What to expect during your pelvic floor examination
I am so glad you have decided to take the first step towards improving your pelvic health by booking an assessment. I look forward to meeting you and helping you with your pelvic health concerns. Please read through this brief information letter as it will give you a better understanding of what to expect on your initial assessment.
Your First Visit:
Pelvic Health Physiotherapists have very specialized training in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions. My initial assessment will be 60 minutes long and performed in a private treatment room. In order to best assess, diagnose and treat your concerns, we will go through a detailed subjective history asking you questions relating to your current condition, medications, medical treatments or tests received in the past, your general health, diet and lifestyle. I may also ask questions that may be more private in nature such as bowel and bladder habits and how your current problems effect your sexual relationships. Of course, you may choose how much detail you want to discuss and all information will remain private and confidential.
Initial assessments often include a general physical assessment where we will look at your posture, joint mobility and strength. Following this, with your consent, an internal examination may also be performed.
Why internally?
With pelvic floor dysfunctions, the best way to assess and treat the pelvic floor is internally via the vagina and /or rectum. This is a key part in the diagnosis and treatment process as it allows us to best access the organs and muscles involved. Only a gloved hand is used to assess. An internal assessment gives us the ability to accurately determine the integrity of your pelvic floor and your ability to activate the pelvic muscles in the appropriate activation patterns. If at any point you feel uncomfortable with the internal assessment or treatment, we stop immediately.
Follow Up Visits:
After your first visit I will have recommendations on how to proceed with a treatment program. Typical treatment programs include lots of patient education, management techniques, hands on external and internal treatments, as well as personalized exercise prescription.
Cancellation Policy:
Due to the nature of pelvic health physiotherapy, we book extended sessions with clients. 60 minutes for initial assessments and 40 minutes for follow up appointments. There is a $40 cancellation fee for cancellations made less than 36 hours in advance. If you must cancel, please be courteous and provide as much notice as possible so we have enough time to fill your reserved spot with another client in need. There is no need to cancel your appointment during your menstrual cycle as we still treat during this time. You are welcome to bring your child with you as I understand that finding child care can often be difficult. An email reminder will be sent out 48 hrs before your initial assessment and any follow-up appointments.
I look forward to meeting you!
Andrea Zelibka BScPT, AFCI (Acupuncture), STOTT Pilates Instructor, CGIMS (Gunn IMS)