If you’ve been diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction, you may be wondering what you can expect from your first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment. You may already know about physical therapy for other parts of the body, but pelvic floor physical therapy is different. You are entrusting us with a very private part of your body. It’s understandable, therefore, to feel confused and concerned. Knowing some of what to expect at your first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment, though, can go a long way toward easing your mind:
- You will be there for a while. Pelvic floor physical therapy is not a quick visit, and that’s especially true for your first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment. How long can you expect your first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment to take? First sessions are typically an hour, and subsequent appointments are usually 45 to 60 minutes.
- Even though the session is long, you will have to change clothes fast! Physical therapy day is not the day to wear a complicated jumpsuit. Although your therapist should be patient while you change, you don’t want to spend too much time struggling with buttons or zippers. You need that time for your session.
- You will be expected to talk about your symptoms, medicines and medical history at your first pelvic floor therapy appointment. The night before, it’s a good idea to write down a summary of what brings you to pelvic floor physical therapy. Have you noticed urinary frequency? An increase of pain? Are you leaking? How long has this been going on? Don’t feel embarrassed. We need to know, just like any healthcare provider needs to know about your symptoms. Don’t be surprised if your pelvic floor physical therapist asks you about your sexual activity either! We’re not doing it to be nosy or judgmental. If your therapist is asking, she needs to know. It’s in order for them to understand your symptoms so that they can best help you. There is no wrong answer. Just answer truthfully.
- You will be asked for paperwork and IDs. This is why it’s a good idea to prepare the night before! You should have your driver’s license, health insurance card and a prescription from the doctor who is referring you to pelvic floor physical therapy (should that be required).
- You may feel strange at first, and that’s ok. No matter how lovely your therapist is, having that part of your body explored by someone you don’t know could feel odd. Don’t be afraid to speak up in the session for anything you need that will make you feel more comfortable, whether that is an extra pillow or a fan. (We don’t want to treat your pelvic floor only to hurt your neck with improper support!) Over time, you may find you feel less strange during pelvic floor therapy appointments as they become more routine.
- There will be an external exam as well as an internal one. The external exam may involve your back and hips, among other areas. In addition to an internal vaginal exam, your physical therapist may ask to do a rectal exam. Remember, though, you always have the right to refuse any part of an exam, whether at a physical therapist’s office or anywhere else. This is as true for your first pelvic floor physical exam as it is for your 31st: Just because you approve an internal exam, for example, during the first appointment doesn’t mean you can’t refuse it later on. You are always in control, and you should always let your therapist know if you are in pain during a session!
- You may have homework. You may need to do exercises and work with a dilator. Remember: You are a partner with your therapist in getting better – it’s not just him or her doing the work alone! Added bonus: patients who do their homework get better faster.
- You won’t be cured after the first session. You may have wanted this problem over with yesterday, but you must understand that physical therapy is a process. It’s not the same as taking a painkiller. That being said, the average time spent in physical therapy is 6 to 12 sessions.
I hope this guide has helped. Going to your first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment is a brave, powerful step that can help put you on the path of a more comfortable life without drugs or surgery. You may question sometimes whether to keep going, especially during weeks when you have a setback, but know that it and you are always worth the effort. If you are in the New York area, feel free to contact me for a free phone consultation, so I can further encourage you about starting pelvic floor physical therapy.