Physiotherapy

Our commitment to our patients, love of collaborating, geekiness for all things healthcare and passion to go above and beyond.

Our patients range from babies to those fully experienced in life.

We treat “regular” people, high performance sport athletes and everyone else in between in our unique, researched-based clinic.

Our practitioners work together as a 360 team. With patient consent, they work together to provide you with the most comprehensive extended health environment possible.

Book a complementary Meet & Greet appointment today to see if we are the right fit for you.

Active Health Centre is proud to offer a variety
of physiotherapy services

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
for Women, Men & Children

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic health concerns are common, but they are not something you simply have to “live with.”

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, and nerves of the pelvis. These structures play an important role in bladder and bowel function, sexual health, core stability, and supporting the pelvic organs.

Whether you’re preparing for childbirth, recovering postpartum, returning to exercise, supporting your child through developmental concerns, or managing symptoms that are interfering with everyday life, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help.

Leona Ham provides individualized, compassionate care in a comfortable and respectful environment. She understands that pelvic health concerns can feel deeply personal and that many people delay seeking treatment because they are unsure where to turn. Her goal is to help patients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their recovery.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Women

Many women experience pelvic floor symptoms at some point in their lives. While these concerns are common, they are not necessarily normal.

Leona works with women experiencing:

  • Urinary leakage with coughing, sneezing, running, or exercise
  • Urinary urgency or frequency
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Constipation or bowel dysfunction
  • Tailbone pain
  • Core weakness or abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
  • Return-to-exercise concerns
  • Pregnancy-related aches and pains
  • Postpartum recovery challenges

Treatment plans are individualized and may include education, exercise prescription, breathing strategies, manual therapy, lifestyle modifications, and guidance to help patients return confidently to the activities they enjoy.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Physiotherapy

Pregnancy and childbirth place significant demands on the body. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can provide support before and after delivery to help individuals prepare for birth, recover effectively, and safely return to exercise and everyday activities.

Prenatal physiotherapy may help with:

  • Low back pain
  • Pelvic girdle pain
  • Hip pain
  • Preparation for labour and delivery
  • Education regarding pelvic floor function during pregnancy
  • Maintaining strength and mobility throughout pregnancy
  • Guidance on staying active during pregnancy

Postpartum physiotherapy may address:

  • Pelvic floor recovery
  • Urinary leakage
  • Pelvic heaviness or prolapse symptoms
  • Diastasis recti
  • Scar management following cesarean birth
  • Return to running, sport, and fitness
  • Persistent pain following delivery
  • Rebuilding strength and confidence after childbirth

Whether you are six weeks postpartum or several years after having children, it is never too early or too late to seek support.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Men

Men can also experience pelvic floor dysfunction, affecting bladder function, bowel function, sexual health, and pain levels.

Leona works with men experiencing:

  • Urinary urgency or leakage
  • Pelvic pain
  • Constipation
  • Pain related to the pelvic floor muscles
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation, including after prostate surgery
  • Return to activity following pelvic health concerns

Pelvic floor physiotherapy provides a conservative, evidence-informed approach to addressing these symptoms and improving quality of life.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Children

Children may also benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy. In collaboration with families, Leona provides age-appropriate assessment and treatment to help children build healthy bladder and bowel habits and improve pelvic floor function.

Concerns may include:

  • Daytime urinary accidents
  • Bedwetting
  • Constipation
  • Stool withholding
  • Urinary urgency or frequency
  • Difficulties related to toileting routines

Treatment focuses on education, practical strategies, and empowering both children and caregivers to support success at home.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Pelvic floor physiotherapy begins with a thorough discussion about your concerns, health history, and goals for treatment. Assessments and treatment plans are always tailored to the individual.

Internal examinations may be offered when clinically appropriate, but they are never required. Leona will explain all assessment and treatment options, answer questions, and ensure that patients feel informed and comfortable throughout the process. Your consent and comfort are always prioritized.

Coming Soon: Pessary Management and Care

Leona is expanding her pelvic health services to include pessary fitting and management.

A pessary is a removable medical device inserted into the vagina to help support pelvic organs affected by prolapse and, in some cases, assist with managing urinary incontinence. For many individuals, a pessary can provide symptom relief, improve comfort during daily activities and exercise, and serve as a conservative alternative or complement to surgical management.

