Bump Physio Co Langley FAQ Hero

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

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What to expect

Many clients are often nervous about coming to their first physio appointment, and we would just like to say, ‘That’s OK!”. This page is designed to answer a few common questions and hopefully make each client a little more prepared to meet us!​​

What is a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment?

A pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment can involve both an internal and external examination of the muscles and structure of the pelvis. Your therapist may perform both a vaginal and rectal exam to assess muscle strength, tone, tension, and overall functioning of the pelvic floor.

Can I have another person present during my appointment?

Yes, absolutely! Your comfort is our first priority and if you would like to bring someone to help ask questions, act as a support, or just be there with you, this is 100% OK with us.

What happens during an initial physiotherapy assessment?

At your initial assessment we will sit down and gather a detailed and in-depth medical history and information around the reason for your visit today. In order to help us find the best approach for you, we may ask you questions about your past medical history, home environment, surgical history, current medications, obstetric history, pelvic health, and treatment goals, etc. The more information you are able and willing to share with your physiotherapist, the more informed assessment and accurate physiotherapy diagnosis can be made. We understand that clients may or may not be as comfortable as us in discussing issues relating to pelvic health, however, we will do our best to ensure you are comfortable, informed, and feel heard during your visit.

Next, we will do a detailed physical assessment, which may include an internal pelvic exam (vaginal and/or rectal) and we will use any relevant outcome measures to ensure a proper diagnosis. With this information, we will discuss your goals for treatment and design an individualized treatment that works for you and help you achieve your goals.

From your appointments you can expect to experience and learn:

√ Hands-on manual therapy treatment
√ Activity modifications and pain management strategies
√ Corrective exercises for your diagnosis
√ Proper biomechanics, postural control, gait strategies
√ How to safely and correctly exercise
√ Client education (lots of it!)

What do I wear for my appointment?

Please wear something comfortable that allows the therapist to expose the area to be assessed and treated if required. For prenatal, postpartum, and exercise rehabilitation appointments comfortable, loose-fitting exercise clothing is preferred.

Do you only treat pregnant and postpartum clients?

NO! Our therapists have training in a range of other areas including Clinical Pilates, manual therapy, sports rehabilitation, and vestibular conditions. They say variety is the spice of life, and we like to mix things up once in a while!

Are your physiotherapy services and clinical pilates covered by my extended health insurance?

Yes, most extended health care plans cover physiotherapy services, including Pelvic Floor Physio and Clinical Pilates. Please check with your insurance provider to understand your individual plan coverage prior to beginning treatment should you have questions.

Do you direct bill extended health plans?

Yes, we are able to direct bill the following providers:
Pacific Blue Cross
Medavie
Green Shield
Canada (Great-West) Life
Manulife, Sunlife
Chamber of Commerce
ClaimSecure
GroupHealth
Industrial Alliance
Johnston Group and;
OASIS.
Please make sure to bring your coverage card and consent form with you to your first appointment.

Do you accept ICBC or WSBC claims?

At this time, we only accept ICBC claims. Please contact us to inquire.

Can I bring my children/baby to my appointment?

At Bump Physio, we are strong advocates for self-care and at times, bringing a baby/toddler/child to your appointment can be distracting and take the focus away from YOUR needs. If at all possible, having someone care for your child(ren) for you to attend your visit(s), is preferred so we are able to spend that time 100% dedicated to YOU.

However, if you do not have anyone available to care for your child(ren), please bring your babe/child with you. We are happy to hold, bounce, carry and entertain your little one as much as we can during your visit so you get the information and treatment you need.

How does the team at Bump support survivors of trauma and abuse?

We strive to foster an environment where clients feel safe and supported. In order to help you feel safe and avoid possible triggers, we ask that you discuss with your physiotherapist how they might make you feel more comfortable and better supported during assessment and treatment.

How often should I come?

After scheduling your initial visit, we recommend booking 2-3 additional follow up visits 2 weeks apart to ensure continuity of care. Your clinician will create a treatment plan with you that meets your individual needs and goals.

What if I can’t make it to my appointment?

Thank you for booking with us! If you need to cancel or move your appointment, 48 hours of advanced notice is required. If you cancel your initial visit within 24 hours of your appointment time, a 50% appointment fee will be taken if you choose not to convert it to an online appointment. If you cancel a follow up visit within 24 hours, it will automatically be converted to an online consult otherwise cancellations and no-shows are subject to the full appointment fee for repeated missed appointments.

What is the difference between clinical pilates and exercise rehab?

Clinical Pilates is an adaptation of traditional pilates, taught one on one by a Physiotherapist or Kinesiologist who has completed specialized, post graduate course work.  It can incorporate specialized equipment such as a reformer, tower or chair, and various mat exercise to release, retrain, strengthen and improve muscle coordination and control. Pilates techniques focus on breath, core strengthening, balance and flexibility. 
 
