1. What to Expect During Your First Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Appointment at Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness?

At Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness, your initial visit includes a thorough health history review, a physical examination encompassing a postural and movement assessment, a complete musculoskeletal exam, and a gentle abdominal examination. If you are comfortable, an internal evaluation may also be conducted. We recommend wearing or bringing shorts and a loose-fitting top to facilitate an easy and effective assessment. You’ll also receive a home exercise program and a personalized treatment plan.

2. How Long is the Initial Physiotherapy Assessment?

Each initial appointment at Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness lasts approximately 60 minutes, ensuring ample time to address your concerns and questions.

3. What if I have to cancel my appointment?

We understand that schedules can change. However, we request that you provide 1 business day’s (Full 24-hour) notice by phone to cancel or reschedule any appointments as our amazing practitioner set aside significant time for your treatment and care. Without prior notice, any missed appointment time cannot be filled by other patients . Missed appointments or late cancellations will incur a full treatment fee, as this time is reserved specifically for you.

4. Understanding the Internal Examination

At Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness, our pelvic physiotherapy assessments are thorough yet gentle, offering a level of detail . We begin with a careful inspection of the external anatomy, looking for any signs of imbalance, irritation, scarring, or dysfunction in the tissues. We also evaluate sensation and reflexes to check for proper neurological function.The assessment may include a gentle internal evaluation (vaginal and/or ano-rectal) to assess muscle tension, strength, coordination, and to identify any issues. Our physiotherapists are meticulous in guiding patients through each step, explaining movements and procedures to ensure comfort and understanding.For those who prefer not to have an internal examination, we are fully prepared to tailor a treatment plan using alternative methods that still address your needs effectively. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported and informed throughout the process.

5. Why Might I Need Another Pelvic Exam Even If I’ve Had One by a Doctor?

Pelvic exams performed by doctors are crucial for determining if medical or surgical interventions are necessary. However, these exams are very different from those conducted by pelvic floor physiotherapists.At Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness, our pelvic floor physiotherapists conduct comprehensive assessments that go beyond basic medical evaluations. We meticulously examine for signs of infection or irritation, assess the alignment and mobility of bones, evaluate muscle tension, strength, and coordination, and check the positioning and mobility of pelvic organs and any scar tissue adhesions. This holistic approach allows us to gain a complete understanding of your pelvic health.This detailed assessment is crucial as it forms the foundation of your personalized diagnosis and treatment plan. By focusing on these comprehensive evaluations, we ensure that we address all aspects of your pelvic health, providing more than just superficial results and truly supporting your overall well-being.

6. What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of orthopedic physiotherapy requiring advanced training. It addresses a wide range of conditions related to the pelvic region, serving both men and women. This includes managing symptoms such as urinary or fecal urgency and incontinence, issues like pelvic organ prolapse, and various forms of pelvic pain—including discomfort associated with the coccyx, pubic bone, and during sexual activity. Additionally, it’s beneficial for those experiencing complications from Cesarean sections, episiotomies, chronic constipation, and non-bacterial prostatitis. Moreover, pelvic floor disorders often correlate with other bodily pains, including those affecting the lower back, sacroiliac joint, hips, limbs, as well as the head, neck, and jaw.At Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness, our approach to treatment is holistic and comprehensive, incorporating educational insights, correct positioning, and exercises aimed at enhancing strength and coordination. Our methods extend beyond the standard Kegel exercises to include a variety of functional movements, stretching, myofascial release, manual therapy, and pelvic alignment techniques, supplemented by biofeedback for visualization. Our experienced pelvic floor physiotherapists employ these techniques in both internal (vaginal and ano-rectal) and external treatments, tailored to address and resolve the unique challenges of each patient.

7. Can I Attend Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy During My Menstrual Cycle?

Yes, you can receive pelvic floor treatment during your menstrual cycle at Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness. Hygienic protocols are strictly followed, ensuring comfort and safety.

8. Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Safe During Pregnancy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is highly beneficial during pregnancy, effectively alleviating common discomforts such as pelvic girdle pain, pain in the pubic bone, groin, coccyx, and lower back. Additionally, it helps in preparing the pelvic floor for labor by enhancing flexibility, which can reduce the likelihood of tearing or the need for an episiotomy during delivery.For those with a healthy and normal pregnancy, undergoing an internal pelvic assessment or treatment poses no risks to either the mother or the baby. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy and are under specific medical orders such as avoiding intercourse or requiring bed rest, it is advised to forego internal assessments and opt for general external physiotherapy treatments instead.

