Pessary Fitting Guelph

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WHAT ARE PESSARIES?

Pessaries are medical-grade silicone devices that help to support the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum and bladder neck). They can help relieve symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (heaviness, pressure, falling out sensations) or stress urinary incontinence (leaking with activity). This can be a simple, conservative way to greatly increase your comfort and quality of life if you have concerning symptoms. Some people wear their pessaries every day, others only wear them during certain exercises that are bothersome to them.

A Pelvic Health Physiotherapist is required to take extra training to be able to fit pessaries. Once fitted for your Pessary, you can return to your regular Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and use it during treatment or exercises. Pessaries have been called ‘the sports bra for the organs’ – they are truly meant to improve your comfort so that you can do the activities that you love.

APPOINTMENTS

We currently refer out for Pessary fittings to Jenny Telfer-Crum, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, who fits Pessaries in Kitchener. She has taken extra training to be able to provide pessary fittings, and is familiar with the exercise demands that active women throughout the lifespan wish to pursue while using a pessary. 

Jenny is also happy to answer any questions from fellow therapists or clients by email at jtc.rpt@gmail.com.

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A woman pressing dumbbells on an exercise ball doing physiotherapy.

PESSARY FITTING FAQs

Yes, some Physiotherapists have taken specialized coursework in pessary fitting and can perform this procedure. They may work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as gynecologists or urologists, to provide comprehensive care to clients.

In addition to fitting a pessary for a client, Physiotherapy can help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve the overall function of the pelvic floor, which can reduce the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (which is the main reason a client seeks out a pessary). This can make it easier to insert and wear a pessary.

The role of a Physiotherapist in pessary fitting can vary depending on the individual client’s needs. A Physiotherapist who is performing a pessary fitting will listen to the client’s story, evaluate the client’s pelvic floor muscle function, and work with the client to find the best fitting pessary to suit their individualized needs. They may also provide exercises to strengthen the muscles, and work with the client to identify lifestyle changes that can improve symptoms. They may also work with other healthcare professionals, such as gynecologists or urologists, to ensure that the patient is receiving comprehensive care. Many clients who seek out a Pessary have already attended Pelvic Health Physiotherapy elsewhere, and have been referred for this specialized service.

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is typically the first recommendation for helping with pelvic organ prolapse. After an individual has worked on exercises and lifestyle modifications, if they continue to experience symptoms that impact their life then their Pelvic Health Physiotherapist may refer them to a Physiotherapist trained to fit Pessaries.

Physiotherapy may be covered by some health insurance plans, but it depends on the individual policy. Clients should check with their insurance provider to determine what is covered.

Accordion ContentThe length of time it takes for Physiotherapy to improve symptoms can vary depending on the individual client and the severity of their condition. Some clients may experience improvement within a few weeks, while others may require several months of treatment.

Common exercises used in physiotherapy for pelvic floor muscle strengthening include Kegels, pelvic floor contractions, and pelvic position modification. Your Physiotherapist can best provide guidance on which exercises are most appropriate for you after an individualized assessment is performed; not all exercises are right for everyone.

The frequency of Physiotherapy sessions for pessary fitting and treatment can vary depending on the individual client’s needs. In general, if a client is coming solely for a pessary fitting they will see a Physiotherapist 2-3 times to ensure the pessary is fitting and working properly. If additional Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is required, clients may see their physiotherapist once or twice a week initially, and then gradually reduce the frequency of sessions as symptoms improve.

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