What is the Pelvic Floor and Why You Need To See A Pelvic Floor Therapist

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (Reg. #3726). Last reviewed July 2026.

Your pelvic floor is a quiet powerhouse, working hard all day, every day.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and ligaments that keep your pelvic organs in place, maintain bladder and bowel control, and assist in sexual function. If the muscles or ligaments become weak, it can affect bladder and bowel control and lead to incontinence (leakage), pain or prolapse. The pelvic floor is so important that in France, all women are given access to pelvic floor physiotherapy after having a baby.

Whether you have changing hormones (hi, menopause), are pregnant or postpartum, or have experienced urinary concerns, the health of your pelvic floor muscles is an important part of your overall health. Pelvic floor dysfunction is extremely common: an estimated 1 in 3 women experience urinary incontinence, and that number increases to 50% in women over 50.

You can benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy if you experience:

• urinary leakage (especially when you work out, laugh, cough or sneeze)
• urinary frequency or urgency
• discomfort during or after intercourse
• frequent nighttime urination
• constipation
• pre and post-natal concerns including labor prep, pain, leakage, tearing or episiotomy
• pain, pressure or heaviness in your pelvic region
• organ prolapse
• endometriosis pain
• low back pain

Before you start doing your Kegels...

The good news is you can get your pelvic floor firing again, but Kegels are not for everyone and could be making your dysfunction worse. Over 1/3 of women perform Kegel exercises incorrectly.

What to expect with Pelvic Floor Therapy:

• A thorough assessment, including health history and, where appropriate, an internal and external examination to assess the health and tone of the muscles and ligaments.
• Manual therapy for soft tissue release, muscle stimulation and improved circulation and mobility.
• Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, hip and low back muscles and improve the communication between the muscles and your brain.
• Balancing hormones, since hormones play a major role in pelvic health and symptoms can be an early indicator of imbalance.
• Education and naturopathic therapies, including nutrition and lifestyle.
• Acupuncture or biofeedback to improve the connection between the muscle and the brain.

Pelvic Floor Therapy is especially beneficial before, during and after pregnancy by helping:

• prepare for labor and delivery with breathing and pelvic floor exercises
• prevent prolapse and/or urinary incontinence
• ease discomfort, pain and leakage during and after pregnancy
• maintain a healthy pelvic floor during pregnancy
• support recovery from post-labour tearing or episiotomy

Remember, you're not alone, and there is support available. Dr. Courtney has completed extra accreditation courses in Pelvic Floor Therapy, and you do not need a referral.

Book your pelvic floor appointment here.

About the author

Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND is a board-licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Somewhere Health. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. Her clinical focus spans hormonal health, fertility, digestion, and women's health, with advanced training in pelvic floor therapy and integrative fertility care.

Book a visit with Dr. Courtney