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Myths and facts about pelvic health

Written by FXNL Staff
October 18, 2017

“1-in-3 to 1-in-4 women struggle with incontinence”

“1-in-8 men struggle with pelvic pain”

We speak with physiotherapist Carolyn Vandyken (BHSc (PT), Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Founder & Instructor of Pelvic Health Solutions) about pelvic health, including common conditions, myths, prevalence in men and women, and how pelvic health physiotherapy can help. Carolyn also discusses what all rehab professionals should know about the pelvic floor, including the five functions, and how they can screen for a pelvic floor dysfunction.


00:24 Can you give a brief background of yourself and what got you interested in pelvic health?

03:16 Can you describe what you do as a pelvic health physio?

04:17 There’s a lot of myths surrounding pelvic health, what are your thoughts on:

04:27 is pelvic rehab is mainly for during/after pregnancy?

05:27 Is pelvic physio mainly for women?

06:40 Is pelvic physio all about the pelvic floor?

07:22 Are kegels the main exercise in pelvic rehab?

09:15 Should women who do not have any pelvic floor problems be doing kegels?

10:54 What are the different types of incontinence?

12:05 Many women think its normal after pregnancy to have some incontinence, is it normal?

12:48 Is incontinence normal as you age?

13:35 Can pelvic rehab be done at any age?

14:10 What are the benefits of pelvic rehabilitation?

16:38 What common conditions do pelvic health physios treat?

18:00 Are there any conditions that you treat that people may be surprised by that aren’t as common?

19:23 What anatomy is important to consider when discussing pelvic dysfunction?

19:51 What are some red flags for the pelvic region?

20:29 Are there any questions you think should be asked in a normal orthopedic exam to screen for pelvic dysfunction?

22:03 Are there any objective tests that should be assessed by orthopedic physios?

23:14 Do all pelvic floor assessments include an internal exam?

24:51 Do you assess breathing in your assessment?

25:14 Are overactive pelvic floors common in men as well?

25:55 What about in weight lifters and people who use a valsalva maneuver when they’re working out?

27:13 What are your thoughts on weight lifting belts or SI belts?

28:25 What are common pelvic physio exercises?

30:31 Is the treatment for pelvic pain similar to other areas of the body?

31:14 Do you see more persistent or acute cases?

32:39 In your article on sexual pain the average length of time to diagnosis was 8 years. Is that length due to patients not reporting their sexual pain or it being under-recognized by healthcare providers?

33:37 Do you find acupuncture helpful in treating pelvic pain?

35:08 What neurodynamic tests do you use for pelvic pain?

37:27 Is there any specific equipment you use in assessment or treatment?

38:30 How important is a multidisciplinary approach in treating pelvic pain?

39:20 Do you think other healthcare professionals are beginning to recognize the value of pelvic health physio?

41:38 What areas would you like to see more research in?

42:34 For someone not familiar with pelvic health physio, can you explain the patient experience when visiting a pelvic health specialist?

44:23 Is there an internal component during treatment as well?

45:01 How do you explain pelvic pain to a patient?

47:51 For patients who are on antibiotics for chronic bladder infections, should they be screend for pelvic floor dysfunction?

48:41 Is there anything that you would like potential patients to know?

49:52 What training is involved to become a pelvic health physiotherapist?

52:08 Are your courses open to all healthcare providers or only physios?

54:17 How many male therapists go through your training?

54:48 Where can people find out more about you?


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