Uncovering the Process: What to Expect from a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Evaluation

Are you nervous to get started? Here’s what you can expect from your initial Pelvic Floor Therapy evaluation.

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that can help treat a range of pelvic floor issues, such as urinary or fecal incontinence, painful intercourse, pelvic organ prolapse, and more. If you are struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction and symptoms, we want you to feel encouraged to get the help you deserve. Due to the sensitive nature and area of the pelvic floor, it can often be intimating to go to your first pelvic floor therapy appointment. We get that!  

Here, we will discuss what a pelvic floor therapy evaluation consists of so you can feel more confident leading into your first visit. At EVOLVE, your comfort is our highest priority! Our goal is to identify factors related to your pelvic floor issues, educate about your pelvic floor and its role in bowel, bladder and sexual function, and create a treatment plan that fits your needs and gets you better!  

Step 1: Taking a thorough history   

The very first step in the evaluation is collecting information about what you are experiencing, how it is impacting your life and what your goals are for therapy. Your therapist will ask you questions about your past medical history, prior surgeries, bowel, bladder and sexual function and any symptoms you are currently experiencing. We gather this information to help reveal factors contributing to your pelvic floor issues and determine what tests and measures are most appropriate for the examination.  

Step 2: Examination 

We typically begin with a musculoskeletal exam, which consists of assessing your posture, movement patterns, breathing patterns, range of motion, strength, flexibility, joint mobility, and identifying areas of tenderness. If enough information is gathered during this part of the exam to improve your condition, then treatment can be initiated.  

Often the next step is to perform a pelvic floor examination. If you are not comfortable with this part of the exam, it does not have to be done! We believe that fear and discomfort with this part of the exam should not hinder you from seeking much deserved care. Your therapist will use all the information they can gather to help construct an effective treatment plan for you. However, the best way to understand how the pelvic floor muscles are contributing to your symptoms is by conducting a pelvic floor exam. A gloved finger and lubricant will be used to assess your external and internal pelvic floor muscles, either via the vaginal or anal canal. Consent is ongoing and you will be guided through each part of the exam. Your therapist will assess your pelvic floor strength, endurance, and coordination (timing of your muscle contraction, correlation with breathing, voluntary muscle relaxation and lengthening), as well as assess tissue quality, sensation, tender areas and signs of prolapse. 

Step 3: Creating a treatment plan 

At Evolve, we won’t let you leave without understanding the game plan for moving forward. Your therapist will provide education about how the exam findings tie in with your symptoms and what treatment options will be most effective for you, as well as an estimate of the number of visits and frequency that will benefit you the most. The plan of care is different for everyone, but at EVOLVE, we work with you to determine the best plan that fits your budget and gets you back to doing what you love without the limitation of embarrassing conditions or pain. While the examination may be intimidating, your therapist will do everything they can to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable throughout the process. With the right treatment plan and ongoing support, pelvic floor physical therapy can help you achieve better pelvic health and improved quality of life. 

Ready to get started? 

Click here to complete our registration form so we can gather a little more information about you. Someone from our team will then give you a call to schedule your initial evaluation. We are looking forward to working with you!