Thrive Services

Pelvic Health & Orthopedic Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy

Robyn has extensive training in both orthopedic and pelvic health physiotherapy. Her clinical focus is not on sports injuries, however, she does have extensive training in treating chronic issues and pain.  Using a trauma-informed approach, Robyn provides physiotherapy care while taking a holistic, whole human approach.  She will use a variety of techniques including myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, visceral mobilization, mindfulness, yoga, breathing, lifestyle modifications, acupuncture, strength training, and nervous system regulation.

Orthopedic Physiotherapy
Robyn can help you with pain or musculoskeletal concerns that have been sticking around for more than 6 wks.  She has a special interest in helping those that are experiencing stress.

Here are some concerns that orthopedic physiotherapy with Robyn can help with:

  • Dizziness, vertigo, and BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
  • Headaches or migraines
  • TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) disorders and jaw pain
  • Scar tissue management
  • Low back, hip, and pelvic girdle pain and tightness
  • Foot pain and plantar fasciitis
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Sciatic symptoms
  • Chronic or persistent pain

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Robyn has taken extensive additional training in order to be rostered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario to perform the act of internal assessment/treatment of pelvic musculature. She has specialized training in pelvic pain, female hormonal health, pregnancy, postpartum healing, and labour and birth.  As such, she only treats clients that have a vagina.

If you choose to include an internal pelvic exam as part of your treatment plan and you have a vagina, Robyn can do this to check how your pelvic floor is functioning.  This would include assessing any pain, the tension in your muscles, the strength of your muscles, how your pelvic floor moves with your breath, and how your pelvic floor moves with your core engagement.

Here are some concerns that pelvic physiotherapy with Robyn can help with: 

  • Rectus diastasis or diastasis rectus abdominis 
  • Urinary incontinence, frequency, urgency, hesitancy, painful urination, and/or incomplete emptying
  • Constipation, straining and/or pain with bowel movements, hemorrhoids, fecal incontinence and/or urgency
  • Unexplained or unresolved pain in your low back, pelvic region, hips, genital area, tailbone, or rectum
  • Pain during or after penetration, orgasm, or sexual stimulation (including dyspareunia and vaginismus)
  • Pelvic girdle pain (including vulvodynia, sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, and pubic symphysis dyfunction)
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome
  • Pudendal nerve irritation (neuralgia)
  • Education on helpful, evidence-based positions and pain management techniques for birth
  • Improved body awareness of how to relax and release your pelvic floor
  • Breathing and pain management techniques for labour and pushing
  • Scar and incision healing and management
  • Rehabilitation of pelvic floor muscles and core coordination

What to Expect at Your Appointment:

Your assessment will begin with an extensive review of your health history, lifestyle, current concerns, and your goals. Robyn will then go through some helpful education on what you’re concerned about, as well as some lifestyle modifications.  She will also then set you up with some exercises to start at home.  Robyn uses the Embodia app to send her clients helpful education, videos, and exercises.

Because this assessment doesn’t have to involve any hands-on treatment, it is usually done virtually.  If you’d prefer in-person, that is an option, however, the assessment layout doesn’t really change.

Your second appointment is then typically an in-person appointment.  Robyn will assess your body using a holistic approach.  She will look at various parts of your body to make sure that all possible causes of your symptoms are considered.  Depending on what your concern is, this can include a thorough look at your posture, your breath, your core, your pelvic floor, your pelvic and spinal alignment, and your muscle tension and strength.

Robyn’s treatment approach involves a variety of techniques including coaching techniques, compassion, lifestyle modifications, mindfulness, breath techniques, strengthening, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and hands on treatment.  Her hands-on treatment style aims to be pain free and comfortable.  She uses a variety of myofascial releases, visceral mobilizations, and nervous system techniques to relax and release tension.

Pelvic Health & Orthopedic Physiotherapy Services

Robyn Synnott, PT, Pelvic Health & Orthopedic Physiotherapist

connect with Robyn at: robyns@thrivemassagewellness.com