What To Expect In Your First Pelvic Health Physio Appointment
Are you preparing for your first pelvic health physiotherapy appointment but unsure of what to expect? That’s completely understandable, but don’t worry – we’re here to help! Getting started on your pelvic health journey can feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect may help ease your apprehension, which is why we’ve created this guide! Here, we’ll outline a standard initial pelvic health consultation and provide insights into the various aspects of your appointment – from the assessment process to treatment modalities and establishing a plan moving forward.
1. In-depth pelvic floor assessment
Your first pelvic health appointment will typically begin with a thorough assessment of your pelvic floor function. Your physiotherapist will ask detailed questions regarding any bladder, bowel or pain symptoms to uncover any underlying issues and provide a holistic understanding of your pelvic health. It’s a good idea to be prepared with a list of questions and track your symptoms if possible – for example, any particular times or situations where you experience pain or discomfort. Remember to be as upfront and honest as possible, even though it might feel slightly uncomfortable. Don’t worry, we’ve seen and heard it all!
2. Internal examination
With your consent, your physiotherapist will conduct an internal examination to assess the strength of your pelvic muscles and any areas of concern. While they’ll do their absolute best to ensure your comfort throughout, there’s also the option of an external exam or ultrasound if you’d prefer not to proceed with an internal examination. It’s best to let the clinic know your preference when you make your appointment so that they can advise whether there’s anything you need to do beforehand (e.g. not emptying your bladder prior to your consultation if you’re planning to have an ultrasound).
3. Education
Ensuring you’re educated about your condition is one of the cornerstones of pelvic health physiotherapy. Your physio will offer valuable insights and share any relevant lifestyle modifications, healthy habits or exercise guidelines they think might benefit your pelvic health. This information will empower you to actively manage your pelvic health, improving your current symptoms and alleviating future concerns.
4. Treatment modalities
During your initial appointment, your physiotherapist may use various treatment modalities depending on your needs. These may include manual internal release (with your consent), external techniques such as soft tissue work or dry needling, and prescribed exercises targeting pelvic floor function. Each aims to address your specific concerns and optimise your pelvic health.
5. Managing expectations
Improving pelvic floor symptoms takes time. Your physiotherapist will provide realistic expectations, emphasising that strengthening muscles and resolving symptoms may require consistent effort over several weeks to months. Also, some conditions may require medical management alongside physiotherapy.
6. Addressing concerns
It’s common for individuals to have concerns before their first pelvic health appointment, particularly regarding internal examinations. Your physiotherapist will gladly discuss these with you, respect your preferences and offer alternatives where relevant. After all, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and supported throughout your pelvic health journey!
7. Establishing a follow-up plan
Following your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will collaborate with you to develop a personalised management plan. This will outline the assessment findings, recommended strategies for managing your condition, and practical steps to incorporate changes into your daily life. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to track your progress and make adjustments to your plan as needed.
Next steps towards improved pelvic health
Pelvic health physiotherapy can significantly improve various pelvic health conditions, from pain to dysfunction. Now that you know what to expect from your first appointment, you’re ready to schedule a time to see our team of Sydney pelvic pain physiotherapists. As specialists in all aspects of women’s health, we’re perfectly placed to help you reach your goals in an environment free of stigma or judgement – so you can book your first pelvic health physio appointment with confidence.
