Pelvic Floor Disorders
— A Complete Guide
Evidence-based information on urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, diastasis recti, postpartum dysfunction, and bowel disorders — and how RCP Health's registered physiotherapists in Oakville treat each condition.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Oakville
"Pelvic floor disorders affect 1 in 3 women and millions of men — yet fewer than 25% ever seek treatment."
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues forming the base of your pelvis. These structures support the bladder, bowel, and — in women — the uterus. When pelvic floor muscles become too weak, too tight, or uncoordinated, a range of debilitating symptoms can develop.
At RCP Health Oakville, our registered pelvic floor physiotherapists assess and treat the full spectrum of pelvic floor disorders — for all genders, at every life stage. No referral required. Direct billing to most Ontario insurers.
This guide explains each condition in depth: causes, symptoms, risk factors, and how physiotherapy at RCP Health delivers lasting improvement.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary leakage of urine — a condition affecting over 3.3 million Canadians. Despite its prevalence, most sufferers wait years before seeking treatment, accepting it as a normal part of aging or childbirth. It is neither normal nor inevitable.
There are four primary types, each requiring a distinct physiotherapy approach. Accurate diagnosis at your first RCP Health assessment determines which type you have and which treatments will work best.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Canadians affected by urinary incontinence
Can eliminate symptoms with pelvic floor physiotherapy alone
Physio recommended before surgery by SOGC & NHS guidelines
How RCP Health Treats Urinary Incontinence
What Is Chronic Pelvic Pain?
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects approximately 15% of women and a significant proportion of men globally, often going undiagnosed for years. It encompasses a spectrum of conditions involving persistent pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, genitals, or perineum.
Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and vaginismus (involuntary spasm of vaginal muscles) are among the most distressing presentations, frequently linked to hypertonic (too tight) pelvic floor muscles, nerve sensitization, and trauma responses.
Common Presentations
Women experience chronic pelvic pain in their lifetime
Average delay before correct diagnosis and treatment
Pain reduction achieved with targeted physiotherapy
How RCP Health Treats Pelvic Pain
What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more pelvic organs — the bladder, uterus, or rectum — descend from their normal position and press against or into the vaginal wall. It affects approximately 50% of women who have had a vaginal delivery, though many experience no symptoms.
Prolapse is graded on a scale of 1 (mild descent) to 4 (complete protrusion). Physiotherapy is highly effective for Grades 1–3 and can significantly reduce symptoms and slow progression in Grade 4 while surgical planning is underway.
Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Women who've had vaginal delivery experience some degree of prolapse
Conservative physio highly effective — often avoiding surgery
Reduction in prolapse severity with consistent pelvic floor rehab
How RCP Health Treats Prolapse
Pelvic Floor Through Pregnancy & After Birth
Pregnancy places enormous demand on the pelvic floor. The growing uterus increases intra-abdominal pressure continuously across 40 weeks, while hormonal changes — particularly relaxin — loosen pelvic ligaments. Vaginal delivery adds direct mechanical stress, stretching pelvic floor muscles up to 3 times their resting length.
Without proper rehabilitation, pelvic floor dysfunction can persist for years — or decades — postpartum. RCP Health's registered physiotherapists provide evidence-based care from the first trimester through return to high-impact sport.
When to Seek Postpartum Physio
New mothers experience urinary incontinence lasting beyond 3 months postpartum
Of vaginal deliveries cause some degree of pelvic floor trauma
Recommended start time for postpartum pelvic floor assessment
How RCP Health Treats Postpartum Dysfunction
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti (DR) is a separation of the two rectus abdominis muscle bellies along the linea alba — the connective tissue running down the center of the abdomen. It occurs in approximately 100% of pregnancies by the third trimester and persists postpartum in up to 39% of women at 6 months.
Contrary to popular belief, the width of the gap is less clinically relevant than the tension and load transfer capacity of the linea alba. This is why abdominal exercises targeting separation width alone (e.g., traditional crunches) may worsen symptoms rather than help.
Symptoms & Associated Problems
Pregnancies develop some degree of diastasis recti by third trimester
Of women still have significant DR at 6 months postpartum without rehab
Improvement in function and pain with specialized physio rehab programs
How RCP Health Treats Diastasis Recti
Bowel Dysfunction & the Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor muscles play a critical role in bowel control. Both hypertonicity (too tight) and hypotonicity (too weak) can cause significant bowel symptoms — often dismissed or under-reported by patients due to embarrassment. In fact, fecal incontinence affects 1 in 10 adults, making it far more common than most realize.