Pessary care may be appropriate for individuals experiencing symptoms such as:

  • A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area
  • A sensation of vaginal bulging or fullness
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Certain types of urinary incontinence
  • Difficulty participating in activities due to prolapse symptoms

Leona is currently pursuing additional training to offer pessary fitting, education, and ongoing management as part of her comprehensive pelvic health services.

If you are interested in learning more about whether pessary management may be right for you, please contact our clinic. We would be happy to answer your questions and provide updates regarding the availability of this service. Please email Leona at her private and confidential email: leona@activebalancehealth.ca

Compassionate Care, Individualized Support

Leona has a sincere and empathetic approach toward all of her patients. Exercise and activity are important to her, and she understands the frustrations that can arise when pelvic health concerns begin to affect work, parenting, relationships, sport, or the activities you enjoy most.

Her goal is to help patients better understand their bodies, regain confidence in movement, and return to the activities that matter most to them. Through education, individualized treatment, and ongoing support, Leona works collaboratively with each patient to develop a plan that aligns with their unique goals and lifestyle.

You do not have to navigate these concerns alone. Support is available, and help can make a meaningful difference.

Pelvic Health refers to the function and well-being of the muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, nerves, and organs located within the pelvis. These structures work together to support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs while also playing an important role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, breathing, posture, and core stability.

When the pelvic floor is functioning well, most people don’t think about it. However, changes related to pregnancy and childbirth, surgery, aging, injury, chronic straining, high-impact activity, or other medical conditions can contribute to pelvic health concerns.

Pelvic health physiotherapy can help address symptoms such as urinary leakage, urgency, pelvic pain, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, pain with intimacy, and difficulties returning to exercise or everyday activities. Through assessment, education, and individualized treatment, pelvic health physiotherapy aims to improve function, reduce symptoms, and help people return to the activities that matter most to them.

Pelvic health concerns can affect women, men, and children at any stage of life. Seeking support early can often improve outcomes and provide reassurance, education, and practical strategies for long-term wellness.

Pelvic health physiotherapy supports people of all ages and genders, but the reasons for seeking care and the treatment approaches may differ.

Women’s pelvic health often focuses on concerns related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, bowel dysfunction, and returning to exercise or daily activities with confidence. However, pelvic floor concerns can arise at any stage of life. From adolescence and the onset of menstruation to the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help address symptoms, improve function, and support long-term pelvic health and quality of life.

Men’s pelvic health may address pelvic pain, bladder and bowel concerns, urinary leakage, post-surgical rehabilitation (such as after prostate surgery), and returning to work, sport, and other meaningful activities.

Children’s pelvic health focuses on helping children and families manage concerns such as bedwetting, daytime accidents, constipation, stool withholding, urinary urgency or frequency, and developing healthy bladder and bowel habits. Treatment is age-appropriate, family-centred, and designed to help children feel comfortable and successful.

Although the symptoms and life stages may be different, the goal remains the same: to improve function, reduce discomfort, build confidence, and help each person participate fully in the activities that matter most to them.

For women receiving pelvic floor physiotherapy, an internal pelvic examination is often recommended because it provides valuable information about how the pelvic floor muscles are functioning. It can help assess muscle strength, coordination, endurance, areas of tension or tenderness, scar tissue, and how the pelvic floor works in relation to the core which provides more solutions to your symptoms and goals.

That said, an internal examination is never mandatory. Your comfort, preferences, and informed consent are always respected. Leona will explain the purpose of the examination, what it involves, and answer any questions you may have before proceeding. You always have the option to decline, postpone, or withdraw consent at any point during the assessment or treatment session.

If you choose not to have an internal examination, there are still many ways Leona can assess and support your pelvic health. External assessment, education, movement analysis, breathing strategies, exercise prescription, and other treatment approaches can still provide meaningful benefit.

Many people wonder whether they can attend pelvic floor physiotherapy while they are menstruating. Yes, you can still have an internal examination during your period if you are comfortable doing so. Some patients prefer to proceed as planned, while others choose to reschedule. There is no right or wrong choice — what matters most is that you feel comfortable.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a collaborative process. Leona is committed to creating a safe, respectful environment where patients feel informed, supported, and in control of their care every step of the way.

