Pelvic Health & Orthopaedic Physiotherapy

Shilpa Kumar, MPT has a clinical focus in chronic and complex health needs, offering treatment for a wide range of conditions. She has advanced training in Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, Lactation & Infant support, Hypermobility and Ehlers Danos Syndrome.

With a special interest in helping clients thrive through their journey around pregnancy and postpartum, she supports them with preparation for labour and delivery, and a safe return to activities in the post partum period.

Shilpa has 15+years of experience working with clients with Orthopedic conditions such as low back pain, shoulder pain, arthritic conditions, and sports injuries.

Along with her clinical knowledge, Shilpa brings compassion and care to each of her client interactions, ensuring you feel heard and understood.

On this page you will find information on:

• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
• Breastfeeding and Infant Support
• Mastitis and Blocked Ducts
• Infant Physiotherapy
• Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
• Hypermobility and EDS

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of conditions relating to the pelvis and the surrounding muscles.

This includes:

• Pelvic, vulvar and vaginal pain
• Bladder leaks/incontinence
• Prenatal education and birth & labor preparation
• Postpartum recovery with safe return to activity
• Genitourinary symptoms of Menopause
• Digestive/bowel function including chronic constipation
• Painful intercourse and sexual dysfunctions
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Endometriosis
• Men's pelvic health including incontinence, pelvic pain and post prostate cancer treatment
• Tailbone pain/coccydynia

What to expect during your appointment?

All assessments start with a health history and discussion. Pelvic health appointments often include internal pelvic assessments/treatments, where the pelvic floor and surrounding tissues are accessed internally via the vaginal canal or rectum. However, this is NOT a requirement for your pelvic health therapy.

The pelvic floor muscles are only one component of the bigger picture of how your body functions as a whole. Your breathing pattern, abdominal core, and surrounding joints are just as important!

Our pelvic health physiotherapist recognizes that every person has unique needs and experiences, and will work within your boundaries to ensure you receive the best possible care. Shilpa has advanced training in trauma informed care, including those who have a history of physical or sexual trauma, and for vulnerable populations. We respect your privacy and offer a safe space where you can tell your story, and be an active participant in your comprehensive care.

Breastfeeding and Infant Support

From a physiotherapy perspective, breast and bottle feeding is about both you AND your baby.

These appointments can help with a wide range of factors that can affect feeding including:

• Mastitis/Blocked ducts
• Milk blebs
• Torticollis
• Plagiocephaly/Head shape
• Positioning and hold

Your appointment will include a relevant health history, feeding observation, and assessment of baby's neck, jaw and tongue function.

Mastitis and Blocked Ducts

Mastitis and blocked ducts can be very painful and difficult to manage with self care alone. Shilpa offers manual treatments including therapeutic breast massage and soft tissue therapy to help with pain management and inflammation control. In addition, she offers education on prevention and self care to help mitigate the risk of re-occurrence.

Infant Physiotherapy

In addition to feeding support, we offer baby focused assessment and treatments.

Commonly treated conditions include:

• Head shape concerns
• Torticollis, and joint/muscle tightness
• Motor developmental milestones

Treatments include hands-on therapy, guidance and education, and home-based exercise and treatment programs to best support your family.

Orthopaedic Physiotherapy

Orthopaedic Physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of Musculoskeletal injuries, postural conditions, and general biomechanics (body movement).

This includes:

• Acute and chronic complaints
• Sports-related injuries
• Repetitive overuse sprain/strains
• Pre/post surgical rehabilitation
• Joint stiffness
• Balance issues

Treatments include hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization and myofascial release, taping, and exercise prescription. The focus is on educating clients on their condition, ensuring they understand the underlying cause and how to best reach their goals.

Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Joint hypermobility can be local to one area of the body or widespread, depending on the root cause. When a joint moves beyond the range that the tissues are able to support, it can lead to chronic pain, instability and even dislocation. Hypermobility can be related to the connective tissue, compensation patterns, or previous injuries.

Shilpa has advanced training in Ehlers-Danos Syndrome through the EDS ECHO program. She offers supportive treatment options including hands-on therapy, exercise prescription and education. She additionally offers preventative care, pain management and injury rehabilitation specific to your goals.