General Physiotherapy FAQ's

Prior to your assessment, you’ll be asked to complete the intake forms you received when you booked your appointment. Your physio will review this information prior to your session. At your appointment, your physio will get to know you and your condition by conducting a thorough history and physical assessment. She will take the time to explain and discuss your conditions, and answer any questions, collaborating with you to determine treatment goals, and frequency of visits. Time dependent, your initial visit may also include treatment, including, manual therapy, acupuncture, exercise and more.

Physiotherapy does not require a doctor referral; however, some insurance companies may require this for coverage. It is best to ask your insurance provider about their requirements for physiotherapy coverage. Please note that Pelvic Health Physio is billed the same as regular physio.

An in-person, initial assessment for musco-skeletal (MSK) clients is 60 minutes and a pelvic floor assessment is 75 minutes. All online assessments are 60 minutes in length.  Follow-up appointments can range anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on your needs.

Every pelvic floor treatment is tailored to your individual needs as a client. Angela does her best to create a safe and caring environment to support your comfort. With your consent, she will take a thorough history, perform a biomechanical scan to assess range, strength, mobility, balance, areas of tenderness and more. There is an external examination component where the bones, skin, fascia, and muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and inner thighs are assessed. With appropriate education and repeated consent, there is also an internal component to the exam which is done via a digital (finger) vaginal and/or rectal exam. An internal exam is not always necessary, but it is encouraged to get a full picture of a client’s issues. It also adds valuable insight to better enhance your treatment plan and reach the best outcomes possible, in the shortest amount of time.

Yes! In fact, sometimes it can be beneficial to assess or treat the pelvic floor muscles while menstruating, as pelvic floor muscles and organ positioning can fluctuate due to hormone changes. It may be especially beneficial if you experience a change in symptoms during menstruation. If, however, you are uncomfortable with having an assessment or treatment while menstruating, or if your flow is very heavy, your physiotherapist can still provide external treatment, or you may reschedule your appointment. Please be mindful and provide as much notice as possible so others may book in for that time slot.

Yes. However, if you have been told by your doctor or midwife that you are restricted from having sexual intercourse during your pregnancy, an internal exam will not be completed. If you have not been provided with any restrictions, it can often be very beneficial to have an internal exam during pregnancy so that you can better prepare your muscles for delivery and post-delivery. If you have been placed on restrictions and/or are uncomfortable with an internal assessment or treatment, there are still many other ways we can treat pelvic floor dysfunctions. Your physiotherapist can discuss this further with you.

When booking your appointment, you will receive an email with some forms and consents that we will use to collect relevant personal information about you and your medical history. While lengthy, the forms will prompt you to think about your history prior to the in-person assessment and will provide your physio with important information to direct your care. If you have them, please bring any reports from special investigations or testing such as urodynamic or MRI reports. Loose fitting clothes and smooth fabrics are preferred for the assessment. With your consent, for the internal exam, you will be asked to undress from the waist down; you will always be draped to your comfort level. The assessment takes place in a private treatment area.  Please note that consent can be revoked at any time.