Bladder Leaks, Pelvic Pain, Urgency or Discomfort Are Common—But They Are Not Normal
Do you leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise? Feel a constant need to use the bathroom? Experience pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort? Struggle with constipation, painful intimacy, or core weakness?
Many women assume these symptoms are simply part of aging, pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. The reality is that while pelvic floor concerns are common, they are highly treatable.
At Bronte Wellness Boutique, our pelvic floor therapy team helps women understand the root cause of their symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to restore confidence, comfort, strength, and quality of life.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a supportive hammock at the bottom of the pelvis.
These muscles help support:
- The bladder
- The uterus
- The bowel
- Core stability
- Continence
- Sexual function
- Posture
- Breathing mechanics
When the pelvic floor is not functioning optimally, a wide variety of symptoms can occur.
Common Pelvic Floor Symptoms
Many women live with symptoms for years before seeking help. You may benefit from pelvic floor therapy if you’re experiencing:
Bladder Symptoms
- Urinary leakage
- Leaking when coughing or sneezing
- Urinary urgency
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
- Nighttime urination
- Pelvic pain
- Tailbone pain
- Hip pain
- Groin pain
- Lower back pain
- Pressure or heaviness in the pelvis
- Constipation
- Difficulty emptying bowels
- Straining
- Bloating associated with pelvic dysfunction
Intimacy & Sexual Health Concerns
- Pain during intimacy
- Vaginal discomfort
- Pelvic tension
- Reduced confidence with intimacy
- Core weakness
- Abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
- Difficulty returning to exercise
- Poor pelvic stability
- Persistent postpartum symptoms
Why Do Pelvic Floor Problems Happen?
Pelvic floor dysfunction can develop for many reasons.
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy places significant demands on the pelvic floor. Women may experience:
- Bladder leakage
- Pelvic pressure
- Core weakness
- Pelvic pain
- Postpartum recovery challenges
Even years after childbirth, symptoms can persist.
Perimenopause & Menopause
Hormonal changes can affect:
- Pelvic tissue health
- Bladder function
- Vaginal tissue integrity
- Pelvic muscle function
Many women notice symptoms become more noticeable during perimenopause and menopause.
Chronic Stress & Muscle Tension
Many people assume pelvic floor problems only occur because muscles are weak. In reality, some pelvic floor muscles become overly tight and dysfunctional.
Stress can contribute to:
- Pelvic tension
- Pain
- Urgency
- Difficulty relaxing muscles
- Pain during intimacy
Surgery & Medical Procedures
Pelvic floor symptoms may develop following:
- Cesarean delivery
- Hysterectomy
- Abdominal surgery
- Pelvic surgery
- Orthopedic injuries
Exercise & Movement Patterns
High-impact exercise, poor breathing mechanics, core dysfunction, and repetitive strain can all contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Could Your Symptoms Be Related to Your Pelvic Floor?
Many women are surprised to learn that symptoms they never associated with the pelvic floor may actually be connected.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to:
- Lower back pain
- Hip pain
- Groin pain
- Constipation
- Abdominal pressure
- Pain during intimacy
- Urinary urgency
- Chronic pelvic tension
A comprehensive assessment can help determine whether the pelvic floor is contributing.
Our Pelvic Floor Therapy Approach
At Bronte Wellness Boutique, pelvic floor therapy is about much more than Kegel exercises. Every treatment plan is individualized and based on your specific symptoms and goals.
Comprehensive Assessment
Your assessment may include evaluation of:
- Bladder function
- Bowel function
- Pelvic symptoms
- Core strength
- Breathing mechanics
- Movement patterns
- Posture
- Pelvic floor function
Internal and external assessments may be performed when appropriate and with your consent.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy may help address:
- Muscle tension
- Scar tissue restrictions
- Pain
- Mobility restrictions
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
Core Rehabilitation
Many women benefit from guided rehabilitation to improve:
- Core strength
- Pelvic stability
- Breathing mechanics
- Functional movement
The goal is to help you move confidently and comfortably.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Depending on your needs, therapy may focus on:
- Improving coordination
- Building strength
- Improving relaxation
- Restoring function
- Supporting continence
Not every pelvic floor needs strengthening—some require relaxation and retraining.
Education & Lifestyle Strategies
We provide practical guidance related to:
- Bladder habits
- Bowel health
- Exercise modifications
- Breathing techniques
- Home exercises
- Daily movement strategies
Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy
Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial during pregnancy to help support:
- Pelvic pain
- Back pain
- Bladder leakage
- Core function
- Birth preparation
Many women find therapy helpful both before and after delivery.
Pelvic Floor Therapy After Birth
Postpartum therapy can help address:
- Bladder leakage
- Core weakness
- Diastasis recti
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intimacy
- Return to exercise
- Scar tissue concerns
Recovery does not end at six weeks postpartum. Many women seek support months—or even years—after having children.
Pelvic Health During Perimenopause & Menopause
As estrogen levels change, women may experience:
- Bladder urgency
- Increased leakage
- Vaginal dryness
- Pelvic discomfort
- Pain with intimacy
Pelvic floor therapy can be an important part of maintaining comfort, confidence, and quality of life during these transitions.
What Services Can Help?
Depending on your symptoms, your care plan may include:
- Pelvic Floor Therapy
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Perimenopause & Menopause Care
- Hormone Assessment
- Massage Therapy
- Osteopathy
- Counselling
- Acupuncture
Our collaborative Women’s Health Team works together to ensure all aspects of your health are considered.
Why Women Choose Bronte Wellness Boutique
Women choose Bronte Wellness because they want answers, support, and personalized care.
They are tired of:
- Wearing pads “just in case”
- Mapping every washroom location
- Avoiding exercise
- Living with discomfort
- Feeling embarrassed by symptoms
Our team provides compassionate, evidence-informed care designed to help women feel strong, confident, and comfortable in their bodies again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bladder leakage normal after having children?
It is common, but it is not something you simply have to live with. Pelvic floor therapy can often help improve bladder control and reduce leakage.
Do I need an internal examination?
Not necessarily. Internal assessments are only performed when appropriate and with your informed consent. External assessment and treatment options are also available.
Can pelvic floor therapy help with painful intimacy?
Yes. Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to pain during intimacy, and therapy may help address contributing muscle tension, coordination issues, and movement patterns.
Can pelvic floor therapy help during menopause?
Absolutely. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect pelvic tissues, bladder function, and sexual health.
How many treatments will I need?
Every woman is different. Your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, goals, and assessment findings.
Book Your Pelvic Floor Assessment
You do not need to live with bladder leaks, urgency, pelvic pain, constipation, core weakness, or discomfort.
Whether you’re postpartum, navigating menopause, returning to exercise, or simply tired of symptoms affecting your quality of life, our team is here to help.
Together we’ll create a personalized treatment plan designed to restore function, improve confidence, and help you feel comfortable in your body again.
Book your Pelvic Floor Assessment today, or schedule a complimentary Meet & Greet to learn whether pelvic floor therapy is right for you.
Book a Meet & Greet