Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
First Visit

Welcome to Trailhead Pelvic & Visceral Physical Therapy for your first pelvic floor therapy visit!
Our pelvic health evaluation can last 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Your story:

We understand how difficult it can be to see a pelvic floor physical therapist (pfpt) for the first time. Some topics can be difficult to discuss but know that we are here to listen and support you through any conversation, no matter how sensitive. We prioritize taking our time during appointments so you can express yourself without feeling rushed.

 

Pelvic evaluation: 

Understanding what is going on with your pelvic floor is the first step toward healing. A pelvic floor evaluation can provide you with valuable insights. Some individuals with orthopedic issues find seeing a pelvic floor specialist to rule out any possible connections to their symptoms worthwhile.

 

Your consent and involvement with the evaluation:

Your therapist can offer an external and internal evaluation, involving you in decision-making about what needs to be evaluated. She will use medical anatomy models or pictures to explain the rationale for each part of the assessment.  You will be fully draped during an external and internal evaluation.

 

External evaluation: 

During the external evaluation, your therapist will address your concerns by evaluating your skin, pelvic nerves, blood flow, symmetry, and strength of the pelvic floor muscles to see how that may impact bowel, bladder, or sexual function. She will also assess other muscles that have a facial connection to your pelvic floor, such as your adductors, hip rotators, or abdominals. Evaluating the position and mobility of your tailbone can give a lot of information about your pelvic floor muscles. In some people, your therapist can tell if your pelvic floor is tight or weak by just looking externally. 

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Internal evaluation:

An internal evaluation can add valuable additional information to the external assessment. Your pelvic floor muscles are like any other muscle in your body. It can be tight or weak, have scar tissue due to a history of giving birth, falls or overuse, or have inflammation in the tendons. During the internal evaluation, we can assess for tender points or trigger points and asymmetry again between the left and right or front and back. We can evaluate if the nerves are causing pain and if you coordinate your muscles correctly when you cough, squeeze, or bulge your muscles. The evaluation could also be done standing or in positions where you experience your problem. 

 

Orthopedic evaluation: 

Your therapist will also look at your posture, how you move, and how you breathe. She will evaluate your hip joints, spine, and the rest of your body because there may be a connection. She will ask about your sleep patterns, dietary habits, and daily routine. 

 

Summary:

At the end of the visit, your therapist will let you know what she found during the evaluation, and together, you will decide on goals and devise a treatment plan that works for you.