Pelvic Physiotherapy & Coaching

For pregnancy, postpartum, pelvic symptoms & pain

Toronto & virtual appointments available

Can you say yes to any of the following?

Bladder leaks, urgency, queefs or constipation?
Leak pee when you cough or sneeze?
✓ Take frequent trips to the bathroom?
✓ Pelvic tightness, tension, or weakness?
✓ Poor sexual pleasure, pain or low libido?
✓ Pelvic organ prolapse or heaviness?
Hip, back or pelvic pain in pregnancy?
Abs feel super weak postpartum?
✓ Perimenopause/menopause-related pelvic floor changes?
✓ Lost confidence in your body & fitness?

You are not alone!

Pelvic floor issues and pain are not a normal part of aging or motherhood. Contrary to popular belief, your weight, size or posture isn’t the problem either. Maybe you’ve already seen a pelvic physiotherapist or other practitioner, and they’ve told you to keep doing Kegels and bridges, and to avoid all activities that cause symptoms. Well, I’m here to tell you…

Pelvic health is about more than Kegels, endless pelvic massages, avoiding activities or waiting it out. You deserve better. Let me help you get back to all your passions!

Who is Pelvic Physiotherapy for?

PELVIC DYSFUNCTION

Bladder/bowel issues, pelvic pain, prolapse, perimenopause-related symptoms

  • Stress urinary incontinence: leaking pee when coughing, sneezing, lifting, jumping

  • Urinary urgency & frequency: peeing every hour, going pee just-in-case, latchkey incontinence, dribbling on the way to the toilet, waking at night to go pee (nocturia)

  • Bowel issues: Constipation or straining while pooping

  • Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) rehabilitation

  • Pelvic girdle pain eg pubic pain, SIJ, back or tailbone pain, painful periods and cramps

  • Pain with intimacy or insertion of tampon, menstrual cup, speculum, finger, penis or toy

Postpartum abs and pelvic floor strengthening. Return to running and fitness. Help with urinary urgency, stress urinary incontinence (leaks with sneezing, coughing, exercise, or mom life). Diastasis recti (ab separation) rehab. Manage prolapse.

POSTPARTUM

  • Core and pelvic floor strengthening

  • Return to exercise, running, dance & sport

  • Resolve urinary urgency and urinary incontinence

  • Ease with carrying baby, lifting carseat, breastfeeding, demands of mom life

  • Manage prolapse, pelvic floor heaviness

  • Address pain with sex, return to intimacy with success

  • Diastasis recti (ab separation) rehab

  • Caesarian & perineal scar self-care

PREGNANCY

  • Labour & birth preparation - learn how to push to reduce vaginal and perineal tears, improve confidence, learn key birth positions (don’t just lie on your back!)

  • Prepare for C-section or abdominal birth

  • Manage pelvic floor, bowel and bladder symptoms: urinary leakage, prolapse, pelvic pain

  • Manage low back pain, sacro-iliac or SI joint pain, sciatica, tight hips, round ligament pain, pubic pain

  • Improve sleep posture and comfort

Fitness for pregnancy, postpartum & parenthood. Gain strength & mobility, return to exercise, running, climbing and sport. Injury management for endurance athletes, runners, and cyclists. Prepare for HIIT classes, Orange Theory, F45 or Cross-fit.

FITNESS SUPPORT

For pregnancy, postpartum & parenthood

  • Strength & mobility training

  • Core, pelvic floor, glute and full body strengthening

  • Strength & mobility for running, climbing and sport

  • Injury prevention for runners and endurance athletes

  • Prepare for HIIT classes, Orange Theory, F45 or Cross-fit

  • 3 tiers to choose from - sign up for BASE Plus Fitness Membership !

I offer personalized pelvic physiotherapy in Toronto, and virtual appointments worldwide. You’re not just getting a standard sheet of exercises and a lecture on posture. Learn my signature Breathe, Unclench, Move (BUM) method, simple strategies & key exercises to stop peeing your pants, and boost fitness, pleasure and strength. Because baby, it’s time to move better, feel better and climax better! 😉

Kind Words

“Surabhi is a life saver! I was having issues with incontinence and it was a concern every time I left the house. After one week, Surabhi helped identify the causes of my problem. I saw improvements right away! I was given strategies to help me control the situation. I learned so much about my body and my habits working with Surabhi. I can now go to work, the gym or out with friends without worrying about what might happen. I truly appreciate the personal support that I received and the results that I experienced! I was also left with the skills to continue to put in the work to make sure I continue in this positive direction. It was extremely convenient meeting online. I could schedule my sessions during lunch while at work or at home. I always thought these treatments needed to be in person but we were able to resolve all of my issues from our virtual calls!” - Jenn B.