No. You do not need a referral from a physician or other healthcare provider to book an appointment for pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Many patients choose to self-refer when they are experiencing symptoms such as bladder leakage, pelvic pain, prolapse concerns, bowel dysfunction, pregnancy-related discomfort, or postpartum recovery challenges. If you have questions about whether pelvic floor physiotherapy is right for you, our team would be happy to help.

At your initial appointment, Leona will complete a thorough assessment and discuss your health history, concerns, and goals for treatment. With your consent, she will communicate with your primary healthcare practitioner (PHCP) to ensure they are informed about your care and to support a collaborative approach to your treatment plan. This may include sharing assessment findings, treatment recommendations, and updates on your progress – when appropriate.

Working together with your healthcare team helps ensure that you receive comprehensive, coordinated care that supports your overall health and well-being.

Please note that while a referral is not required to receive treatment, some extended health benefit plans may request one for reimbursement. We recommend checking with your insurance provider if you are unsure about your coverage.

The short answer?  Whenever you feel ready.

Many people choose to book a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment around 6 weeks postpartum, after they have been cleared by their healthcare provider. This visit can help assess pelvic floor recovery, abdominal muscle function, breathing patterns, posture, and provide guidance for safely returning to exercise and daily activities.

However, you do not need to wait until you are experiencing problems to seek support. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be valuable as part of your postpartum recovery, even if everything seems to be healing well.

You may benefit from an earlier or more immediate assessment if you are experiencing:

  • Urinary leakage or urgency
  • Pelvic heaviness or pressure
  • Concerns about pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pain in the pelvis, tailbone, low back, or hips
  • Pain related to cesarean or perineal scars
  • Difficulty returning to walking, lifting, running, or exercise
  • Concerns about abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
  • Questions about safely resuming the activities you enjoy

It’s also important to know that it’s never too late to seek care. Whether you are six weeks, six months, or even several years postpartum, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help address symptoms, improve function, and support your return to the activities that matter most to you.

Every postpartum journey is different. Leona provides individualized, compassionate care to help you navigate recovery with confidence and develop a plan that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and stage of motherhood.

Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can often help even if symptoms have been present for a long time.

Many people live with concerns such as bladder leakage, pelvic pain, urgency, constipation, or a feeling of heaviness for years before seeking care. Over time, these symptoms may become something you adapt to or work around, but that does not mean they cannot be improved.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on identifying the contributing factors behind your symptoms and addressing them through a combination of education, movement assessment, exercise, manual therapy when appropriate, and practical strategies that fit your daily life. Because the pelvic floor is connected to the rest of the body, treatment often also considers breathing patterns, core function, posture, load management, and activity habits.

Even long-standing symptoms can change with the right approach. Progress may take time, but many patients experience meaningful improvements in comfort, confidence, and function.

Leona works with patients at all stages of their journey—from recent onset symptoms to concerns that have been present for years. Her goal is to help you better understand your body and give you tools that support lasting change, so you can return to the activities and routines that matter most to you.

For more information about Leona and pelvic floor treatments, click HERE.

Pediatric Physiotherapy

Pediatric Physiotherapy

Children grow, develop, and move at their own pace. Sometimes they simply need reassurance that they are on track, while other times they benefit from extra support to help them build strength, coordination, confidence, and age-appropriate movement skills.

Tracy enjoys working with infants, children, and their families to assess movement patterns, address developmental concerns, and create individualized treatment plans that fit naturally into everyday life. Sessions are designed to be engaging, play-based, and family-centred, empowering both children and their caregivers throughout the process.

Conditions Tracy Treats

  • Torticollis
  • Plagiocephaly
  • Gross motor delay
  • Milestone check-ups
  • Gait assessments
  • Congenital conditions
  • Neuromotor and neuromuscular conditions

Who Benefits from Pediatric Physiotherapy?

The short answer? Almost any child can benefit from an assessment.

Parents often seek pediatric physiotherapy when they have questions about their child’s movement, development, or physical abilities. Whether your child has a specific diagnosis, has experienced an injury, is struggling to keep up with peers physically, or you simply want reassurance that they are meeting developmental milestones, Tracy can help.

