaluate those muscles and treat topics that no one wants to talk about like incontinence, constipation and pain with sex. Pelvic floor therapy is not only focused on pelvic floor muscles but addressing most pelvic floor conditions which involves looking at the entire person from head to toe.
There are also other reasons you should seek help from a pelvic floor therapist during or after pregnancy.
PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY CAN HELP WITH:
A pelvic floor physical therapy consultation should be part of the postpartum standard of care.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
WHEN: This assessment is performed at approximately 6 weeks postpartum and is appropriate for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries. The pelvic floor often needs some cueing to activate properly again in both cases.
THE GOAL OF PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY: A pelvic floor evaluation will determine the length, strength and endurance of your pelvic floor muscles and ensure you are doing the correct exercises for your body; pelvic floor strengthening (kegels) versus pelvic floor relaxation.
CATHERINE HARDIE, PT, MSPT, OCS
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
Cathy is our resident physical therapist who specializes in treating pelvic floor related disorders in cis gender male/female, transgender and gender non binary patients. She is highly experienced in treating orthopedic injuries and uses a total body approach for care since many factors contribute to pelvic floor conditions. Cathy incorporates a variety of manual therapy skills and therapeutic exercises to meet the individual needs of her patients.
Cathy earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree from Springfield College. She is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy.