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Well Moms & Co. is a wellness centre catered to your health and wellbeing.
We understand the complexities of carving out some “me time” and finding the energy to put yourself first (if only just for a moment). We're here to make it easy, and better yet, worthwhile.
Our services focus on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. To do this, we've crafted our programs and offerings to truly support and care for your evolution as a parent by putting one key ingredient at the forefront: you.
Offering You Moments
of “Me Time”
As mothers, we can feel the weight of the loads we’re carrying. Massage therapy helps ease the aches and pains of pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.
We’ve got all moms covered. For those who are pregnant, we offer prenatal massage therapy that’s complete with a positioning system to ensure your comfort and safety, no matter what stage of pregnancy you are in.
For those who are postpartum, we will help ease those aches and pains of caring for your child. If you’ve had a C-section, we can work on your scar to help restore proper function and decrease sensitivity.
And for those who are well past postpartum but still feeling the aches and pains of caregiving, our massage therapy is here for you, too.
Registered Massage Therapy
30 Minute Massage Therapy Treatment $75 + HST
45 Minute Massage Therapy Treatment $95 + HST
60 Minute Massage Therapy Treatment $115 + HST
75 Minute MassageTherapy Treatment $135 + HST
90 Minute Massage Therapy Treatment $145 + HST
45 Minute Prenatal Massage Therapy Treatment $95 + HST
60 Minute Prenatal Massage Therapy Treatment $115 + HST
We require 24 hours notice for any cancellation. If you do not give 24 hours notice you will be charged the full appointment fee.
Cancellation Policy:
As Moms, we are always trying to do the best for our children (and that starts even before trying to conceive!). Our Naturopathic Doctors can help you with stress management, immune support and boosts, hormone regulation, mental and emotional well-being, and can aid in individualized nutrition plans. In order for you to be the best mom, you need to be the best you, and your health matters.
Remember, being a new mom is not a diagnosis. If you're feeling tired, overwhelmed, or anxious, it's time to check in!
If your fertility journey is causing you distress and you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, or if you want to ensure you're on the right track - you deserve that support.
Our naturopathic doctors are here for you every step of the way.
Naturopathic Medicine
Initial Intake for Naturopathic Medicine
90 minutes: $225
First Follow-Up Naturopathic Care
45 minutes: $140
Follow-Up Naturopathic Care
30 minutes: $95
Follow-Up Naturopathic Care
15 minutes $60
The initial intake is typically one-and-a-half hour in length and includes a detailed history. We will take the time to find out about your family history, your lifestyle, the stressors in your life, past medical history, and significant events in your life that may have affected your health or well-being. We will talk about your symptoms, your mental health, digestion, diet, any pain you feel - we go through it all. Then we will work together to create a plan to best address your health goals.
We will then follow-up to ensure that your plan is going well, and to address any concerns that come up.
Your naturopathic doctor is here to support you through every health concern and with every health goal, and so follow up appointments will vary depending on your individual concerns.
What will my appointments look like?
We require 24 hours notice for any cancellation. If you do not give 24 hours notice you will be charged the full appointment fee.
Cancellation Policy:
Naturopathic doctors are also trained in acupuncture. Acupuncture can aid in fertility promotion, helps to support healthy labour preparation, and can help with digestive issues, stress relief, and more.
Acupuncture
Your beauty starts on the inside! What is happening with your skin is a reflection of what is happening with your health. Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture addresses both: it is a dual treatment: a standard acupuncture session, PLUS a facial session. Points on the body are needled to correct any health issues, reduce stress, promote digestion and well-being.
Points are then selected on the face. These needles target the muscles to stimulate lift. The insertion of tiny intra-dermal needles into wrinkles and lines stimulate elastin and collagen production.
Facial acupuncture treatments also increase the flow of QI, and blood circulation to the face.
Your treatment also involves a gentle facial massage, gua sha and jade rolling to reduce inflammation and swelling, and facial cupping, to promote circulation.
While the needles are inserted, Dr. Lydia leads a guided meditation and provides head massage to further promote relaxation.
The goal of this treatment is to correct any health concerns that are affecting your skin, and to promote overall wellness. If you feel good on the inside, you will look better on the outside!
The effects of cosmetic acupuncture are cumulative, and most patients observe results around the 3rd or 4th session. Faster results are obtained by scheduling more frequent sessions. Everyone has unique needs.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture:
Follow-Up Acupuncture
45 minutes: $95
Initial Labour Induction Acupuncture
60 minutes: $125
Follow-Up Labour Induction Acupuncture
40 minutes: $95
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
70 minutes: $125
Initial Community Acupuncture Appointment
30 minutes: $50
Follow-Up Community Acupuncture Appointment
25 minutes: $20-40
We require 24 hours notice for any cancellation. If you do not give 24 hours notice you will be charged the full appointment fee.
Cancellation Policy:
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine which views ailments
and disease as an imbalance and/or blockage in the body. Energy (qi) flows through the entire
body along pathways called meridians. This energy can become blocked or stagnant, causing
imbalances and thus giving rise to disharmonies and illnesses.
Acupuncture stimulates specific acupoints along these meridians, restoring the smooth flow of
energy and bringing the body back to balance.
What acupuncture can treat:
● Fertility
● Pregnancy concerns
● Labour preparation support and induction
● Lactation and postpartum support
● Hormonal health - including PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, irregular cycles etc.
● Pain management
● Digestive health
● Insomnia and other sleep conditions
● Headaches and migraines
● Stress and anxiety
● Fatigue
● Allergies
● Cosmetic concerns with facial acupuncture
● Longevity, overall wellbeing and much more! If you are curious whether acupuncture can
help you, I am happy to provide a consultation
How does acupuncture work?
Initial Session
We will discuss any health conditions and concerns with an in-depth health assessment. A
tongue and pulse diagnosis will also be used to indicate the route of treatment. We will discuss
your health goals and create a treatment plan accordingly. After the intake, acupuncture needles
will be inserted throughout the body, the needles will be retained for 20 - 40 minutes, depending
on what is being treated.
Follow up Sessions
During the follow up sessions, we will do a shorter intake and follow the course of the treatment
plan. Needles will then be inserted throughout the body and retained for 20 - 40 minutes
depending on the recommended length of the follow up.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture shouldn’t hurt! You may feel a tiny prick initially and various sensations can be felt
at the site of insertion, which is actually a good thing as it indicates the point has been activated
and the body is producing a biochemical healing response. These sensations can include
feelings of warmth, pressure, tingling, pulling and dull aching - none which should feel painful.
Most leave the treatment feeling relaxed and de-stressed.
How many treatments will I need?
General Acupuncture
The number of treatments varies per individual. If the condition is acute it will require fewer
treatments to find relief. If it is a chronic concern, more treatments will generally be needed. For
more acute cases relief can be found after a couple of treatments and positive results should be
seen in about 3-4 treatments. For chronic cases it really depends on the individual, however you
should see some positive results after 4-5 sessions. After the initial assessment you will have a
treatment plan outlining the number of treatments recommended for you.
Fertility Acupuncture
The number of treatments for fertility patients vary per individual and where they are at in their
fertility journeys. Recommendations depend on whether patients are trying to conceive naturally
or through any assisted reproductive technologies such as IUI or IVF. Recommendations will be
provided during your first visit or can be given through a consultation prior to your initial
appointment.
Pregnancy Acupuncture
Acupuncture during pregnancy is recommended once a week in the first trimester, depending on
severity of symptoms, twice a week might be best. During the second trimester it is on a need
be basis or if any conditions arise. See below for recommendations for the third trimester.
Labour Prep and Induction Acupuncture
For labour prep acupuncture we recommend starting around week 36. Induction acupuncture
can be done with consent from your primary care provider and/or past your due date.
What to expect during an acupuncture treatment?
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic acupuncture is a natural approach to enhance skin health and helps reduce signs of aging. It has been used for centuries in China and other Asian countries predating modern procedures such as botox and cosmetic surgeries.
How does it work?
Very small needles are inserted just below the skin surface to increase facial micro-circulation, naturally stimulating collagen and elastin production and relaxing facial muscles to improve overall skin health. Body points are also used for a holistic approach to beauty.
What is it good for?
