What to expect from a pelvic floor assessment?
Physio Labs have female therapists who are specifically devoted to women’s health. Pelvic health issues can come in a variety of forms including urinary and faecal incontinence, constipation, prolapse, pregnancy and post partum recovery, pre and post pelvic surgery and pelvic pain. These issues can be embarrassing, stressful and isolating. It is important to know you are not alone and we have heard it all before!
Scheduling your first appointment with a pelvic health physiotherapist can be a little nerve racking, so here is a run down of what you can expect.
Scheduling your first appointment with a pelvic health physiotherapist can be a little nerve racking, so here is a run down of what you can expect.
So, what happens when you visit a pelvic floor physiotherapist?
Day one is all about trying to get to know you as much as possible. You will have a face-to-face appointment with your pelvic floor physiotherapist in a private, closed room which will last around an hour. Here we begin by discussing what has brought you to the clinic:
Any pain or physical difficulties during intercourse should also be disclosed to your women’s health physio. This information is asked solely for the purpose of correctly examining, diagnosing and treating your injury. It is kept in absolute confidentiality.
After getting to know you a little better, we will begin a thorough external examination of your pelvis and surrounding muscles and an internal vaginal examination. An internal examination is necessary to truly determine the status of the pelvic floor muscles as they are located deep within the pelvis. That being said, you will only be examined if you are comfortable and consent to it.
Day one is all about trying to get to know you as much as possible. You will have a face-to-face appointment with your pelvic floor physiotherapist in a private, closed room which will last around an hour. Here we begin by discussing what has brought you to the clinic:
- Current problem
- Medications and general health
- Urogynecology history
- Obstetric history
- Bladder and bowel function
- Sexual function
- Fluid and diet habits
- Work and fitness activities
- Goals
Any pain or physical difficulties during intercourse should also be disclosed to your women’s health physio. This information is asked solely for the purpose of correctly examining, diagnosing and treating your injury. It is kept in absolute confidentiality.
After getting to know you a little better, we will begin a thorough external examination of your pelvis and surrounding muscles and an internal vaginal examination. An internal examination is necessary to truly determine the status of the pelvic floor muscles as they are located deep within the pelvis. That being said, you will only be examined if you are comfortable and consent to it.
What to expect from an external examination:
- Assessment of posture
- Breathing patterns
- Rectus diastasis or abdominal muscle separation
- Mobility in the areas adjacent to the pelvis
- Presence of tender points within the abdomen, low back, hips, thighs and groin
What to expect from an internal examination:
Your pelvic floor physiotherapist will leave the room and ask you to disrobe from the waist down, get comfortable lying down on your back and cover yourself with a towel. Using gloves and lubricant, we take about 10 minutes to assess:
Your pelvic floor physiotherapist will leave the room and ask you to disrobe from the waist down, get comfortable lying down on your back and cover yourself with a towel. Using gloves and lubricant, we take about 10 minutes to assess:
- Ability to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles
- Pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance
- Observe how your muscles respond to cues like “cough”
- Presence of tender points within the pelvic floor
- Position of pelvic organs and vaginal walls
FAQ's
Can I still come to my appointment if I have my period?
Having your period is not a contraindication to what we do. As long as you are comfortable you can still come to your appointment during your menstrual cycle.
What kinds of treatment will be used?
Treatment could include manual treatment of the muscles, exercise prescription and the use of feedback devices (such as pessaries). Advice about good bowel/bladder habits and daily activity and exercise advice.
How long will it take to get better?
There is no easy answer to that question. Every body and diagnosis is different. Your physiotherapist will work with you to attain your goals, plan of care and anticipated prognosis. But here at Physio Labs, we want you to get better quicker and we work hard to get you there!
Having your period is not a contraindication to what we do. As long as you are comfortable you can still come to your appointment during your menstrual cycle.
What kinds of treatment will be used?
Treatment could include manual treatment of the muscles, exercise prescription and the use of feedback devices (such as pessaries). Advice about good bowel/bladder habits and daily activity and exercise advice.
How long will it take to get better?
There is no easy answer to that question. Every body and diagnosis is different. Your physiotherapist will work with you to attain your goals, plan of care and anticipated prognosis. But here at Physio Labs, we want you to get better quicker and we work hard to get you there!
