What to Expect In Your First Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Session
It can be intimidating to visit a medical professional for the first time, especially if you’re uncertain about what the appointment will involve. Today, we aim to discuss what you should anticipate in your initial pelvic health physical therapy session so that you can approach this journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
Reviewing Patient History
During the first part of your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will take your medical history and give you an opportunity to discuss your concerns and objectives. Depending on the reason for your visit, they may ask additional questions to identify other areas that could benefit from therapy. You and your therapist may spend some time discussing pelvic anatomy and prioritize the areas that need to be investigated first. For many patients, this will include an internal assessment of their pelvic floor muscles, but don’t worry – the process will be fully explained before any hands-on assessment begins. You may be wondering what this entails and why you would ever want to do it.
Examining the Pelvic Floor
An internal assessment is the most direct approach to identifying the pelvic floor muscles’ involvement in your primary concerns. It allows the physical therapist to determine the most effective exercises and strategies for you. We use internal assessments to evaluate the muscle’s tone (how tight or loose they are) and assess strength and endurance. Additionally, we assess the patient’s ability to correctly control the pelvic muscles and detect any tissue trauma or muscle spasms. This information is essential in understanding the relationship between the pelvic floor and your symptoms, allowing us to make the most effective recommendations.
Developing Your Pelvic Health Therapy Plan
At the end of the appointment, we’ll review your results and recommend options for treatment. Pelvic health treatment involves extensive patient education and suggestions for modifying movement and behavior. Treatment may include hands-on therapy as well as exercises to complete at home.
Your initial visit will include a discussion of next steps, the duration and frequency of treatment, and time to address any of your concerns. Should questions arise between sessions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance. Knowledge is power, and we aim to provide you with the skills you need to get results.