What Should You Expect at Your First Pelvic Floor Visit?

A closer look

Small shifts can change how you feel.

You have noticed pelvic floor concerns, called a pelvic floor physical therapist, and scheduled an appointment. This may be unlike any other physical therapy experience you have had before, but I promise, it is not scary. Your first visit is mostly about your story. We will start with questions like when your symptoms began, how they have changed over time, and what your goals are for physical therapy.

The first day is all about understanding what brought you here. We often start at the very beginning, because even an ankle sprain from years ago 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 narrow down where to begin with your evaluation.

If you are interested in a pelvic floor internal examination, it is something I generally recommend. It can provide valuable information about how your pelvic floor muscles are functioning and often helps identify ways to improve symptoms right away. That said, an internal examination is never required. It is always optional, consent is always ongoing, and you are welcome to decline, ask questions, or change your mind at any point during the evaluation.

If an internal examination is not something you are comfortable with, we can absolutely move forward with a movement-based assessment tailored to your concerns. For leaking when standing up from a chair, we may assess your squat, hip mobility, and foot mechanics. For leaking while running, we can look at your lunge, single-leg balance, hip strength, and foot function. For pain with certain movements or positions, we 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 is 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.