Some reasons families may seek pediatric physiotherapy include:

  • Concerns about rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking milestones
  • Preference for looking or turning to one side
  • Flat spots on the head (plagiocephaly)
  • Frequent tripping, toe walking, or unusual walking patterns
  • Delays in running, jumping, climbing, or other gross motor skills
  • Coordination or balance concerns
  • Recovery following injury or surgery
  • Support related to congenital, neuromotor, or neuromuscular conditions
  • A desire for a professional assessment and guidance for healthy movement development

Every child is unique. Tracy works collaboratively with families to identify goals that are meaningful to them and provides practical strategies and home activities that support progress beyond the clinic setting.

Sometimes parents leave with peace of mind and reassurance. Other times, early intervention can make a significant difference in helping children develop the skills they need to participate confidently in play, school, sports, and everyday activities.

High-Performance Athlete Physiotherapy

As an experienced physiotherapist working with high-performance athletes, Tracy understands the unique physical demands of competitive sport. Whether recovering from an injury, preparing for a competition season, or striving to improve performance, athletes benefit from individualized care that reflects the specific requirements of their sport.

Tracy’s approach includes:

  • Injury prevention and management
  • Sport-specific rehabilitation programs
  • Performance enhancement through tailored exercise prescription
  • Functional movement assessments to identify strengths and areas for improvement
  • Return-to-sport planning and progression
  • Collaboration with coaches, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to support the athlete as a whole

Her goal is to help athletes move efficiently, recover effectively, and perform with confidence while minimizing the risk of future injury.

  • Detailed history taken from the child and parent
  • A movement assessment will look at range of motion, strength, and function. A lot of this assessment will be done through play, games, and obstacle courses. We like to have FUN!

Tracy has been working in pediatrics since 2015. Some additional courses she has taken include:

  • Plagiocephaly & Torticollis
  • Toe Walking
  • Pediatric Gait Assessment
  • Functional Dry Needling
  • Primitive Reflexe Cuevas Medek Exercise (CME) Level 1
  • Primitive Reflexes: Strategies to Promote Integration
  • Pediatric K Taping

  • Parents are welcome (and encouraged) to come to the appointment. Consent is always asked for from both the parent and the child.

  • 15 minute complimentary Meet & Greet appointments are done by a phone call. Use this time to ask the physiotherapist questions to see if they are the right fit for your child. Please note, there is no assessment during this phone call.

To learn more about Tracy Banister, please click HERE.

Sport and Orthopedic Physiotherapy

“Many people assume physiotherapy is only for athletes. You don’t have to be training for a marathon to benefit from physiotherapy.” – O.P.

Orthopedic Physiotherapy focuses on assessing, treating, and preventing injuries and conditions affecting muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a longstanding injury, dealing with aches and pains from everyday life, or trying to return to the activities you love, physiotherapy can help restore movement, improve strength, and build confidence in your body’s ability to function well.

At Active Balance, our physiotherapists, Tracy Banister and Leona Ham, understand the many demands people place on their bodies. From athletes training for their next event, to busy parents, active retirees, office workers, and those whose jobs involve repetitive or physically demanding tasks, they recognize that every person’s goals are different. Their treatment plans reflect that understanding.

Physiotherapy treatment may include hands-on manual therapy, individualized exercise prescription, education, movement retraining, therapeutic modalities, and practical strategies to support recovery and prevent future injury. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, Tracy and Leona work to identify contributing factors and address the underlying issues affecting function and performance.

One of the things our patients value most is time.

When you book an hour-long physiotherapy appointment, you spend that full hour one-on-one with your physiotherapist. This allows for thorough assessments, meaningful conversations, hands-on treatment when appropriate, and the opportunity to develop a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.

With decades of combined clinical experience, Tracy and Leona bring both expertise and compassion to their work. They understand that pain and injury can impact every aspect of life, and they strive to help patients navigate recovery with encouragement, evidence-informed care, and realistic strategies that empower them throughout the rehabilitation process.

Examples of conditions treated, such as:

  • Shoulder injuries and rotator cuff pain
  • Knee pain and ligament injuries
  • Hip pain
  • Running injuries
  • Tendinopathies (Achilles, tennis elbow, etc.)
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation
  • Arthritis management
  • Neck and back pain

As part of a multidisciplinary clinic, our physiotherapists work closely with other healthcare providers within the clinic including chiropractors, massage therapists, and other members of our team. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive coordinated care that supports both immediate recovery and long-term health and wellness.

Our goal is simple: to help you move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities that matter most to you.