Dyssynergic defecation (anismus) — where pelvic floor muscles contract instead of relax during attempted bowel movements — accounts for a significant proportion of chronic constipation and incomplete evacuation, and is highly responsive to pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Common Bowel-Related Symptoms
Adults experience fecal incontinence at some point in their life
Of chronic constipation cases have a pelvic floor muscle coordination component
Improvement in bowel symptoms with biofeedback-assisted physio
How RCP Health Treats Bowel Dysfunction
How RCP Health Assesses & Treats Every Pelvic Floor Disorder
A structured, evidence-based pathway from first assessment to full recovery — tailored to your specific condition and goals.
Comprehensive Initial Assessment (60 min)
Detailed health history, symptom review, functional screening, external and optional internal pelvic floor examination. We identify the root cause — not just the symptom.
Individualized Treatment Plan
Written plan with clear goals, expected timeline, and session frequency. You will always know where you are in your recovery and what the next step is.
Hands-On & Technology-Assisted Treatment
Manual therapy, biofeedback, TENS, real-time ultrasound, internal techniques where appropriate — always in a private, trauma-informed environment.
Progressive Home Program & Self-Management
Curated home exercise programs, habit coaching, and lifestyle modification to maintain gains between sessions and achieve long-term independence.
Outcome Measurement & Discharge Planning
Validated outcome tools used at baseline and reassessment intervals. Clear discharge criteria — you graduate with the tools to stay well.
Assessment & Monitoring Tools
Biofeedback Monitoring
Real-time surface EMG and pressure biofeedback gives patients visual feedback on muscle activation, coordination, and relaxation — accelerating neuromuscular learning.
Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging
Visualizes deep core and pelvic floor muscle contraction in real time — particularly valuable for diastasis recti assessment and deep transversus activation.
Validated Outcome Measures
ICIQ-SF (incontinence), PFDI-20 (prolapse/dysfunction), PGIC (global improvement), and PGI-I scales track progress objectively across sessions.
TENS & Neuromuscular Stimulation
Electrical stimulation for muscle re-education in cases of severely weakened pelvic floor, post-surgical denervation, and urge suppression retraining.
Load & Return-to-Activity Testing
Functional movement screening and hop/jump tests before return to high-impact sport — reducing reinjury and prolapse symptom recurrence.
Measurable Results You Can Expect
Outcomes tracked using validated tools across 1,000+ patients at our Oakville clinic.
Incontinence Resolution
Of stress and mixed incontinence patients achieve continence or marked improvement without surgery after completing physiotherapy
Google Rating
Across 300+ verified patient reviews — reflecting our commitment to patient-centred, results-driven pelvic health care
Sessions to Improvement
Average number of sessions before patients report meaningful, measurable improvement in their primary complaint
Years of Expertise
Two decades of clinical experience treating complex pelvic floor disorders in Oakville, Burlington, and across the GTA
Directions to RCP Health Oakville
Suite 304, 700 Dorval Drive, Oakville, ON L6K 3V3 · Free parking on-site
Common Questions About Pelvic Floor Disorders
If you don't see your question below, contact us — our team is happy to help before your first appointment.
Book a Free Assessment →No referral is needed at RCP Health. You can self-refer and book directly online or by phone. Some extended health insurers may require a physician referral for reimbursement — we can advise you on this when you call.
Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is billed under physiotherapy benefits and covered by most extended health plans in Ontario. RCP Health direct bills Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, Blue Cross, and most major insurers — no out-of-pocket paperwork required.
Internal assessment is often recommended as it provides the most accurate information about pelvic floor muscle function, but it is never mandatory. Your physiotherapist will discuss all options with you and nothing will proceed without your informed consent. Many conditions can be effectively treated with external techniques alone.
Yes — for Grade 1, 2, and many Grade 3 prolapses, physiotherapy is highly effective as a standalone treatment. Studies show that pelvic floor muscle training can reduce prolapse symptoms by 75% and improve quality of life significantly. For Grade 4 prolapse, physiotherapy is still important before and after surgical repair.
Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 4–6 sessions. Your physiotherapist will set specific, measurable goals at your first appointment and reassess progress at regular intervals so you always know how your treatment is progressing.
Absolutely. Our physiotherapists treat men for post-prostatectomy incontinence, chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), prostatitis, urinary urgency and frequency, erectile dysfunction related to pelvic floor tension, and bowel dysfunction. All care is fully confidential and gender-affirming.
A postpartum assessment is typically recommended from 6 weeks after vaginal delivery or C-section. Earlier assessment (2–4 weeks) can be appropriate for education and very gentle interventions. We also provide prenatal physiotherapy from the first trimester to prepare for birth and prevent postpartum complications.
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Start Your Pelvic Floor Recovery Today
Book a free assessment at RCP Health Oakville. No referral needed. Direct billing to most Ontario insurers. Same-week appointments often available.