Schedule 1 hour and 15 minutes: Our Pelvic Health Assessment takes 1 hour in order to obtain all the information we need and perform the assessment. Paperwork before the assessment takes approximately 15 minutes.
Paperwork on arrival: Arriving with plenty of time, minimum 15 minutes beforehand, is recommended. We ensure that we collect the depth of information needed in order to begin our assessment, as well as ensure we are receiving consent for the assessment. Many clients prefer to use the washroom before their pelvic assessment or treatment, so make sure to factor in time to do that as well. We understand a pelvic health appointment may be uncomfortable and unknown, and therefore having enough time to prepare for the assessment once at the clinic is highly recommended. We strive to make this as comfortable an experience as it can be and to minimize feelings of being tense and rushed.
You will be ushered to one of our private rooms: Once the paperwork is complete, we will show you to one of our private rooms where you will shortly wait for your physiotherapist to begin the assessment.
The assessment begins with a discussion: Your physiotherapist will enter the room and introduce themselves and describe the assessment. Your physiotherapist will ask relevant information to help guide a diagnosis. Both you and your physiotherapist with collaborate on goals for treatment and decide on a treatment plan.
Expect an internal exam: Due to the nature of the conditions and structures involved pelvic floor physiotherapy, an internal exam is often a component of this appointment. At any point you may change your mind and decide to continue with an external exam only, or to stop the assessment altogether.
During the exam: The physiotherapist will assess for strength and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, the integrity of the structures (such as assessing for prolapse), adhesions in muscles, ligaments or other soft tissues, and overall function.
After the assessment: Your physiotherapist will explain the findings of the assessment and what it means for future care. You and your physiotherapist will collaborate on treatment goals and decide on a plan, including exercises for homework, treatment schedule, and whether other follow-ups or referrals are needed. Communication is key!- before and after the appointment,
Take pride that you took this step in looking after your pelvic health, and health and well-being as a whole. On average it takes 6.5 years for women to bring their pelvic health concerns to their doctor or other healthcare professional. No matter how long it took to you, we are always supportive and understanding as we know there are many different factors at play for each person. We aim to decrease the stigma of receiving care for pelvic health concerns, and seek to emphasize the importance of pelvic healthcare.
What to Expect at a Pelvic Health Appointment
Updated: Oct 30, 2023
Comments