Do you feel a little anxious about your first pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment? Worry no more, as we've got you covered! In this blog, we'll explain what pelvic floor physiotherapy is and what you can expect during your initial session. Learn more about the potential benefits, the process, and how to prepare for your appointment. So let's dive in!
Pelvic floor physiotherapy, also known as pelvic floor therapy, addresses various issues related to the muscles, ligaments, and nerves that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. A weak or dysfunctional pelvic floor can lead to problems such as incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and even organ prolapse. The good news is that these issues can often be improved with pelvic floor physiotherapy.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Initial assessment
Your physiotherapist will start by reviewing your medical history and discussing any symptoms or concerns you may have. It's essential to be honest and upfront about your issues to help the therapist understand your needs.
Physical examination
Your physiotherapist may perform a physical examination of your pelvic floor muscles. This can involve both external and internal techniques. The external examination may involve observing your ability to contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles. The internal examination may involve the therapist using a gloved finger to assess the strength, tone, and coordination of your pelvic muscles. It's crucial to note that this examination is done with your consent, and you can pause or stop at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
Developing a treatment plan
Based on the initial assessment and examination, your physiotherapist will design a tailored plan to address your specific concerns and goals. They may recommend starting with simple exercises, posture adjustments, and breathing techniques to help you gain control of your pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic Floor Physio What To Expect Example
Emma began noticing bladder leaks when she coughed, sneezed, or exercised. After doing some research, she decided to try pelvic floor physiotherapy to address her issues. During her initial session, her physiotherapist performed an external and internal assessment and discovered that Emma's pelvic floor muscles were weak and uncoordinated. Based on these findings, Emma began practicing targeted exercises to strengthen her pelvic floor and improve her symptoms gradually.
Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect during your first pelvic floor physiotherapy session, there's no need to worry. Remember, this is a safe and non-invasive approach to address common yet often ignored issues. So, why not give it a shot? If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who might benefit from pelvic floor therapy, and don't forget to explore our other guides on Pelvic Floor Therapy for more valuable information.