● Creates a healthier complexion and firms skin
● Reduces dark circles and under eye puffiness
● Decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
● Decreases the appearance of age and sun spots
● Helps clear up acne and reduces acne scars
It is far more than a cosmetic procedure. It is a holistic approach that treats beauty from the inside out. Additional benefits of the treatment include:
● Improved digestion
● Better quality sleep
● Increased energy
● Mood enhancement
● Anxiety and stress relief
● Sense of overall well being
How many treatments are needed?
A series of 10 treatments is recommended for best results scheduled over a period of 7-8 weeks. For the first couple weeks 2 treatments per week is recommended followed by once a week for the course of the 10 treatments. Follow up treatments for maintenance are recommended after 1, 3 or 6 months depending on age and other factors. Improvements may be noticeable after 4-6 treatments.
It is important to note, cosmetic acupuncture is not suitable for everyone. Please see below for
cases it is not recommended for:
● Pregnant patients
● Prone to migraines and severe headaches
● Uncontrolled hypertension
● Cosmetic facial surgery within the last 6 months
● Botox within the last few months, treatments can be done once sensation in the face returns after procedure
Psychotherapy is a general term used to describe a form of supportive treatment that is done with a therapist. It aims to relieve distress and boost well-being by expressing and discharging difficult emotions and stress. Psychotherapy also includes integrating experiences to bring healing and recovery; changing attitudes, behaviours and habits that may be blocking growth or relationships; and developing more constructive and adaptive ways of coping.
Physical symptoms often hold clues the guide the therapeutic process and may be alleviated in therapy. Neuroscience also points to evidence of therapy bringing about changes at the brain level, and plays an important role in understanding the exciting relationship between mind and body.
Effective psychotherapy depends on a supportive, comfortable relationship with a trusted therapist and can bring lasting effects and skills that are translatable over time and contexts. It can also provide a healthy way to model mental wellbeing for families and broaden our perspective about others .
If you're new to psychotherapy or have 'been around the block' and are feeling stuck, reaching out to connect with someone new is a powerful way to take care of yourself and create possibilities for a healthier, restored you.
Counselling
Psychotherapy
Initial Counselling/Psychotherapy Session
(In-person or Virtual)
60 minutes: $140
Subsequent Counselling/Psychotherapy Session
60 minutes: $140
Discovery Call
15 minutes: Free
Initial IFS/Perinatal Mental Health Counselling Session with Karen McWilliam
60 Minute: $120 + HST
Subsequent IFS/Perinatal Mental Health Counselling Session with Karen McWilliam
60 Minute: $120 + HST
Initial Couples Counselling Session with Karen McWilliam
60 Minute: $175 + HST
Subsequent Couples Counselling Session with Karen McWilliam
60 Minute: $175 + HST
We require 24 hours notice for any cancellation. If you do not give 24 hours notice you will be charged the full appointment fee.
Cancellation Policy:
Certified Child Life Specialists specialize in understanding the developmental and emotional
needs of children (aged 0-18) and their families facing illness, trauma, disability, transitions,
death, and bereavement.
Certified Child Life Specialists are trained in child development and utilize evidence-based, psychosocial, and therapeutic interventions to help children and families cope. Through therapeutic play, bibliotherapy, art, and more, Child Life specialists help children identify their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, decrease misconceptions, all while promoting coping and resilience.
Child Life services include meeting with your child to support them through what they be facing in life such as: supporting separation/separation anxiety; changes in routine; any regression in the developmental milestones they may be experiencing; understanding illness; emotional challenges; and supporting you in moving forward with the developmental needs of your child after loss or adjusting to a new baby at home.
For information on the field of child life, read more on the Association of Child Life Professionals website: https://www.childlife.org/the-child-life-profession/the-case-for-child-life
Child Life Specialist
Initial Counselling/Child Life Services Session
(In-person or Virtual)
60 minutes: $80
Subsequent Counselling/Child Life Services Session
60 minutes: $80
Discovery Call
15 minutes: Free
Angelica's fees may not be eligible for insurance coverage under extended health benefit plans
that cover the services of mental health professionals. For more information, please connect
with your employer and/or insurance company about the type of mental health coverage you
have.
