Northern Pelvic Connection

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Frequently Asked Questions

Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that addresses concerns involving the pelvis and pelvic floor, the most common being incontinence, prolapse and pain. Pelvic health physiotherapists have advanced training and are rostered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario in order to provide external and internal vaginal and rectal examinations to assess and treat the pelvic floor muscles and associated tissues.

If one experiences any of the following conditions:

  • Incontinence (urine or fecal)
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Overactive bladder (urgency and/or frequency)
  • Painful intercourse (also known as dyspareunia or vaginismus)
  • Vulvodynia or vestibulodynia
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Premature ejaculation
  • Low back, hip or pelvic girdle pain
  • Coccydynia
  • Pudendal neuralgia
  • Sciatica
  • Constipation
  • Bedwetting
  • Diastasis recti abdominis
  • Bladder pain syndrome
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Endometriosis
  • Dysmenorrhea or painful periods

Or if you are:

  • Pregnant or postpartum
  • Preparing for pelvic surgery (e.g. hysterectomy, prostatectomy, ovarian cyst removal, ablation/excision)
  • Recovering from pelvic surgery (e.g. hysterectomy, prostatectomy, ovarian cyst removal, ablation/excision)

Northern Pelvic Connection has physical clinic locations on Manitoulin Island and Elliot Lake. Kelly provides mobile/homecare services on Manitoulin Island and Espanola. Services are also delivered virtually through videoconferencing anywhere in Ontario, Canada.

Call or text 705-822-1263
Email northernpelvicconnection@gmail.com
Online (click here – to be connected to online Jane platform)

Initial assessments are 60 minutes and follow-up treatment sessions are 30 minutes.
The required number of sessions differs for each patient and depends on several factors (e.g. nature of your concern and symptoms, exercise compliance, age, lifestyle factors). Generally, one should expect to invest in 4-8 sessions over the course of 3-6 months. Sessions are usually more frequent in the beginning and then regress as we see improvement. If finances are a struggle, we can work within your comfort level and come up with a treatment plan that fits within your means.
No, a referral is not necessary for booking. However, some insurance companies require a doctor’s referral for benefits coverage. It is advised to check-in with your provider prior to booking to determine the amount of coverage available and whether a referral is required for coverage.
Our services are not covered by OHIP at this time.

Services are covered under physiotherapy if you have private health insurance. Double check with your provider to see if you require a doctor’s referral for coverage and the amount of coverage available as not all insurance plans are the same. Northern Pelvic Connection does not directly submit to insurance companies at this time. Receipts can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement of funds.

Absolutely. Virtual sessions (videoconferencing) is PHIPA compliant and sessions are never recorded.
You will never be asked to show your genitals online! In some cases and if you feel comfortable doing so, a verbally guided assessment by external self-palpation can give us more information. In between sessions, self-internal exams may be recommended, but again, your comfort and consent is paramount.
Identifying a well-lit space and where you have room to move is helpful! If you have equipment with you, this can help with learning individualized self-treatment techniques (e.g. weights, resistance bands, foam rollers, etc.). Sometimes having a yoga mat can also make floor work more comfortable.

Yes, absolutely! Kelly has been practicing as an orthopedic and pelvic health physiotherapist since 2017.

Although internal exams are the gold standard to assess the pelvic floor, sometimes this is not always feasible or appropriate. Therefore, internal exams are NOT mandatory – it depends on your comfort level and should not deter you from seeking help!

External and internal pelvic floor treatment sessions can be performed if you are on your period. If you’re comfortable doing internal work, I’m comfortable! There are also other ways to address the pelvic floor externally as an alternative option. If you’re still unsure, please contact me directly and we will chat it through. Rescheduling can occur given 24 hours notice.

Get The Help You Need

Say goodbye to planning your day around bathroom visits, frequently changing your underwear, packing extra clothes, excessive laundry, missing out on public outings, smelling like urine, leaking with exercise or coughing or laughing, endless purchasing of pads, worrying about whether your parts work and/or experiencing painful periods, intercourse or poops. Don’t wait to invest in your pelvic health physiotherapy journey today.

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Senior woman with online physiotherapist

Northern Pelvic Connection

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