What Should You Expect at Your First Pelvic Floor Visit?

You've noticed you're having some pelvic floor issues, so you call a pelvic floor physical therapist and schedule an appointment. This may be unlike any other physical therapy experience you've had before—but I promise, it's not scary!

Your first visit is mostly about your story. We'll start with questions like:

• When did your symptoms begin?

• How have they changed over time?

• What are your goals for physical therapy?

The first day is all about understanding what brought you here. We often start at the very beginning—yes, even that ankle sprain you had when you were 7 years old can matter! Our bodies are incredibly adaptable, and over time we develop movement patterns based on previous injuries, surgeries, pregnancies, activities, and life experiences. Hearing your story helps me narrow down where we should begin with your evaluation.

If you're interested in a pelvic floor internal examination, it is something I generally recommend. It allows us to gather valuable information about how your pelvic floor muscles are functioning and often helps us identify ways to improve your symptoms right away.

That said, a pelvic floor examination is never required. It is always optional, and consent is always ongoing. You are welcome to decline, ask questions, or change your mind at any point during the evaluation.

If an internal examination isn't something you're comfortable with, we can absolutely move forward with a movement-based assessment tailored to your specific concerns.

For example:

• Leaking when standing up from a chair? Let's assess your squat, hip mobility, and foot mechanics.

• Leaking while running? We'll look at your lunge, single-leg balance, hip strength, and foot function.

• Pain with certain movements or positions? We'll evaluate those specific activities and identify contributing factors.

Your evaluation is individualized and centered around your goals. You have control over what your assessment and treatment look like, and everything is optional. I will always share my professional recommendations and explain what I believe will help you achieve the best results. At the same time, it's very important to me that you feel empowered to direct your care and determine what you want out of therapy.

My goal is to work with you as a team to help you feel better, move better, and get back to doing the things you love.