We require 24 hours notice for any cancellation. If you do not give 24 hours notice you will be charged 50% of appointment fee.
Cancellation Policy:
Chiropractic Care
We require 24 hours notice for any cancellation. If you do not give 24 hours notice you will be charged the full appointment fee.
Cancellation Policy:
What are the benefits of Chiropractic Medicine?
Chiropractic Medicine offers a non-invasive, drug free approach to healing. Chiropractic care can lead to the following:
- Improved joint motion
- Relief from pain
- Improved physical function and performance
- Relief and healing from chronic injuries
What are common ailments Chiropractors treat?
Chiropractic is a hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and preventative care for disorders related to the spine, bones, muscles, joints and nerves of the body. Conditions commonly treated by Chiropractors include (but not limited to):
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Arthritis/Joint Pains
- Headaches
- Whiplash
- Sports Injuries
- Sprains/Strains
- Tennis/Golfers Elbow
- TMJ Disorder
Initial Chiropractic Assessment
60 Minutes (in-person or virtual) $120
Initial Pediatric Chiropractic Assessment
60 Minutes (in-person or virtual) $120
Initial Postpartum Assessment -
60 Minutes (in-person or virtual) $120
Subsequent Chiropractic Visit
(Adult, Prenatal or Postpartum)
20 minutes (in-person or virtual) $60
Subsequent Chiropractic Visit + Acupuncture
30 mins (in-person or virtual) $75
Subsequent Pediatric Chiropractic Visit
20 mins (in-person or virtual) $60
Chiropractic Re-evaluation - New Injury/Current Patient
30 mins (in-person or virtual) $75
Pediatric Chiropractic Re-evaluation - New Injury/Current Patient
30 mins (in-person or virtual) $75
general chiropractic
Do I need a referral to go to a Chiropractor?
No. Chiropractors are primary health care providers, which means patients can consult them directly without requiring a referral from their medical doctor.
What is an Adjustment?
An adjustment, also called a manipulation, is a highly-skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to the vertebrae of the spine or other joints of the body. The intent of an adjustment is to restore proper movement and improve function. The patient may hear a “cracking” or “popping” sound that is caused by pressure changes within the joint capsule. When a joint is adjusted, an air bubble may escape the joint capsule creating this sound, similar to the sound heard when cracking a knuckle.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment will be approximately one-hour long. Your initial appointment will include a comprehensive history and thorough examination to confirm the cause of your problem, and to ensure all contributing factors are addressed. Following your examination, Dr. Cascioli will discuss the assessment findings with you and will provide a treatment plan customized to your specific needs. Treatment plans are individualized to each patient and may consist of soft tissue therapy, manual chiropractic manipulation/mobilization, acupuncture, and a therapeutic exercise plan. On most occasions, patients receive treatment on their first visit.
Do I need to be in pain to see a Chiropractor?
You don’t have to be in pain to visit a Chiropractor. Many people visit a Chiropractor in order to reduce their risk of injury and to stay on top of their health in general. Other benefits include improved flexibility, increased mobility, and better posture.
PREGNANCY & CHIROPRACTIC
How can Chiropractic Care help during pregnancy?
Back pain is a common reason for chiropractic visits during pregnancy. But it isn’t the only one! Each Mom’s concerns are different, and many Moms have a combination of concerns. Dr. Cascioli’s approach is always individualized; treatment is based on your body’s needs and where you are in your perinatal journey. Moms often seek Chiropractic Care for a variety of concerns as they progress through pregnancy including (but not limited to) hip pain, pelvic girdle pain, low back soreness, groin pain, rib pain, and difficulties sleeping.
What is GROWCO Postpartum Rehab?
GROWCO is a doctor lead and evidence based postpartum rehabilitation protocol created to raise the standard of care for women after delivery. We believe that Moms deserve more than just a 6-week checkup when it comes to their recovery after childbirth. Moms continue to suffer from physical and emotional pain stemming from pregnancy and childbirth; many of which can be recognized and prevented early in the postpartum period.
