Pelvic health is often overlooked—until discomfort, leakage, or pain make it impossible to ignore. It may start with minor symptoms: a dull ache, urinary leakage while sneezing, or a sense of heaviness in the pelvic region. Left untreated, these issues can interfere with daily activities, from exercising to simply sitting for long periods.
Pelvic floor issues affect men and women alike, yet they often remain undiagnosed, misunderstood, or dismissed. The truth? These conditions are common, treatable, and manageable with pelvic floor physiotherapy.
At AlphaOne Physio, we specialize in pelvic floor physiotherapy in Calgary, providing expert care for conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, and postpartum muscle dysfunction.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The pelvic floor is composed of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue which participate and support the functions of the body. It has control of the bladder and bowel movements, provides stability to the core, and manages posture and sexuality functions. Pelvic floor dysfunction happens when the muscles within this complex weaken, tighten, or lose coordination, leading to:
Urinary incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse
Chronic pelvic pain
Sexual dysfunction
Overactive bladder
Postpartum muscle weakness
Post-surgical recovery challenges
Pelvic floor dysfunction does not resolve on its own. Without proper intervention, symptoms can worsen, affecting mobility, confidence, and long-term health. This conditions are treated with Pelvic Physiotherapy and if you are facing these, you should not wait to get the best possible care. Remember, AlphaOne Physiotherapy is always here to help.
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and How Does It Work?
Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on the rehabilitation of pelvic floor muscles that are responsible for bladder and bowel control, sexual functions, and the core. As noted on Wikipedia Pelvic floor physical therapy PFPT helps with weak or tight muscles resulting from child delivery, dyspareunia, vaginismus, vulvodynia, constipation, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction.
How Does Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Work?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment designed to restore muscle function, reduce pain, and improve bladder control.
- Manual Therapy – the hands-on methods of easing muscle tension, increasing blood flow, and managing pain.
- Targeted Exercises – Incorporates Kegel exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, and core stabilization for better strength and coordination.
- Biofeedback – Improves muscle control and awareness with the use of sensors.
- Electrical Stimulation – Activates inactive pelvic floor muscles.
- Patient Education – Teaching appropriate posture, lifestyle modifications, and bladder/bowel habits to avert dysfunction.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
A structured pelvic floor physiotherapy program helps restore muscle function, improve control, and prevent long-term complications.
Here is the Top 7 Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
- Better bladder and bowel control
- Relief from chronic pelvic pain
- Improved core stability and posture
- Prevention or management of prolapse
- Enhanced sexual function
- Support for postpartum and post-surgical recovery
- Long-term prevention of pelvic dysfunction
Whether the goal is pelvic pain relief, restoring movement confidence, or preventing dysfunction, pelvic floor physiotherapy provides an effective and lasting solution.
Best Pelvic Floor Exercises for Women and Men
A consistent exercise routine is key to restoring and maintaining pelvic health. Below are clinically recommended exercises for both men and women:
Kegels – Contract and release pelvic floor muscles to improve endurance.
Glute Bridges – Activate glutes, core, and pelvic floor, improving stability.
Seated Pelvic Tilts – Enhance pelvic mobility and flexibility.
Heel Slides – Strengthen deep core stabilizers while engaging the pelvic muscles.
Marches – Improve coordination and strength in the lower core and pelvis.
Happy Baby Pose – Stretch the pelvic floor and release muscle tension.
Diaphragmatic Breathing – Activate deep core muscles and optimize pelvic function.
Butterfly Stretch – Loosens tight pelvic and inner thigh muscles.
Cat-Cow Stretch – Enhances spinal mobility, reducing strain on the pelvic floor.
Pelvic Drop Exercise – Teaches controlled relaxation of pelvic muscles, reducing tension-related pain.
Important: Performing these 3–4 times per week helps maintain muscle coordination and endurance, preventing pelvic muscle imbalances.
Techniques for Pelvic Floor Recovery
1. Maintain a Healthy Bladder & Bowel Routine
Poor habits weaken pelvic muscles, increasing strain and dysfunction. Adopting a pelvic-friendly lifestyle improves recovery:
Stay Hydrated – Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily to prevent bladder irritation.
Follow a High-Fiber Diet – Eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to support regular bowel movements.
Limit Caffeine & Alcohol – These irritate the bladder, increasing urgency and frequency.
