Why I became a pelvic physio

For some reason, I have had multiple clients asking me recently why I became a pelvic floor physiotherapist so I figured others might be interested in knowing as well.

There are a few reasons as to why I got steered in this direction but my main reason was: after I had my children, I suffered from urinary leakage and felt like I had to go to the washroom every few minutes. I thought these issues were going to get resolved naturally after a few months. However, my youngest daughter turned three and I still had the same issues so I decided to seek knowledge and get treatment.

Through getting treatment from colleagues and taking multiple courses, I was able to overcome these issues. I am now completely symptoms-free!

I became passionate about helping women with the same issues because I definitely believe that we should not have to live with these pesky problems.

I come from a relatively conservative background so talking about private parts was a big taboo. And that’s one of the main obstacles that women and men face when it comes to pelvic health. There is a lot of embarrassment and shame in admitting that there is a problem “down there”. I am hoping that by being completely open and upfront about pelvic health, that it will encourage folks to know that there is HELP out there and it’s not weird to get help.

I also want to say that there is A LOT of misconception about pelvic health physiotherapy. Some people think all we do is teach people how to do Kegels. Some people think all we do is massaging people’s private parts!!! These are completely misinformed point of views. The majority of my treatment is spent on providing education, prescribing exercises and assessing/treating the external pelvic components. The internal component makes up only a small part of what I do and only if it is essential.

I realize that it’s awkward and embarrassing to talk about this, but please know that you are so not alone. I have been where you are and you don’t have to suffer.

By Mia Dang, PT, is a highly regarded registered physiotherapist with extensive supplementary training in pelvic floor physiotherapy and perinatal care