GROWCO is striving to raise the standard of care for women everywhere! This program focuses on activating and strengthening not only your core and pelvic floor but also your whole body. As a GROWCO practitioner I am trained to assess and treat Moms at any stage of postpartum to help prevent, reduce or resolve issues such as:
- Diastasis Recti
- Incontinence
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Pelvic Pain
- Low Back Pain
- Injuries common to new Moms
Who should consider postpartum rehab?
Did you know the healthcare system in France covers pelvic floor and abdominal training after birth? This means Moms in France never have to worry about jumping, laughing or sneezing!
If you have recently had a baby, you should consider incorporating this postpartum rehabilitation class into your postpartum period. Your body has recently undergone tremendous changes and stress, regardless if your delivery was vaginal or c-section. It is crucial that your core and pelvic floor muscle functions are restored.
If you had your child some time ago, you may still be in need of restoring your core and pelvic floor. In some women the muscle function is restored quickly following delivery, while in others the dysfunction persists. This may show up as recurrent low back pain, inability to control your bladder when jumping or sneezing, or a persistent separation of your abdominal muscles.
If you think any of these things sound like you, book an appointment with Dr. Cascioli so she can determine if GROWCO may be a good fit for you.
What should I expect when I enrol in a GROWCO Postpartum Rehab course?
WHAT: Our 60-minute GROWCO classes include breath work, core and pelvic floor exercises, upper and lower body strengthening and total body conditioning.
WHEN
: Our GROWCO rehab classes usually consists of 8 Sessions over 4 weeks. Contact us to learn about our next session .
HOW : Being a Mom can be an overwhelming time. We are committed to making a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. This is a family friendly class, feel free to bring your baby or children if needed!
PEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTIC CARE
At what age should I bring my infant in to get checked by a Chiropractor?
Your child is never too young to have their spine assessed. Even a natural, intervention free vaginal birth places stress on an infant’s spine. Follow up visits are typically recommended during major milestones - starting to sit, crawl, and walk. Developmental milestones are also assessed at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and 18 months. If they have experienced any trauma or there have been any signs of imbalance such as limping or head tilting, those are also good indications that your child should be checked.
What are the most common pediatric conditions that Chiropractors treat?
Often, a newborn baby experiences a difficult birthing process or suffered from distress during their journey through the birth canal. Colic or irritability, poor sleeping habits, developmental/motor delays, digestion issues, lethargy or low energy, difficulty breastfeeding/latching, and torticollis may be relieved with chiropractic care. While chiropractic is effective in managing acute health concerns, parents are encouraged to have their child’s spine and nervous system checked in the early stages of life, regardless of symptoms.
What can I expect during a Pediatric Chiropractic visit?
The first visit will be the longest. Dr. Cascioli will go through a detailed health history and thorough physical exam, focusing on the neuromusculoskeletal system and the function of the nervous system. Dr. Cascioli will discuss how chiropractic care can help restore proper joint function allowing the body to heal and work at its best. Chiropractic care may include gentle adjustments to the spinal joints that will be modified to the age, size and developmental stage of the infant or child.
Is Chiropractic Care safe for my infant?
Chiropractic adjustments are very gentle and safe. Often babies will sleep through their assessment and treatment. Evaluating and treating an infant is very different from evaluating and adjusting an adult. There is no audible sound or twisting of the spine required to treat a newborn or infant, just a gentle pressure (no more pressure than you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato) helps to facilitate proper alignment and remove any restrictions in those joints.
ACUPUNCTURE
What is Neurofunctional Contemporary Medical Acupuncture?
Neurofunctional Contemporary Medical Acupuncture is a precise peripheral nerve stimulation technique in which fine needles are inserted, using a painless needling technique, to target nerves, muscles and other structures that are contributing towards clinical problems. The needles can be stimulated manually or with electricity for the therapeutic purpose of modulating abnormal activity of the nervous system. Using electro-acupuncture can help "clean up" dysfunctional areas of the body that may be causing pain or injury. The added electrical stimulation decreases pain signals, increases blood flow to help tissue healing, increases motor control, normalizes muscle recruitment patterns and regulates the nervous system.
What can Acupuncture treat?
