On April 30, a new pelvic-focused physiotherapy clinic is opening its doors for the people of Muskoka.
The only service of its kind between North Bay and Orillia, Physio Works Muskoka is bringing a unique approach to traditional physiotherapy.
Before deciding to open their new practice, Carolyn and Brittany Vandyken practiced out of Ahimsa Yoga studio. However, after the pair saw the dire need for pelvic physio in Muskoka, they knew they wanted to expand their size and have a grand re-opening while expressing the focus of their discipline.
“Pelvic health is a basic human right,” said Carolyn, “When the pelvic floor doesn’t function, the entire body doesn’t function.”
The mother-daughter team both attended McMaster University for physiotherapy and graduated exactly 30 years apart from each other.
After graduating, both Carolyn and Brittany took pelvic floor physiotherapy as a post-graduate training program.
Carolyn has been practicing pelvic floor physio for over two decades and is one of the leading educators in Canada for pelvic health.
Since Brittany joined Carolyn upon graduation, the pair have spoken together regularly at conferences both nationwide and internationally.
Their passion and drive to help people conquer their pain and better their pelvic health shines through whenever they’re asked about why they do what they do.
“We really take the whole person into account when assessing and treating our patients,” said Carolyn. “Addressing pelvic health is important. We want to provide a safe space to connect with the part of your body that you often feel very disconnected to.”
A model and diagram of the pelvic floor help with educating clients
While pelvic physio isn’t solely for women, women are structurally more at risk to pain.
“One in four women and three in four college-aged women experience pain with intercourse. Sex isn’t supposed to hurt, it’s supposed to be fun and pleasurable,” said Carolyn.
The clinic will treat a plethora of issues around their four main pillars:
Pelvic health:
- pain with intercourse
- incontinence (fecal and urinary leakage)
- endometriosis
- constipation
- pelvic pain
- bladder and bowel disfunction
Pregnancy and post-partum:
- pelvic girdle pain
- pubic symphysis
- leakage/prolapse
- labour and delivery
- post-delivery
Breast pain:
- mastitis (when a woman’s milk duct gets plugged)
Persistent pain (pain exceeding 3 months):
- low back pain
- pelvic pain
- hip pain
Cancer care:
- breast cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer
- sexual disfunction
- improving quality of life
Physio Works Muskoka aims to educate and treat individuals who have continuously been told that their pain and symptoms are considered ‘normal.’
“Everyone thinks leakage at a certain age is normal but it isn’t and we can help you conquer it,” said Brittany. She adds that “the average cost for incontinence is $1,000 per person per year in Canada, the average cost with physio over your treatment is $500 total.”
While discussing pelvic physio with your doctor can be an important step in your journey to better pelvic health, a letter of recommendation is not needed for an assessment at Physio Works Muskoka.
“We are happy to say that the medical community has welcomed us with open arms,” said Carolyn.
Their official opening is April 30, and the pair, along with their physiotherapy assistant, plan to hold a formal open house in June to welcome the community and answer any questions Muskoka may have for them.
Physio Works Muskoka will be open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Their services are covered under most extended health benefit programs.
To find out more about Physio Works Muskoka, located at 19 Bickley Country Drive, or to book an assessment, visit physioworksmuskoka.com or call the practice at 705-380-0584.
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