Ellie Gillespie, Physiotherapist
Ellie is a Registered Physiotherapist. She earned her Master’s of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University. Prior to, she attended Brock University where she received her undergraduate degree in science while specializing in kinesiology. Ellie is passionate about working with her patients to provide care and guidance that is tailored to their goals. She values rehabilitation exercise, patient education, and strength and conditioning. Ellie has a special interest in pelvic health which includes treating females and males for urinary incontinence, post-prostatectomy incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, and labour and delivery preparation. She is licensed to provide pelvic floor physiotherapy. She has completed additional post-graduate training in pelvic floor rehabilitation, management of female athletes, management of the pregnant and postpartum female athlete, as well as modern management of the older adult. In her spare time, Ellie enjoys CrossFit and spending time outdoors.
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What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?Pelvic floor muscles are just like any other muscle. They need to be restored after labour. Physiotherapy can play an important role in pelvic floor and abdominal rehabilitation after childbirth. Have goals of returning to running, weightlifting, or sport after pregnancy? Consider getting an assessment so you can return to your goals symptom free.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is for women and men. Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, chronic constipation, painful periods, and pain with intercourse just to name a few. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with these symptoms. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can also help with medical conditions such as vaginismus, chronic prostatic, interstitial cystitis, bladder pain syndrome, or vulvodynia. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can also help during pregnancy. Treatment for pelvic girdle pain, preparation for birth, optimal positioning, and pushing techniques are all ways that physiotherapy can play a role. What Happens at My Pelvic Floor Appointment?
During the assessment, your Physiotherapist will take a detailed history. This will be followed by an external exam which commonly includes assessing posture, flexibility and strength around your low back, hips, and pelvis. Afterwards, an external and internal exam may be completed to assess the pelvic floor muscles. This will be done vaginally and/or rectally with women, and rectally with men. While an internal exam will likely be recommended and will provide useful information about your pelvic floor muscles, it is not necessary if you are experiencing acute pain or are uncomfortable with the procedure.
Based on the assessment findings, an individualized treatment plan will be implemented. Treatment may include advice and education, exercises, and manual therapy. |
