Pelvic Floor Osteopathy in London, Ontario

Pelvic Floor Osteopathy

The human body is very complex with all its physical structures that are interrelated with different areas in the body.  Areas distant can affect normal functioning of organs, muscles, ligaments, nerves, etc.
for the body to function at optimum level, all interrelated structures have to move and glide naturally with their fascial and ligamentous  attachments, and  this is not the exception for  the pelvic area, all internal organs have to glide and move naturally, free of restrictions to function normally.


What  causes Restrictions in the Pelvic area
Some of the causes are injuries, falls, surgeries, C-section scar,  pregnancies,  coccyx/tailbone issues, Postpartum complications, emotional trauma, Spinal dysfunctions, sciatica nerve irritation, Digestive issues, endometriosis, cysts or fibroids.
Conditions of Pelvic Dysfunctions

If the pelvic muscles , joints, ligaments, tendons, arteries, fascia, organs are affected in their normal glide and mobility, it may  cause congestion, or blockages affecting their proper function and as consequence pelvic issues may arise in the form of:
  • Headaches
  • Low back/Pelvic pain
  • Hip pain
  • Coccyx or tail bone pain/discomfort
  • Sacroiliac joint/Pubic dysfunctions
  • Pain during sex
  • Incontinence Urinary or fecal
  • Prenatal/Postnatal discomfort
  • Postpartum discomfort
  • Anterior pelvic/Hip pain (Groin area)
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • PMS/Cramps
  • Frequent urination
  • Pelvic organ prolapsed
  • Constipation
  • Weak/tense pelvic floor muscles.

Osteopathic Examination

Consent is obtained in writing when assessing and treating sensitive areas in the pelvic area,  there is an assessment of  Posture, spine, abdominal visceral organs and pelvic visceral organs , and palpation of soft tissues, and  areas in proximity to the pelvic floor muscles,  THERE IS NO INVASIVE  VAGINAL OR RECTAL  EXAMINATION OR TREATMENTS. Osteopathy visceral assessment relies more on the mobility and mainly motility( Natural glide of organ and soft tissues) when assessing for dysfunctions.
Organs and tissues have their own motility and this is a main part of the assessment of the pelvic  floor muscles and  pelvic organs, this motility can be assessed distant from the actual physical position of the organ or tissue, and it does not have to be palpated or physically touch to recognize the restriction or dysfunction. During the examination, the root of the issues are the main focus for  evaluation and not necessary the area of pain and discomfort which may not relate to the root of the cause.
Osteopathic Treatment Approach

During the actual treatment, patient may choose to keep their clothing on  or remove to their own comfort level, feedback will be asked at all times about pressure or positioning. Everything will be explained about treating specific areas in the pelvic region with pictures and pelvic model and their connections in and out of the pelvic region and why they are being treated.
There are so many connections in the pelvic region that we do not actually focus on only one area but we look for restrictions in organs or tissues and their connections, for example if the pelvic floor muscles dysfunction is the main condition identified, we will look for their connections that are affecting them and why they are in this dysfunctional state. In some cases we may ended up releasing restrictions in some pelvic organs, coccyx  or we may even release restrictions in the  spine or compressions in the cranial bones as we follow local and distant areas affecting the pelvic floor muscles. In summary we treat you in a holistic manner.

Pelvic visceral manipulation normalizes normal function of organs and tissues, improves quality of life, able to function and feel better and have overall more vitality and live a more normal life.


References:  Visceral Manipulation ,revised edition, Jean-Pierre Barral and Pierre Mercier, 2005/ Urogenital Manipulation, Jean-Pierre Barral, 2006.

Gerardo Ponce is an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, Acupuncturist, and Massage Therapist, holding a BioScience Degree, He has extensive clinical experience in Manual Medicine.