April 22, 2026
According to the IWK, 40 per cent of women experience pelvic floor disorders, yet for many, proven treatment remains out of reach. Today, the Nova Scotia Liberals are calling on the Houston government to follow the lead of other jurisdictions like Prince Edward Island, who is funding pelvic floor physiotherapy through a public pilot program.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is widely recognized as the gold standard for treatment for a range of conditions, including pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, prolapse, and postpartum recovery. However, with appointments often costing upwards of $150, this essential care remains out of reach for many.
“Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a practical, evidence-based solution that could make a real difference in people’s lives and help address the gaps the IWK Foundation has identified,” said Interim Leader Iain Rankin. “When care that could prevent pain, surgery, and long-term complications isn’t affordable, the system isn’t working as it should. Covering pelvic floor physiotherapy is a practical step the government can take right now to improve care and reduce pressure elsewhere in the system.”
Melissa McDonough, a pelvic health physiotherapist and co-owner of Cabot Physiotherapy in Sydney River, has treated patients for nearly 20 years and says that timely access to treatment can significantly improve quality of life, reduce the risk of symptoms becoming chronic, and in some cases, eliminate the need for surgical intervention.
“As a pelvic floor physiotherapist, I strongly support the Liberals in their initiative to seek funding for pelvic floor physiotherapy services,” said Melissa McDonough. “An investment like this has the potential to close a long-standing gap in care by making evidence-based treatment accessible to people who are under- or uninsured across the province. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the gold standard for care for many pelvic floor conditions, including incontinence, pelvic pain, and prolapse. Funding these services is a proactive and cost-effective step toward better health outcomes for Nova Scotians.”
The Nova Scotia Liberals also introduced a Women’s Health Strategy Act during the last legislative session, which called for a comprehensive, province-wide approach to improving women’s health outcomes – including better access to services like pelvic floor physiotherapy.