Physiotherapy Rates

Physiotherapy is available to Ontario residents. Pelvic/Fitness Coaching available worldwide (see rates here).

 

Initial Consult

Comprehensive Initial (60-min): $200 CAD

Follow-up Sessions

Classic (30-min): $120 CAD

Extended (45-min): $165 CAD

Research shows that women who receive pelvic floor treatment remotely (i.e., virtually) present significant improvements in their symptoms, reduced incontinence episodes and voiding frequency, improved pelvic floor muscle strength and improved quality of life compared to women with face-to-face treatment (de Mata et al, International Urogynecology Journal, 2021).

Benefits of Online Appointments

Benefits of online physiotherapy - you save time, more convenient, more privacy to discuss sensitive topics, no need to lug baby around, no need for invasive internal examination.

Top benefits of virtual physiotherapy:

  • Save time

  • More convenient

  • More effective

  • Easier to access support no matter where you live

  • No need for invasive internal examinations

  • Privacy to discuss sensitive topics

  • Backed by research

After only 2 virtual sessions…

“My experience with Surabhi has been life changing. I was seeing another physical therapist for 9 months with little to no symptom improvement. Within a month of seeing Surabhi I have improved both mentally and physically. I actually LOOK FORWARD to doing my mobility and strength work. Our 1:1 sessions are incredibly helpful and she is always there if I have a question in between! I plan to continue working with her through my next pregnancy and beyond!” ~Kayla H.

Client Testimonials

Ditch pelvic symptoms, build strength & move with confidence!

Holistic Approach

“Surabhi blew me away with her strengths-based holistic approach. As a healthcare professional myself I could not have asked for any more professionalism, knowledge, and capacity than in our two visits - which helped to completely address my pelvic floor issues quickly. I had read I should see a physio quickly if you have these issues - and I could not be more grateful for her care. I am not exaggerating when I say she must have made 25 suggestions during our initial consultation that may be contributing to the problem - but it didn't feel overwhelming as we went through each one and figured out how to make it make sense for me and my life. She is special. Thank you!” - pregnant mama and doctor

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Pelvic health physical therapy can help you address symptoms, prepare for birth (both Caesarian or vaginal) and recover postpartum. Here are the symptoms I can support you with:

    —Urinary incontinence and urgency
    —Leaking with physical activities and exercise
    —Diastasis recti and core weakness
    —Pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor heaviness or fatigue
    —Pain in the low back, pelvic girdle, pelvic floor, sacroiliac joint (SIJ), pubic symphysis, or tailbone
    —Pregnancy-related aches and pains
    —Birth preparation and recovery after birth

  • During your 60-minute virtual Physiotherapy assessment, we will:
    —discuss your specific symptoms, concerns and goals
    —discuss factors that impact healing and strengthening such as hydration, nutrition, sleep, stress and mental health
    —evaluate your posture, range of motion, movement patterns, functional strength, as needed
    —put together a personalized plan to achieve your goals
    —prescribe, review and progress exercises specific to your goals
    —if applicable, provide postpartum recovery guidance back to your goals including exercise, return to running, strength training, yoga and sport
    —if applicable, provide pregnancy and birth preparation counselling
    —for in-person appointments, an internal pelvic (transvaginal or rectal) examination is conducted, with consent and if applicable

    —for online appointments, education on a pelvic floor self-examination and self-treatment is done, if applicable (done off-screen)

    You will receive written instruction of relevant exercises and education within 24-48 hours following our session.

    Follow-up treatments range from 30 to 45 minutes. We review changes to your pain, symptoms and injury status, and progress your education and exercise program to help you feel better and move towards your goals!

    For online appointments, I use a private, secure online platform, a version of Zoom specifically for health-care providers. All you need is a device with a webcam and access to the internet. A charged-up laptop or computer device or phone works well. You will receive your Zoom link from Embodia directly after booking your consultation. Embodia is my free scheduling and payment app, and you will also access your exercises there.

  • It’s all good! If you are booking an in-person appointment, your baby is welcome! If you have older children or toddlers, please try to book a virtual visit instead. Virtual appointments make getting help very accessible. Many of my clients have kids (and pets!) hanging out. It’s real life! Your treatment and exercises needs to fit the lifestyle you have right now, not the imaginary stress-free lifestyle where nothing interrupts us. If your life right now has a kiddo running around in the background, let's make sure that your exercises work with your kiddo running around in the background too! I’ve seen clients virtually while they’ve been at home, at work, in the car, in a hotel room, and while traveling.

  • Nope. Physiotherapists are primary health care professionals in Ontario and you can book an appointment with me directly. However, if you plan to use your extended health insurance for the session, it’s recommended you contact your insurance company to find out if you need a referral in order to receive reimbursement. If your insurance company requires a referral, this will need to be done by your physician often before your first physiotherapy assessment. Most insurance companies have coverage for virtual physiotherapy appointments, however you are encouraged to contact your company directly to check.

