Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Do you struggle with urinary incontinence? Pelvic health physiotherapist, Hailey West, PT can provide physiotherapy services to those who experience leakage through sport, activity or during regular daily tasks.  

Why pelvic health physiotherapy? 

“I was inspired to pursue pelvic health physiotherapy after discovering close family and friends struggled with their pelvic health. It became apparent to me that it may be hard to find someone to talk to about these issues, and even harder to access care. I wanted to be a part of eliminating these barriers so I decided to train in a division of physiotherapy that focuses specifically on the various pelvic health conditions.  

There are many false assumptions when it comes to pelvic health leading many to believe that leaking while running, laughing or exercise to be part of the normal aging or post-partum process and this is simply not the case. My goal is to provide supportive care and work to challenge these beliefs while helping people achieve their personal goals.”  

Assessments – what to expect. 

Initial assessments are up to an hour long in duration and are available through telehealth or in-person appointments. Physiotherapists practicing in Canada undergo advanced training in order to perform internal exams. Internal exams can highlight strength, proprioception, changes in tonicity and more which help the physiotherapist formulate a patient-specific rehabilitation plan. An internal exam can be stopped at any time based on comfort level. If a patient is not comfortable with an internal exam, there are many other methods to gather information that will help to guide patient education and exercise.  

Patient privacy and confidentiality is ensured by our adherence to best practice guidelines and your comfort.  

Are the exams private? 
Yes, a private room is used for pelvic health physiotherapy sessions.   

Can I bring someone to my appointment with me? 
Yes! Your comfort level is of the utmost importance. If having someone else there to support you is what you need, they are welcome to accompany you for as long as you want them there.  

Do I need a referral to seek pelvic health physiotherapy services? 
No. Physiotherapists are considered primary health care practitioners in Canada and therefore you do not require a referral. Please note some health insurance plans may require a referral for billing purposes. 

How do I know if I am good candidate for pelvic health physiotherapy? 
If you are unsure about whether or not you are appropriate for this type of service, please call the clinic and Hailey can provide clarification and help you with the booking process.  
If your symptoms go beyond urinary incontinence we are happy to recommend other health professionals in the area that may better fit your needs.  
In some cases, pelvic floor physiotherapy may not be all you require. Hailey and other members of the physiotherapy team offer orthopaedic assessment and treatments which you can continue to work on in adjunct to your pelvic health treatment plan.  

Can anyone see a pelvic floor physiotherapist? 
The short answer is yes! The entire gender spectrum can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy. Pelvic floor training for physiotherapists is offered in levels, and Hailey is currently certified in the first level, allowing her to treat urinary incontinence for the female anatomy.  
Pelvic health can be a sensitive topic for many individuals for many reasons. On all levels, our clinic is committed to upholding a safe and comfortable environment for treatment. We encourage you to let your physiotherapist know how they can best ensure your comfort during your session. 

If you have any further questions, please give us a call at 902 494-1502 or email ptclinic@dal.ca.