Pelvic Floor PT- What?!

What can I expect in a Pelvic Floor PT Evaluation?

It can often be intimidating and sometimes even scary going into a pelvic floor PT session not really knowing what to expect. Even though each pelvic PT clinic is different, here are some things to expect in your first session or evaluation so you can be prepared and put your mind at ease.

Evaluations typically last about an hour and a half and are one-on-one with a therapist in a private treatment room. We will get started by chatting about everything that brought you in, and ask you all the questions about peeing, pooping, sexual health, and your daily activities.

After getting all of this information from you, your therapist will talk with you about what your pelvic floor is, what it does, why things are not working and how we are going to help you get things back on track. Yes, we have pictures and anatomy models so that this all makes sense to you!

Then, we will perform an assessment or looks at some of these things:

YES, internal exams give therapists a bigger picture about what is really going on with your pelvic floor and help to check strength, tenderness, tone and tension of each of the muscles down there. Internal exams will only be performed with YOUR CONSENT and your comfort level. For women, this will be performed through the vagina (not with a speculum because this is a MUSCLE check). For men and some women, the exam is done rectally. In some cases internal exams are not necessary or possible, such as during pregnancy.

Following the assessment, the therapist will talk with you more about what is going on with YOUR pelvic floor. They will give some exercises or stretches to start doing at home to help you on your road to recovery.

Your therapist should also ask you about any specific goals that you want to set during your time at PT. Then you and your therapist will form a plan together on your next steps for PT and how to achieve those goals. Depending on your condition, your PT should be able to give you an approximate timeline for your rehabilitation, though it is not always predictable.

That’s about it… See, not so scary now! 😊

The most important thing is that you should feel 100% comfortable, heard, and respected by your PT, no matter what. Seeing a pelvic PT can be intimidating for the first time but is so worth it in the end when you get to live your life without anything holding you back!

If you are searching for a Pelvic PT, then come see us at Breakaway Physical Therapy. Each of our therapists are highly educated in pelvic floor therapy and treat a wide variety of diagnoses. It is never too late to take the steps to get the help you need! Call us today at 410-721-6333. We look forward to hearing from you!