It is common to have some apprehension or anxiety about your first pelvic health appointment.

You have may a few questions which is totally normal! We encourage you to ask as many questions

you need to feel fully informed. Here we have answered some common questions about pelvic

health consultations that may help you!

What can I expect from my first pelvic health appointment?

To gain a holistic perspective about what is going on in your body, I will ask a series of questions about your medical history, symptoms you may be experiencing, any previous injuries, toileting habits, sexual function, diet, stress levels and exercise. We will also outline what your goals are for treatment and what you expect to get out of your sessions. We will then go through a whole-body musculoskeletal exam. This may involve some functional movement, balance, postural and breathing assessments, and orthopaedic testing of relevant areas. I will also assess for abdominal separation if relevant. All of this will be done externally. At this stage we will discuss if an internal assessment of your pelvic floor is indicated. If an internal assessment is recommended, I will talk you through exactly what to expect. If you choose to participate, there will be a consent form you will need to sign. If at any stage you change your mind, please know this is totally okay! It is common to not do any internal work on your first appointment so that you have some time to process if this is the right treatment for you.

Do I have to have an internal examination?

No. It is always your choice whether to participate in an internal or not. Please know we can still make plenty of progress without doing any internal assessment/treatment. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable.

What’s involved in an internal treatment and assessment?

To begin the internal assessment, you will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on the table on your back or side. During the treatment you will be always covered with a sheet or towel.

The assessment usually begins with examination of the vulva and pelvic floor to test for any tenderness or tension within your muscles or pelvic fascia. We then begin testing your pelvic floor for its tone, strength, endurance and coordination by asking you to contract and relax your pelvic floor. The information from this assessment helps to build a picture about what is happening with your pelvic floor and lower abdomen, whether it is weak, tight or not co-ordinating as well as it could be. During the assessment, if a muscle or fascia is found to be dysfunctional, myofascial release techniques may be used to help restore normal function. I also look at the whole body and how it may be impacting your core and pelvic floor function. Many factors including stress, breath, nutrition, alignment and trauma have an effect on the pelvic floor and will be considered during the assessment and treatment. Depending on what your goals are, we will create an individualised treatment plan to suit you. Often this involves a specific pelvic floor rehabilitation program tailored to your needs. It may also involve breath work, mindfulness and lifestyle changes to help you reach your goals.

Do I need to bring anything with me and what should i wear?

You should wear comfortable clothes that are stretchy (ie no jeans) I will be asking you to remove your pants, so if wearing a jumpsuit, ensure you have a crop/bra underneath so you can remain clothed from the waist up. If you have completed a bladder/bowel diary, have x-rays or blood tests or any other relevant information please bring these to your initial consultation.

We believe the more we know about our bodies, the more control we have over our health and the more empowered we feel. We are here to answer all your questions so please reach out if you’d like more information on 0493687206 or send us an email. To make an appointment, head to our bookings page.