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What to Expect At Your First Pelvic PT

Are you considering pelvic floor physical therapy but feeling nervous about your first visit? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll walk you through what to expect during your first visit to pelvic floor physical therapy.

Your first visit will likely involve filling out some paperwork, including a health history form. This will help your physical therapist get a better understanding of your medical history and any current symptoms you may be experiencing. Your physical therapist will also ask you a series of questions to gather more information about your condition and determine if you are appropriate for pelvic floor physical therapy. This may include questions about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits.

Your physical therapist will likely spend time educating you on the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor muscles, as well as any conditions or symptoms you may be experiencing. This will help you better understand what's going on in your body and how physical therapy can help. Your physical therapist will also give you space to ask any questions you may have about the treatment process, what to expect, and any concerns you may have.

Based on your assessment and symptoms, your physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. This may include exercises to strengthen and/or relax your pelvic floor muscles, manual therapy techniques, and behavioral modifications. Your physical therapist will also discuss any potential risks or side effects associated with pelvic floor physical therapy, and what steps they will take to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the treatment process.

During your first visit, you may receive hands-on treatment from your physical therapist. This may involve manual therapy techniques, such as massage or stretching, to release tension in your pelvic floor muscles. Your physical therapist will likely recommend follow-up appointments to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. The frequency of these appointments will depend on your individual needs and goals.

The 5 Stages On Your First Pelvic Physical Therapy Visit

  1. Paperwork and Assessment
  2. Your first visit will likely involve filling out some paperwork, including a health history form. This will help your physical therapist get a better understanding of your medical history and any current symptoms you may be experiencing. You will also undergo a physical assessment, which may involve external and internal exams to evaluate the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles.

  3. Education
  4. Your physical therapist will likely spend time educating you on the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor muscles, as well as any conditions or symptoms you may be experiencing. This will help you better understand what's going on in your body and how physical therapy can help.

  5. Treatment Plan
  6. Based on your assessment and symptoms, your physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. This may include exercises to strengthen and relax your pelvic floor muscles, manual therapy techniques, and behavioral modifications.

  7. Hands-on Treatment
  8. During your first visit, you may receive hands-on treatment from your physical therapist. This may involve manual therapy techniques, such as massage or stretching, to release tension in your pelvic floor muscles.

  9. Follow-up Appointments
  10. Your physical therapist will likely recommend follow-up appointments to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. The frequency of these appointments will depend on your individual needs and goals.

Before you leave, your therapist will probably provide you with a home exercise program which will consist of different behavioral changes and exercises to work on until you see them again.

In summary, your first visit to pelvic floor physical therapy will involve a thorough assessment, education, personalized treatment plan, hands-on treatment, and follow-up appointments. While it may feel intimidating at first, remember that your physical therapist is there to support you every step of the way. With their guidance and expertise, you can start to regain control of your pelvic floor muscles and improve your quality of life.

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