What to expect at your first appointment
Going to your first pelvic floor physical therapy session can be intimidating if you don’t know what to expect, so here’s what you need to know.
First, your therapist will sit and ask questions about any symptoms you may be having, any pertinent past medical history, and general health history. This may include questions about your menstrual cycle, pregnancies, birth, exercise, eating habits, sleeping habits and stress levels.
Then, your physical therapist will observe your standing posture, watch the way you walk, and ask to perform any movements that may be symptomatic. She will also watch the way that you are breathing and ask how you activate your core.
She will then have you lay on the table and perform a physical exam which may include hip strength and mobility, upper and lower back mobility, core function and more.
Finally, if deemed necessary and with your consent, she will perform an internal pelvic floor examination to assess if the pelvic floor muscles are tight or weak, and how the pelvic floor is functioning within the system of the core.
After, she will explain her findings, tell you what is contributing to your symptoms and come up with a treatment plan that is specific and individualized based on your goals.
Do I need an internal examination?
An internal examination is an important part of pelvic floor physical therapy as we need to know if the pelvic floor muscles are tight or weak, but will only be performed with your consent. If you feel uncomfortable about having an internal exam, be sure to voice your concerns to your pelvic floor physical therapist.
How long is each session at Cappuccino Physical Therapy?
Our sessions are an hour long in a private treatment room. You will receive one-on-one, individualized care with a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in treating core and pelvic floor dysfunction. Since we see one person an hour, we do not utilize aides or assistants like traditional physical therapy settings do.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on many things including how long you have had your symptoms, how consistent you are with attending your visits and your home exercise program. If you are regularly attending your visits and doing your homework, you will see progress much quicker than if you are not consistent. Most pelvic floor conditions take a few months, but some chronic pain conditions can take longer to treat.
Why Kegels aren’t always the answer.
How many times have you heard the phrase just do your Kegels? While this advice has good intentions, it is not good advice. More often than not, women have tight pelvic floors. Tightening an already tight pelvic floor can make symptoms such as pelvic pain, pain with sex and urinary incontinence worse. This is why it is imperative to see a pelvic floor PT to find out if you actually need to do Kegels.
What should I wear to my first appointment?
Come in comfortable clothes that you can exercise in. If you are a runner, we want to watch you run!
Can I come if I am on my period?
Yes you can! It's extremely important to be consistent with your appointments and we do not advise cancelling if you are on your period. We can focus on external work and strengthening exercises.
Can I bring my kid/kids to appointments?
Yes of course! We love children and are happy to have them with us during appointments.
Where are you located?
We are located on the second floor at the back of the building in Promenade Office Park.
What results can I expect from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
At Cappuccino Physical Therapy, our goal is to get you back to the activities you love without symptoms. After you have completed your sessions with us, you can expect:
a stronger ability to activate your core, allowing you to get back to Pilates or HIIT training.
no leaking with activity/coughing/sneezing, allowing you to get back to running and jumping without peeing.
improved scar tissue mobility around C-section scar, allowing you to hold your children without pain.
decreased pain with sex, allowing you to enjoy intimacy with your partner.
and so much more!