What to Expect at Your First Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Visit
First Evaluation
We get it. You are a bit worried about having a stranger all up in “there” figuring out how your pelvic
floor functions. We know how dreadful it is to make that first appointment. But I’m here to tell you
what to expect. First off, you can BET your therapist will get to know you a little and explain
EVERYTHING that is about to happen before they do anything. We will show you an anatomy
model, tell you what we are looking for and why we are doing it. After, if you still feel nervous, we will
hold off the internal assessment for another visit.
What to Expect During the Internal Assessment
The therapist will use one gloved finger to feel your pelvic floor muscles and measure how well they
work. Usually the pelvic floor muscles are felt vaginally, but occasionally it is necessary to feel and
measure the muscles via the anus (especially if the pain is in the anus, rectum, or tailbone, issues
with constipation or bowel control).
If you have ANY questions or concerns about the assessment, please share them with your
physical therapist, or call ahead of time. We would love to chat with you about it first.
Treatment Sessions
After initial evaluation the therapist will create a program specifically for you. May include:
• Education about anatomy, how components work together, how habits and hygiene can affect
symptoms.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises to contract and relax muscles; and to stretch tight muscles, strengthen
weak ones, and improve flexibility.
• Manual Therapy such as hands on massage or stretching.
• Biofeedback allows you to “see” how your pelvic floor muscles are working using electrodes that
display on a monitor.
• Electrical Stimulation is a low voltage electrical current to teach muscles how to contract.
• Vaginal Dilators are tube shaped plastic devices used to relax muscles allowing easier
penetration.
Anatomy
The pelvic floor consists of three layers of
muscle in a bowl shape that sits in your pelvic
girdle. These muscles support the pelvic
organs, assist in bowel and bladder control, and
contribute to sexual
functions. Pelvic floor
dysfunction is the inability to correctly contract
(tighten) or relax these muscles. This may be
due to over or under use of these muscles
causing them to be tight, spastic or weak.
