The Road to Rehabilitation and Recovery
Over the course of most pregnancies, a mother is nurtured and supported by a myriad of healthcare professionals. She is examined, monitored, and carefully taught what to expect as her pregnancy progresses. Once the baby is born, though, that same mother is usually sent home with nothing more than an ice pack and a handful of maxi-pads. She is told to “enjoy the baby” and is left to manage the uphill climb of recovery entirely on her own. She is conditioned to believe that things like incontinence, painful intercourse, and diastasis recti (often called “mom pooch”) are the price she has to pay for motherhood.
It is my belief that we can (and should) do better for these women. We have a responsibility to treat these beautiful, life-giving beings with the respect they deserve. As a mother of two myself, I know what a transformative experience giving birth is. I also know that without pelvic floor and deep core rehabilitation, true healing would have been impossible for me.
My program is an evidence-based, progressive 8-12 week (depending on patient comfort and ability) series. I use breath-work and exercise to target the muscles of both the deep core and pelvic floor. I am committed to being non-invasive and trauma-informed, which means that my patients are fully clothed at all times and our work is entirely external. I focus on strengthening weak, injured muscles and I re-introduce containment and control throughout the body. My patients are supported and empowered as we work together to improve function, reduce pain and restore confidence.
Much of the focus of pelvic floor and deep core rehabilitation is on postpartum women, yes, but it doesn’t stop there. Since pelvic floor and deep core issues arise most typically from trauma, and childbirth is just one type of trauma, not all of my patients are mothers. Trauma can mean anything from sexual assault to repetitive stress injuries from sports like horseback riding. Regardless, my goal is always to nurture women and girls on their path to sustainable, lifelong wellness. It is not just a privilege, but an absolute joy!
Curious whether or not pelvic floor rehabilitation might be right for you? Click here to book a complimentary meet and greet with Dr. Lindsay.
Dr. Lindsay Giovos earned her Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours Specialization, Minor in Rehabilitation Science) from Western University. She was then awarded her Doctor of Chiropractic after completing four years of study at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Dr. Lindsay is a member in good standing with both the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors and the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is a proud recipient of the Governor General's Medal of Distinction and has volunteered extensively with Calgary’s inter-agency hospice.
As an ally and an advocate, Dr. Lindsay believes in communicative, collaborative care for all. Her evidence-based practice includes chiropractic manipulation, mobilization, education, rehabilitation, and soft tissue therapy. She has a special interest in women’s health and works tirelessly to empower her patients in their lifelong wellness. It is Dr. Lindsay's privilege to support women from puberty, to pregnancy, to postpartum and beyond. She also offers safe, nurturing treatments for babies and children of any age.
Dr. Lindsay has completed her GrowCo postnatal rehabilitation and recovery training; she is committed to holding space for women at all stages of motherhood. She is also working to qualify as both a birth doula and a postpartum doula with DONA International. Dr. Lindsay lives in Cochrane with her two children and can usually be found crafting, gardening, or practicing yoga.
