Gather Physiotherapy is a home-based clinic in Vancouver, BC. The closest intersection is Main Street and East 33rd Avenue. Our exact address is available once you've made your booking. 

The clinic is not wheelchair accessible. You will need to walk down three stairs to enter the clinic. Please let us know if you need assistance accessing our main entrance.

Yes, you can come to your appointment if you have your period. If an internal exam is indicated, it is only done with your expressed ongoing consent. An internal exam is never mandatory and consent, choice, and comfort are paramount at all times, including when you have your period. 

Your first appointment starts with a conversation about your main concerns, your past health history, plus your current goals and beliefs. Then we do the right assessment to address your concerns (this may or may not include an internal exam), which then informs the treatment suggestions, strategies, and plan for you to get better. You will leave your first appointment with a better understanding of what is causing your symptoms, treatment strategies to improve your symptoms, and a plan tailored to meet your goals.

A pelvic health assessment includes a physical exam to determine the factors that are contributing to your symptoms. We may assess the pelvic floor muscles directly (this may or may not include an internal exam), and we may “zoom out” and assess the whole body. This includes assessment of your low back, pelvic girdle, hips, rib cage, and lower extremities. We will also consider your posture, alignment, strength, flexibility, range of motion, movement patterns, and breathing strategy and how they relate to your overall pelvic health.

The conditions we treat include persistent/chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic girdle pain, sexual pain, vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vaginismus, painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, pre-natal and post-natal conditions in pregnancy and beyond, bladder and bowel incontinence, overactive bladder, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, peri-menopause and post menopause symptoms, and pre- and post-surgical care, including hysterectomy. Feel free to email us at becky@gatherphysiotherapy.ca if you’re wondering whether or not pelvic health physiotherapy can help you.

Treatments can range from manual therapy, soft-tissue techniques, education and exercise. Manual therapy means that a physiotherapist uses their hands to mobilize and move your joints to improve pain and function. Soft-tissue techniques target the muscles to release tension and pain, and improve flexibility and range of motion. Modalities like TENS, heat, cold, and vaginal inserts or pelvic wands may be used as well. Our hope is to teach clients how to use these modalities at home to self-manage and progress towards their goals, relying less on 1:1 treatment over time. 

At Gather, we approach treatment through a biopsychosocial lens. This means that the best treatments are ones that address the biological tissue involved, but also the social and psychological context that injuries (and healing) take place in. When we consider all of these factors, treatments lead to more lasting change, improving client outcomes.

Pelvic health physiotherapy offers evidence-based treatment for pelvic pain, incontinence, prolapse, pregnancy-related concerns, and pre- and post-surgical rehab. Pelvic health physiotherapists are qualified to do vaginal and rectal exams to specifically assess and treat the pelvic floor muscles inside the bony pelvis. We also "zoom out" and assess the whole body, including the low back, hips, upper body, and lower extremities. Although these body parts are a long way away from the pelvic floor muscles, they may be contributing to your pelvic health concerns, causing problems to persist in ways you might not expect!

Working on your pelvic health will help your bladder symptoms. There is Grade A, Level 1 evidence that pelvic health physiotherapy is effective for incontinence and pelvic pain. Bladder treatments range from pelvic floor muscle release and exercise (hint: it's not always about strengthening!), behavioural and lifestyle strategies, and modalities to help you feel better. 

Group classes are an excellent way to learn more about your pelvic health concerns without the cost of a one on one physiotherapy appointment. The classes are also virtual, so you can attend from the comfort of home. When you attend a group class, you can see and hear from others, some who may have symptoms similar to yours. There is strength in community, and Gather seeks to provide a safe space for the collaboration and comradery that happens when we learn together. 

All genders are welcome at Gather. We currently only treat clients who are Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB). For folks that are Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB), please check out our Resources page for Vancouver physiotherapy clinic options.

We acknowledge that some clients may have experienced medical or sexual trauma in the past. This makes it essential that we provide trauma-informed care. Trauma-informed care means we acknowledge that our clients may have a history of trauma, and we hold space for that truth throughout the exam. We make every effort to ensure you understand and consent to each step of the assessment, and feel safe and supported throughout the process. Each step of the exam is explained prior to it happening, so you are always aware of what is coming next. You always have the option to stop the exam if needed, and we will support you however you show up. With trauma-informed care, you are an active participant in the exam, your experience matters, and your voice in heard.