9. Postpartum Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: When to Start?

It is generally best to begin pelvic floor physiotherapy as soon as you feel able after delivery, though the exact timing can depend on your specific circumstances and the nature of your delivery. For those who have had a Cesarean section, it’s advisable to wait until the surgical incision has healed—typically around 4 to 6 weeks—to begin treatments involving the abdomen or scars. Similarly, if you’ve had an episiotomy, allowing a few weeks for the incision to heal before starting internal pelvic treatments is recommended. However, if you are experiencing significant pain, it’s important to seek treatment promptly as many strategies can be employed that do not aggravate healing areas, effectively easing pain and aiding in faster recovery.

10. How Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Enhance Fertility?

While physiotherapy does not address hormonal imbalances, reproductive cell issues, or certain medical conditions directly, it is highly effective in managing structural and mechanical problems that may affect fertility. Conditions like abnormal inflammatory responses, adhesions, scar tissue, as well as misalignments and poor circulation in the cervical and uterine areas, can all be effectively treated through manual therapy.The connective tissues, or fascia, that support and surround the reproductive organs play a crucial role in reproductive health. By applying targeted manual techniques to these tissues, pelvic floor physiotherapists can enhance organ function and potentially improve outcomes related to conception and pregnancy maintenance.

11. Do I Need a Referral for Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

No referral is needed to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist at Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness. However, check with your insurance provider as some require a physician’s referral for reimbursement.

12. Does Insurance cover Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

At Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness, your initial visit includes a thorough health history review, a physical examination encompassing a postural and movement assessment, a complete musculoskeletal exam, and a gentle abdominal examination. If you are comfortable, an internal evaluation may also be conducted. We recommend wearing or bringing shorts and a loose-fitting top to facilitate an easy and effective assessment. You’ll also receive a home exercise program and a personalized treatment plan.

13. How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Treatment frequency and duration vary based on individual conditions and response to therapy. Generally, follow-up appointments are scheduled every 1-2 weeks with a treatment range of 6 to 12 sessions. This will be discussed with you on your first visit following the assessment.

14. I am making a Motor Vehicle or workplace injury (WSIB) claim. What do I need to do?

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s crucial to seek physiotherapy assessment as quickly as possible, even if you initially feel fine. Symptoms often surface days or weeks after an accident, and early physiotherapy intervention can significantly improve your recovery and reduce the likelihood of long-term complications.Here’s what you need to do:Report the Accident: First, ensure that you report the accident to your insurance company.Book Your Assessment: Call Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness to schedule your assessment. Please inform our reception team that your visit concerns a motor vehicle accident claim. This will help us prepare for your visit and advise you on any specific documentation required from your insurance provider.Payment Information: Please note that Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness does not bill insurance companies directly for motor vehicle accident claims. You will need to manage payments at each visit and seek reimbursement from your insurer.This proactive approach helps us address any issues early, supporting a smoother and more effective recovery process.For WSIB claims, please report the incident to your insurer and contact us to book your assessment. Note that payments are processed per visit.Disclaimer:This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. For specific concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Sports Massage in Ottawa

Whether you’re training for Ottawa Race Weekend, playing in a rec league, or trying to keep up with weekend hockey without paying for it on Monday, sports massage is one of the most underused recovery tools for active people in Ottawa. Quick answer: Sports massage is massage therapy tailored to active people and athletes. It […]

Quick answer: Sports massage is massage therapy tailored to active people and athletes. It combines firm, targeted pressure with stretching to ease muscle soreness and tightness, support mobility, and help you train consistently. It can be timed before an event (short and light), after an event (recovery-focused), or booked regularly as maintenance during a training cycle.

What Is Sports Massage?

Sports massage borrows techniques from deep tissue and therapeutic massage, but it’s structured around your activity: your training load, your competition schedule, and the muscle groups your sport stresses most. A session for a runner looks different from one for a hockey player or a rock climber, because the demands on the body are different.

It isn’t just for elite athletes. If you move your body regularly, whether at the gym, in a rec league, or on weekend runs, you’re a good candidate.

The Three Types of Sports Massage (and When to Use Each)

Types of Sports Massage
– Pre-event
When: Same day or the day before
What it feels like: Short, lighter, brisk
Purpose: Warm up muscles and help you feel loose, without leaving you sluggish or sore
– Post-event
When: Within a few days after a race, game, or hard session
What it feels like: Slower, gentle to moderate pressure
Purpose: Ease soreness and help you feel recovered
– Maintenance
When: Regularly through a training cycle
What it feels like: Firmer, targeted work plus stretching
Purpose: Manage chronic tightness and catch small issues early

Save deep, intense work for maintenance sessions. Avoid it within about 48 hours of a competition, so any soreness has time to settle before you perform.

