Your First Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Appointment: What to Expect
Maybe you got a referral from your doctor, or your girlfriend told that she went and it helped her with an issue you also are experiencing. So, you google it and sure enough there is physical therapy for “down there”. Embarking on the path of pelvic floor physical therapy may sound unnerving to some; however, it is a positive and empowering step towards better health and well-being. The most common statement I hear at the end of that first appointment is always “I wish I would have come to you sooner”. If you're curious about what to expect during your pelvic floor physical therapy appointment, you're not alone. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the typical elements of a pelvic floor physical therapy session, providing insights that will help you feel prepared and confident in your journey seeking out care.
1. Listen to your story: There is a reason this is listed as number one and that is because it truly is the most important (and best) part about my job. In a medical system where you typically have 10 minutes with a doctor, I value being able to actually take time to listen to your full story. At Pelvic Roots Physical Therapy we work with you 1:1 for a full 60-90 minutes (depending on your session). Your pelvic floor physical therapist is there to listen, answer your questions, and address any concerns you may have. Another important thing to remember in pelvic floor PT, nothing is TMI. Feel free to share details about your symptoms, experiences, and expectations, as this information is crucial for designing an effective treatment strategy. We take patient privacy seriously and what you choose to share with us is always confidential.
2. Comprehensive Assessment: We take a whole body approach to understanding and treating pelvic floor dysfunction. After a thorough posture and breathing assessment, we will look at your back and hip mobility, strength, dynamic movements and even your feet! The pelvic floor is often not the driver of your symptoms, but a passenger to how the body is working as whole. This means your nutrition, sleep, stress levels and lifestyle are also important factors to discuss and consider when it comes to a treatment plan to address your symptoms. This comprehensive evaluation lays the foundation for a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
3. Physical Examination: A hands-on physical examination is a standard component of pelvic floor physical therapy. After assessing the foundational components to pelvic floor health like your posture, diaphragm, and hip strength, assessing the pelvic floor muscles can be an important component to your evaluation. Our therapists are certified to perform internal pelvic floor muscle assessments which gives us vital information on strength, coordination, tension and overall function of your pelvic floor muscles. Though this part of the examination is done internally, your consent and comfort is our top priority. We understand the delicate nature and history that some may have around the pelvis, which is why the internal portion of an exam is only performed if you want it to be. At Pelvic Roots we care about the creating a safe space and calm environment, so healing can take place.
4. Education and Empowerment: Another principal aspect of pelvic floor physical therapy is education. With the availability of technology also comes a lot of misinformation, especially around pelvic health, diastasis recti, sexual health, etc. We will take the time to explain the anatomy of the pelvic floor, how it functions, and the potential factors that may be contributing to any issues you are experiencing. It is also important that you are provided with clear intentions behind any exercises for your home program so that you feel confident and are an active participant in your own care and are able to make informed decisions about your health.
5. Individualized Treatment Plan: Following the assessment, we will collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include a combination of exercises, restorative positions, nervous system techniques other therapeutic practices designed to address your specific needs and goals. Having an individualized treatment plan is another benefit of seeking out pelvic floor PT. Though online programs and guides can be beneficial, having the personalized guidance from a PT tailored to your body cannot be beat. Our therapists at Pelvic Roots are moms themselves, so we also understand how to integrate home programs realistically into your busy day that will make a lasting change.
6. Follow-Ups and Adjustments: Your journey with pelvic floor physical therapy is dynamic, and your treatment plan may be adjusted based on your progress. Follow-up appointments provide an opportunity to discuss your experiences, address any challenges, and refine your treatment plan to your ensure continued success. At Pelvic Roots we pride ourselves on getting our patients better quicker due to working directly with a Doctor of Physical Therapy 1:1 for a full 60-90 minutes which gives us the ability to address the whole body during each session. Preventative care and wellness is another important part of pelvic health that we are able to provide our clients, preventing pelvic floor dysfunction before it even begins.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a positive and proactive step towards optimal pelvic health. Knowing what to expect at your appointments can alleviate any uncertainties and empower you to actively participate in your journey to well-being. Whether you're addressing specific concerns during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, we are here to support you in-person in Northwest Arkansas or virtually around the world. Book your appointment online with us here. If you need help finding a pelvic floor PT near you search the directory at www.pelvicrehab.com.
In health,
Danielle Khoury, DPT