Common conditions that can be treated with Acupuncture include (but not limited to):
- Repetitive Strains (tennis elbow, golfers elbow, carpal tunnel)
- Acute Sprains/Strains
- Pain from Nerve Entrapments
- Postoperative Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Sports Injuries
- Arthritis
Is Acupuncture painful?
Many people associate the needles used in Acupuncture with the needles used for other medical purposes, however acupuncture needles are very different. They are thin, fine and fairly flexible. They measure approximately 0.22-0.25mm in diameter which is as thin as a human hair!
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
We require 24 hours notice for any cancellation. If you do not give 24 hours notice you will be charged the full appointment fee.
Cancellation Policy:
Pelvic Health physiotherapy involves the assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor muscles, core, pelvis, low back, and hips. The pelvic floor muscles support the bony pelvis and internal organs- they help facilitate bladder, bowel and sexual functioning. Pelvic floor muscle functioning changes throughout life due to stress, trauma, childbirth, menopause and our general health. Changes to the functioning of the pelvic floor muscles can have detrimental effects on bladder, bowel and sexual functioning. Pelvic health physiotherapists can identify these dysfunctions and alleviate symptoms through hands on therapy, deep breathing techniques, pelvic floor muscle lengthening / strengthening / proprioception exercises, core strengthening, acupuncture, behavioural modification, and a lot of education!
What is pelvic health physiotherapy?
- Urinary Incontinence
- Overactive Bladder/Urgency
- Pelvic organ prolapses
- Pregnancy: pelvic girdle pain, SPD, low back/tailbone P, perineal massage, labour prep
- Post-Partum: DR, C-section, incontinence, low back P, return to exercise
- Dyspareunia, Vaginismus, Vulvodynia (Pain during sex)
- Interstitial Cystitis/ Bladder Pain Syndrome
- Endometriosis/ Adenomyosis
- Constipation & Bowel Dysfunctions
- Low back, SI joint, hip pain, tailbone pain (coccydynia)
Pelvic Health Physios treat:
- 60 min assessment, 45 min follow ups
- In-depth holistic history & discussion of your issue
- Physical assessment of your core, pelvis, low back, hips and pelvic floor muscles
- Yes! There is an internal assessment of your pelvic floor muscles- think a gynecological exam
- An individualized treatment plan including exercises and education
- Education on progressing and modifying exercises
- Self-management strategies
What to expect from pelvic floor physiotherapy:
Urine leakage is not normal! Although it is common, it is not normal. Our pelvic floor muscles should be strong enough and coordinated to prevent urine leakage from occurring. Incontinence is usually a result of trauma to the pelvic floor muscles, weakening of the muscles or pelvic organ prolapse.
Symptoms: leakage with sneezing, coughing, exercise, laughing, spontaneously, while trying to run to the washroom, night time, or any other time!
Incontinence:
Depending on how much you are drinking, you should be going to the washroom to pee around 5-8 times a day. This is roughly every 3 hours.
Symptoms: uncomfortable bladder sensation, peeing every hour or even less, sudden strong urge to go to the washroom, not being able to hold urine once you get a urge to pee, still having the urge to pee after peeing .
Overactive Bladder/Urgency:
POP often occurs after childbirth but can also become symptomatic after many years. POP includes bladder, urethra, uterus and rectal prolapses.
Symptoms: feelings or pressure or heaviness in the vagina or rectum, feeling like something is falling out of your vagina, bladder or bowel incontinence, difficulty passing a bowel movement, feeling like you have to push something vaginally in order to pass stool.
Pelvic Organ Prolapses (POP)
:
pregnancy
Pregnancy is a magical time in your life where your body grows to accommodate a little one. While you grow there are changes occurring to your pelvis and body that can cause pain at your low back, pelvis, sacroiliac joint (SI joint), groin, and the bones at the front of your pelvis. This pain can occur when you are walking, sitting, rolling over in bed, climbing stairs, or exercising.
Pain:
Prehab throughout pregnancy:
EXERCISE: Pregnancy is a magical time in your life where your body grows to accommodate a little one. While you grow there are changes occurring to your pelvis and body that can cause pain at your low back, pelvis, sacroiliac joint (SI joint), groin, and the bones at the front of your pelvis. This pain can occur when you are walking, sitting, rolling over in bed, climbing stairs, or exercising.