Practice Bladder Training – Schedule restroom visits instead of rushing at the first urge.
Use Proper Toileting Posture – Sit with feet elevated to maintain bowel alignment.
2. Improve Posture & Movement Mechanics
Incorrect posture puts excess strain on the pelvic floor. Proper alignment ensures muscle activation without tension.
Use Ergonomic Seating – Sit with feet flat, back straight, and hips aligned.
Engage Core Muscles – Activate deep core stabilizers when bending or lifting.
Avoid Slouching – Poor posture weakens pelvic engagement over time.
3. Relax Stress & Pelvic Muscle Tension
Chronic stress leads to pelvic floor overactivity, causing pain and discomfort. Relaxation techniques restore muscle balance:
Diaphragmatic Breathing – Deep, slow breaths activate core control and relax tension.
Pelvic Drop Exercise – Teaches controlled relaxation of tight pelvic muscles.
Yoga Poses (Child’s Pose, Butterfly Stretch, Happy Baby) – Promote flexibility and stress relief.
4. Seek Ongoing Pelvic Physiotherapy Care
Pelvic health requires consistent monitoring and progressive treatment. Routine follow-up physiotherapy ensures lasting results.
Regular Physio Check-ups – Adjust exercises based on progress.
Advanced Training – Progressively increase exercise difficulty to maintain strength.
Monitor Symptoms – Track bladder control, pain levels, and muscle function.
What is Internal Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Internal pelvic floor therapy involves manual assessment and treatment of deep pelvic muscles through the vaginal or rectal canal. It’s used to release muscle tension, improve coordination, and reduce pain—especially in cases like pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, or post-surgical recovery.
What are the Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PT) For Men?
Men benefit from Pelvic Floor therapy for issues like leakage, pelvic pain, or post-surgical rehab. Treatment combines strengthening slow- and fast-twitch pelvic muscles, manual therapy, and relaxation techniques. Curious how sessions work? Explore Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy For Men – What To Expect?
What are the Benefits of Prenatal and Postpartum Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PT)?
According to Mayo Clinic, pregnancy and childbirth place immense stress on the pelvic floor—impacting bladder control, core strength, posture, and even emotional well-being.
- Prenatal pelvic floor therapy prepares the body for delivery by improving muscle coordination and preventing injury.
- Postpartum pelvic floor therapy focuses on healing—helping new mothers regain core stability, reduce pain, address incontinence, and reconnect with their bodies after birth.
This therapy isn’t just about recovery—it empowers women to feel stronger, supported, and more confident through one of life’s biggest transitions.
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Cpt Code?
CPT codes for pelvic floor physical therapy vary depending on the services provided. Commonly used codes include:
90911 – Biofeedback training for conditions like incontinence, often paired with pelvic floor muscle retraining.
97110 – Therapeutic exercises aimed at improving strength and flexibility.
97112 – Neuromuscular re-education to improve coordination and movement control.
97750 – Physical performance testing when functional assessments are needed.
51784 – Electromyography (EMG) for analyzing pelvic floor muscle activity.
91122 – Anorectal manometry to assess muscle tone and function in the rectal area.
It’s important to note that insurance providers may recommend using comprehensive codes—such as 90911—instead of combining multiple CPTs. Proper documentation and understanding of payer guidelines is essential for accurate billing and reimbursement.
What are the Causes and Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Pain?
Pelvic floor pain often stems from muscle tension, injury, childbirth, or surgeries. Symptoms may include pelvic pressure, pain during intimacy, or frequent urination. If these sound familiar, understanding the root causes can help. Learn more in What are the Causes and Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Pain?
Take Control of Your Pelvic Health – Start Your Recovery Today
Ignoring pelvic dysfunction allows symptoms to worsen over time. Seeking professional pelvic floor physiotherapy in Calgary can help:
- Improve bladder control and prevent leaks
- Strengthen your core and enhance mobility
- Reduce pelvic pain and discomfort
- Restore muscle function after childbirth or surgery
At AlphaOne Physio, our experienced Calgary pelvic floor physiotherapists provide personalized treatment plans to help you regain confidence and control over your body. Whether you’re recovering from childbirth, surgery, or chronic pain, we guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call us at 403-768-3000 to book your consultation today.
Schedule an appointment online and start your recovery now.
Invest in your pelvic health. Regain confidence. Move freely.