  • Clients can pay by credit card at the end of each session (extended health insurance companies are not billed directly). Receipts will be provided for reimbursement for you to submit to your extended health insurance company or for tax purposes.

    If you plan to use your extended health insurance, it’s recommended you contact your insurance company beforehand to find out details of coverage or if you need a doctor’s referral in order to receive reimbursement.

    Most insurance companies have coverage for virtual physiotherapy appointments since COVID-19, however you are encouraged to ask your insurance provider as well.

    Virtual physiotherapy is open to residents of Ontario. Please book a Virtual Fitness Coaching session instead if you are outside of Ontario.

  • It is important to me to keep the lines of communication open and to collaborate on any services you may need. I often make referrals to dieticians, naturopathic doctors, mental health therapists, doulas, and lactation consultants, based on your needs and goals.

    If you need imaging or further investigation, I suggest you also follow up with your doctor directly. With your consent and upon request, I can write a letter to your family physician following your initial consultation as well as a complimentary discharge letter.

  • Out of respect for my time, my clients’ time and your own care, you must provide 24 hours notice via email for rescheduling or canceling any appointments. If the minimum of 24 hours notice is not provided or if there is a missed appointment, the full appointment fee will be charged via your credit card on file. Please note that extended health insurance does not cover missed appointments or late cancellation fees. Please do not message me on Instagram regarding appointment changes.

  • I understand that life happens. I also respect my time and I know you respect your time too. This time is reserved for you alone, and the length of your session will not be extended if you are late. I encourage you to keep me informed via email if you are running behind, and I will do the same for you, if that were to occur. If you are more than 15-minutes late and you have not informed me in advance via email, your appointment will be considered a no-show and the full rate will be charged as per my cancellation policy. Please do not message me on Instagram regarding late arrivals or appointment changes. Email me surabhi@thepassionatephysio.ca instead. Please understand that I do not check my email while I am with clients, or on evenings, weekends or while on vacation.

  • Your total financial investment will depend entirely on your goals and your needs. Following your initial consultation, we will work together to make a plan that meets your needs.

    Some clients may only require 1-3 appointments to get them on the right track, and others will attend weekly or biweekly sessions until their symptoms are resolved and their movement goals are met. A minimum of 12-weeks is suggested to allow for strengthening to occur if you have fitness goals. An initial consultation and 3 follow-ups are $560 CAD. If you’d like 1:1 support for a complete 12-20 week postpartum recovery program, I suggest budgeting ~$300-$400 CAD/month.

  • Both are fantastic options! While I offer in-person support, I am also a huge fan of virtual physiotherapy. Why? Because it’s effective! Don’t just take my word for it, let’s look at the research.

    Research shows that women who receive pelvic floor treatment remotely (i.e., virtually) present significant improvements in their symptoms, reduced incontinence episodes and voiding frequency, improved pelvic floor muscle strength and improved quality of life compared to women with face-to-face treatment (International Urogynecology Journal, 2021).

    I use an active and empowered approach to physiotherapy whether providing services in-person or virtually. I have 12+ years of experience as a Physiotherapist working at sports medicine clinics and in women’s health. Based on my experience, effective interviewing and listening skills, and expert clinical reasoning skills, I conduct an assessment. I integrate your feedback, the subjective and objective findings to provide education, and prescribe tailored strategies and exercises appropriate for your needs.

    Passive care, such as hands-on care, machines, acupuncture, joint mobilization / manipulation, and soft tissue release techniques, may provide a temporary therapeutic relief and is often provided in an in-person physiotherapy visit.

    Long-term improvements of any clinical significance are made using an active approach. What you do on your own time in-between appointments matters. You have 10,080 minutes in your week - let's make those minutes count by showing you ways you can move more efficiently, effectively and with ease! All of this can be done in a virtual Physiotherapy session.

    Regardless of how you choose to receive support, you make improvements when you’re able to take an active approach in your symptoms. I encourage you to always do what feels best for you, and to ask any questions as they come up. You can also take a look at my many Google Reviews to see how online Physiotherapy may support your needs.

    Check out my Blog: Top 7 Benefits of Virtual Pelvic Physiotherapy for details!

  • This will vary based on your own strength and needs. We can discuss more on your first visit, but I highly recommend having access to dumbbells. I suggest grabbing a set of 10 lbs (or the weight of your baby/toddler) at minimum. Resistance bands or kettlebells may work as well. Some clients use household items like soup cans or water bottles as lighter weights. Note that for exercised-based treatments, sessions will be done virtually.

Still have questions?