Holistic Pelvic Care in Edmonton

What is Holistic Pelvic Care?

Holistic Pelvic Care^TM is a gentle form of internal pelvic bodywork developed by Tami Kent, a women’s health physical therapist. Just as other muscles of the body can become tightened, stressed and imbalanced from overwork, the muscles of the pelvic floor also become imbalanced from stress, illness or trauma.

Holistic Pelvic Care^TM combines traditional physical medicine practices of addressing pelvic floor imbalance through gentle, intravaginal massage along with breath work, education, visualization, lifestyle changes and body awareness exercises. These integrative techniques help create connection to this part of the body that we often disconnect from.

Who can benefit from Holistic Pelvic Care^TM?

 Women looking to address pelvic symptoms, to re-establish health and balance, to enhance general well-being or to nurture their female body in a holistic way may benefit from one or more treatment sessions.

Specific concerns addressed by Holistic Pelvic Care^TM include (but are not limited to):

• Urinary leakage or incontinence
• Chronic bladder or vaginal infections
• Uterine prolapse
• Pelvic pain
• Painful sexual activity, intercourse or sexual dysfunction
• Fertility support and pregnancy preparation
• Healing after miscarriage, pregnancy loss or abortion
• Postpartum concerns and recovery
• Menstrual pain
• Pelvic congestion, heaviness or instability
• Pelvic muscle weakness
• Menopausal concerns
• History of pelvic trauma or abuse

What if I don’t have any symptoms?

Beyond the use of Holistic Pelvic Care^TM for treating chronic pelvic symptoms, pelvic care is well suited as an essential component of women’s wellness. Most women learn to live with pelvic imbalances as a result of accumulated stress, postural issues, prolonged sitting, childbirth, general disconnection from feminine or other events.

Women benefit by addressing and healing obvious and subtle imbalances, often leading to increased vitality, creativity and a deep sense of well-being. You don’t need to experience symptoms to benefit from Holistic Pelvic Care^TM.

What can I expect from a Holistic Pelvic Care^TM appointment?

The first appointment is typically the longest and includes a medical history and discussion of your goals for treatment. We will review female pelvic anatomy and muscles with a 3D model and will address any questions or concerns you may have. We will start with basic external work and, if you are comfortable, we may move on to internal work. Internal work is manual therapy where your provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the vaginal canal. A woman’s pelvic muscles will be assessed for tone and strength as well as any areas of tension or trigger points. The assessment is followed by treatment using techniques such as gentle massage and trigger point release as well as breath work and visualization tools.

Follow-up appointments are typically shorter once the initial goals have been determined.

What effects will I notice after receiving Holistic Pelvic Care^TM ?

Results and benefits women have found:

• Relief from painful symptoms
• Increased blood flow and sensation
• Reduced tension and trigger points in pelvic muscles
• Increased strength in pelvic muscles
• Improved sexual function
• Feeling more relaxed and centred
• A sense of connection to the rhythms and cycles of the female body
• Feeling empowered with pelvic knowledge and self-care

How many appointments are recommended?

Some women receive treatment for an extended period of time, while others may come in for a few appointments. The length of treatment depends on the extent of a woman’s symptoms and how long she has been experiencing them.

In general, you may expect anywhere from one to six sessions, depending upon you and your treatment goals.

Can I receive Holistic Pelvic Care^TM while I am menstruating? Or if I am pregnant?

Holistic Pelvic Care^TM can be performed during your period and at any point within your cycle.

Internal pelvic work is not done during pregnancy. Instead, the focus is on visualization and breath work to assist with connection and balance during pregnancy in preparation for childbirth.

Can I come for Holistic Pelvic Care^TM and see my regular Naturopathic Doctor for naturopathic care?

Yes, you can continue with your regular Naturopathic Doctor and still receive Holistic Pelvic Care^TM treatments.

Holistic Pelvic Care^TM treatments can also be independent from or can be integrated with naturopathic medicine. If you desire naturopathic care to additionally address and resolve your health concerns, you are welcome to add time to your Holistic Pelvic Care^TM appointment.

If you’re a current patient, new patient or if you already have your own naturopathic doctor, you can come in for just Holistic Pelvic Care.

To see if Holistic Pelvic Care is right for you and/or to answer your questions about Holistic Pelvic Care, book a complimentary 15 min Alignment Call with Dr. Candace. To schedule your free Alignment Call at the clinic location in Edmonton nearest you, click here.