LABOUR PREP: Did you know that perineal massage has shown to decrease the risk of major pelvic floor muscle tearing during childbirth? Pelvic floor physiotherapists start perineal massage at around the 34th week of pregnancy to help prepare and stretch the muscles to prepare for childbirth. We can also help with overall stretches and education on positioning and pushing technique to help your labour experience.
See also: constipation & bowel dysfunction (hemorrhoids & fissures)
POST-PARTUM
Have you noticed your abdomen looks and feels different postpartum? DR is a separation of the abdominal muscles and stretching of the abdominal connective tissue caused by the uterus expanding and pushing out against the core muscles.
Symptoms: bulging/doming of the abdominal space; visible separation of the abdominal muscles; feelings of pressure in the abdomen that are increased with force; feelings of a “weak” core; low back pain; pelvic pressure/heaviness.
Diastasis Recti (DR):
A c-section is considered a major abdominal surgery and can impact your core and pelvic floor as well. Remember the scar you see on the outside is just the tip of the iceberg, the incision impacts the connective tissue underneath as well. Some common symptoms are pain, pressure and tightness in the areas surrounding the scar. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help address the scar to make sure optimal healing and mobility.
Caesarean section (C-section):
The question I get most often postpartum is when can I start exercising again? How much it too much? Your pelvic floor physiotherapist will assess you to determine what is the appropriate exercise plan for you. Depending on your fitness levels, a slow and gradual return is usually the best plan of action post-partum to ensure you have healed completely.
Others: Incontinence, Low back Pain, Painful Intercourse
Return to exercise:
PAIN DURING INTERCOURSE
Sex shouldn’t ever be painful! Pain during intercourse can be something that has been ongoing since first penetration or can develop later in life after childbirth, with menopause, or after a stressful situation. The pelvic floor muscles are the gatekeepers to intercourse and are often the contributing factor to your pain.
Conditions causing pain with intercourse that pelvic floor physios treat include:
- Vaginismus
- Vestibulodynia
- Vulvodynia
- Hypertonic pelvic floor muscles
- Pelvic floor scar tissue postpartum or post-op
-Menopause related painful intercourse
Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/ Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS):
Both IC and BPS are characterized by lower abdominal and pelvic floor pain or discomfort when the bladder is filling and when urinating. Both conditions are often accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms mimicking a UTI but without an infection. Pelvic floor physio can help manage the pain and urgency associated with both conditions.
Symptoms:
pain with bladder filling
, pain with urinating
, increased frequency of urination >8x/day;
painful intercourse.
Endometriosis & Adenomyosis:
Endometriosis and adenomyosis involve chronic period related pain to the point where women take time off work or school because of the intensity of their menstrual pain. Both chronic conditions occur when tissue normally lining the inside of the uterus-the endometrium- grows outside of the uterus- usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis. Pelvic floor physio can help manage the pain associated with both conditions.
Symptoms:
painful periods (dysmenorrhea); pain with intercourse; pain with bowel movements or urination; abdominal bloating.
Constipation & Bowel Dysfunction (hemorrhoids/fissures):
Does the thought of passing a bowel movement give you anxiety? Although constipation and bowel dysfunctions are often linked to diet, the pelvic floor muscles also become dysfunctional and hypertonic along with constipation. Pelvic floor physio can help decrease your bowel related pain and educate you on prevention techniques.
Symptoms: pain passing a bowel movement; straining to pass a bowel movement; hemorrhoids;
anal fissures; decreased sensation at the rectum .
Low back, hip, sacroiliac (SI), tail bone (coccydynia) PAIN:
The pelvic floor muscles are our true core. They have implications for pain conditions outside of the pelvis itself including the low back, hip, sacroiliac joint and tailbone.
Initial Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Assessment
60 minutes (in person or virtual) $150
Follow-up Pelvic Health visit
45 minutes (in person or virtual) $120
Initial Orthopedic Physiotherapy Assessment
60 minutes (in person or virtual) $120
Follow-up Orthopedic Visit
30 minutes (in person or virtual) $85
45 minutes (in person or virtual) $120
15 minute Discovery Call: free