Exercise Rehabilitation is a personalized, movement and exercise-based program performed one on one with a Kinesiologist. Treatment may include cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility and release work, strength training, core stabilization and breath work depending on the client’s goals. Individualized exercise and active rehabilitation plans may incorporate both rehabilitative (foam rollers, trigger point balls, pilates balls, theraband squats, etc) and more traditionally gym based equipment (free weights, kettle bells, barbells, bosu and exercise balls, etc) into a treatment plan targeted to your specific needs. 

What is the difference between an initial pelvic floor appointment and an initial pre & post natal appointment?

An initial pre and/or post natal appointment is:
Appropriate for clients contemplating pregnancy, in the process of actively trying to become pregnant, those who are pregnant and those up to 1-year postpartum.
Appropriate for clients who may have had a recent miscarriage, stillbirth or those undergoing IVF treatment 
Appropriate for conditions such as: low back and pelvic girdle pain, round ligament pain, scar tissue management (after both vaginal delivery and c-section), DRA, c-section rehabilitation, etc
For clients seeking education and activities to help prepare the body for labour and delivery and to optimize recovery post-natally. 
An option for clients to CHOOSE from internal or external treatment options based on their level of comfort and stage in pregnancy (typically an INTERNAL assessment is NOT APPROPRIATE or indicated before 12-14 weeks of pregnancy, after ~ 37 weeks of pregnancy and is CONTRAINDICATED if the client has been told they’re high risk and have been placed on bed/pelvic rest). 
 
An initial pelvic floor appointment is: 
Appropriate for clients who are not actively entertaining the idea of becoming pregnant or are > 1 year postpartum.
Appropriate for conditions such as: incontinence, (peri)menopause, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, pain with sexual activity, unexplained low back/hip pain, bowel health, endometriosis, and bladder/bowel pain conditions.
These sessions are likely the appropriate choice for pediatric, cis-male or transgender clients (unless they fall in to the pre and post natal criteria above). Additionally, we have pelvic floor appointments for people with penises listed on our booking site. 
 
Both treatments MAY include an internal vaginal and/or rectal examination to assess pelvic floor function but only after a thorough discussion and consent is provided by the client. 

Internal or External: What does my condition fall under? 

An internal vaginal and/or rectal exam is considered the gold standard to assess how your pelvic floor is functioning which makes it the best option for the majority of conditions we treat in clinic. HOWEVER; although beneficial, internal vaginal or rectal exams are not mandatory to see improvements in your pelvic health. 
Conditions that are more likely to benefit from internal examination may include: 
Urinary or fecal incontinence and frequency 
Difficulty starting the stream of urine or fully voiding 
Pelvic organ prolapse 
Persistent pelvic pain
Pain with sexual activity 
Vaginismus/vulvodynia 
Pre- and post-pelvic/gynecological surgeries 
Transition related surgeries 

Conditions that are more likely to improve without the immediate need for internal exam and may be treated externally include:
Urinary urgency 
Abdominal wall and GI dysfunction (ie. DRA, constipation, IBD) 
Recent onset of low back or pelvic girdle pain 
Pubic symphysis pain 
IC/Bladder pain syndrome
Diastasis recti / c-section birth recovery 
Tailbone pain 
 
If your physiotherapist believes that you would benefit from an internal examination as part of your assessment based on your subjective history, or if you’ve opted for an external assessment and are not noticing significant changes or gains in your rehab progress to date, they might discuss including an internal vaginal or rectal assessment as part of their detailed assessment to ensure you are receiving the most comprehensive care possible. 
 
Lastly, if an internal exam is indicated but is not appropriate (ie. pediatrics, high risk pregnancies or pregnant individuals on bed/pelvic rest, individuals who do NOT consent to internal examination for any reason) Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging may be an alternate assessment and treatment option to provide more information about your pelvic health. 
 

Send us a message by choosing a location

  • Send a message to our Langley location

    Langley

    604-649-2867

    langley@bumpphysioco.ca

    8912 202nd St, Unit 120, Langley, BC

    Monday 2:00pm - 8:00pm
    Tuesday 8:00am - 2:00pm
    Wednesday 8:00am - 8:00pm
    Thursday 8:00am - 8:00pm
    Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm
    Saturday Closed
    Sunday Closed
  • Send a message to our Port Moody location

    Port Moody

    604-562-2867

    portmoody@bumpphysioco.ca

    88 Kyle St, Port Moody, BC

    Monday 8:00am - 8:00pm
    Tuesday 8:00am - 8:15pm
    Wednesday 9:00am - 8:00pm
    Thursday 8:00am - 8:30pm
    Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
    Saturday 9:00am - 3:00pm
    Sunday Closed