Benefits of Sports Massage

Eases post-training muscle soreness and helps you feel recovered between sessions
Supports flexibility and range of motion, especially when paired with stretching
Helps you and your RMT spot tight or overworked areas early, before they turn into bigger problems
Keeps you moving comfortably, so it’s easier to train consistently
Complements structured rehab if you’re working with a physiotherapist on an injury

Sports massage is one piece of a recovery routine. Sleep, nutrition, sensible training load, and strength work matter just as much, and massage works best alongside them.

Sports Massage vs Deep Tissue Massage vs Relaxation Massage

These three overlap, but each has a different focus. Many active clients use more than one, for example deep tissue for chronic tension and sports massage around key training or event dates.

– Focus

Sports Massage: Muscles your sport or training loads most
Deep Tissue Massage: Chronic tension, regardless of activity
Relaxation Massage: General stress relief

– Pressure

Sports Massage: Varies with timing: light pre-event, firm for maintenance
Deep Tissue Massage: Firm, sustained
Relaxation Massage: Light to medium, even

– Includes stretching

Sports Massage: Often
Deep Tissue Massage: Sometimes
Relaxation Massage: Rarely

– Timing

Sports Massage: Planned around training and events
Deep Tissue Massage: Any time
Relaxation Massage: Any time

– Best for

Sports Massage: Runners, hockey players, gym-goers, rec athletes
Deep Tissue Massage: Desk-job tension, old injuries, low back pain
Relaxation Massage: Unwinding, sleep, self-care

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your RMT will ask about your sport, training schedule, upcoming events, and any current aches or injury history. Expect firm strokes, focused work on the areas your sport loads most (calves, hamstrings, hips, shoulders, or wherever you need it), and often some assisted stretching.

Do you undress for a sports massage? You undress to your comfort level and stay draped with a sheet or towel, with only the area being worked on uncovered. Many active clients keep shorts on, especially for leg-focused work. Just let your RMT know your preference.

What should I wear? Comfortable, loose clothing to and from your appointment. What you wear during the session is up to you, since proper draping is used either way.

How long is a session? Sessions run 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Thirty minutes can work well for one problem area, like tight calves or one shoulder. If you have several areas of tension or want a more thorough session, 45–60 minutes is usually a better fit. Your RMT can help you choose.

What Not to Do After a Sports Massage

Skip intense training for 12–24 hours, especially after a firm maintenance session.
Go easy on alcohol for the rest of the day. It can leave you feeling worse the next morning.
Do keep moving gently. A walk or light stretching usually feels better than sitting still.
Drink water and eat well, as you would after any hard training day.

Mild soreness for 24–48 hours is normal after deeper work, much like post-workout soreness. Sharp pain, or soreness that lasts longer than that, should be reported to your RMT.

Sports Massage at Harmony: Part of Your Injury Recovery Plan

If you’re already managing an injury, sports massage works best as part of a coordinated plan rather than a standalone fix. Your sports and orthopaedic physiotherapist addresses the underlying mechanics and your rehab program, while massage helps with comfort, tightness, and mobility along the way.

Our Registered Massage Therapists in Nepean, Ottawa work with active people at every level, from casual gym-goers to competitive athletes. Because Harmony is also a physiotherapy clinic, your RMT can flag concerns to our physio team (with your consent) when something looks like it needs more than massage alone.

Explore our full range of massage therapy services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a regular massage and a sports massage? Relaxation massage uses lighter, even pressure to ease general stress. Sports massage is more targeted. It focuses on the muscle groups your training stresses and often includes stretching, to support recovery and keep you moving well.

How soon before a race or game should I get a sports massage? A short, light pre-event massage can be done the same day or the day before. Save deeper work for at least 48 hours before competition, so any soreness has time to settle.

Will sports massage make me sore the next day? Deeper sessions can leave you mildly sore, similar to post-workout soreness. This usually settles within 24–48 hours.

How often should athletes get sports massage? It depends on your training volume. Many active clients book every 2–4 weeks during a training cycle, with extra sessions around key events.

Is sports massage only for competitive athletes? No. Anyone who trains regularly, including rec league players, gym-goers, runners, and weekend warriors, can benefit.

Are there reasons I shouldn’t get a sports massage? Treatment may need to be avoided or modified for open wounds, blood clots, recent fractures or surgery, fever, or certain chronic conditions. Always mention relevant health conditions when booking.

How much does a sports massage cost? Pricing depends on session length. Contact Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness for current rates, and check your extended health plan for RMT coverage. Some plans require a doctor’s note for reimbursement.

Do I need a referral to book a sports massage? No referral is needed to book massage therapy at Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness.

Book Your Sports Massage in Nepean, Ottawa

Contact Harmony Physiotherapy & Wellness in Nepean, Ottawa to schedule your sports massage appointment.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have specific health concerns or need further evaluation, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.