Cancer treatments can deeply impact the pelvic region, affecting everything from continence and sexual function to pain, pressure, and pelvic stability. Our pelvic floor physiotherapist provides sensitive, expert care in a private, trauma-informed setting to support you through healing and recovery. 

We work with people of all genders and all cancer types. Whether you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or genital lymphedema, you’re not alone — and there is help. 

What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

The pelvic floor is made up of muscles, connective tissues, ligaments, and nerves that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These structures also play a critical role in continence, sexual function, and pelvic stability. When these systems are disrupted, pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can occur — sometimes immediately after surgery or radiation and other times months or years later. 

Common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction in people with cancer include: 

• Surgery to the abdomen, pelvis, genitals, or perineum
• Pelvic or perineal radiation 
• Hormonal therapies 
• Genital or pelvic lymphedema  

These changes can affect anyone and may show up as pain, heaviness, sexual changes, or functional difficulties that are hard to talk about. We create a space where you will feel safe, heard, and supported. 

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help

Our pelvic floor physiotherapist is highly trained in cancer rehabilitation and uses evidence-based techniques to assess and treat pelvic dysfunction in a gentle, whole-person way. We aim to relieve symptoms, restore function, and help you feel more at home in your body again. 

Conditions we help with include: 

• Urinary urgency, frequency, or incontinence 
• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) or genital sensitivity 
• Pelvic or tailbone pain 
• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) - bladder, uterine, or rectal 
• Bowel dysfunction or constipation 
• Genital, perineal, or pelvic lymphedema 
• Muscle weakness, overactivity, or postural issues related to the pelvic floor 
• Sexual function changes after gynecologic, urologic, or colorectal cancers 

What to Expect

We recommend a pelvic floor assessment either before you begin treatment (when possible) or as soon as you notice any changes. Many pelvic symptoms are easier to manage when caught early — but even long-standing issues can improve with the right support. 

Your first appointment can include: 

• A comprehensive discussion of your medical history, treatments, and concerns 
• External and/or internal pelvic floor assessment (if appropriate and with your consent) 
• Lymphedema screening if you’ve had lymph nodes removed or are experiencing genital swelling or fullness 
• Evaluation of posture, breathing patterns, and movement strategies 
• Review of surgical scars and tissue mobility and integrity 

We’ll then work with you to create a personalized care plan, which may include: 

• Pelvic floor muscle retraining and relaxation techniques 
• Internal or external manual therapy 
• Education on bladder and bowel health 
• Education on skin care 
• Gentle exercise to support pelvic stability and whole-body function 
• The use of pelvic tools such as dilators, pelvic wands, pelvic weights, etc.  
• Strategies for managing genital lymphedema 
• Supportive referrals to other services if needed (e.g., dietetics, psychotherapy, compression therapy) 

At Ottawa Cancer and Lymphatics Centre, we understand how vulnerable pelvic symptoms can feel. Our team offers one-on-one care in private rooms with a deep respect for your comfort and consent. Our pelvic health physiotherapist has advanced training in oncology and pelvic rehab, including care for people who are trans, non-binary, or gender diverse. 

We collaborate closely across disciplines to address the broader effects of cancer treatment — including fatigue, scarring, deconditioning, emotional wellbeing, and lymphatic health. If you’re also dealing with conditions like genital lymphedema, radiation fibrosis, or pain from pelvic surgery, we have the experience to help. 

Pelvic floor symptoms after cancer are common — but they are not something you have to live with. Whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, or navigating survivorship, our team is here to walk with you through every stage of recovery.