What to Expect at Your Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Evaluation
If you’re preparing for your first pelvic health physical therapy appointment, it’s completely normal to have questions. For many patients, pelvic floor physical therapy is a new experience. Our top priority is that you feel safe, respected, and comfortable throughout your session.
Every part of your examination and treatment is performed with your consent. All activities can be modified, paused, or stopped at any time.
What to Wear to Your Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Appointment
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move easily and can be rolled up if needed. Athletic wear, leggings, or loose shorts and a t-shirt are great options.
What Happens During a Pelvic Health Evaluation?
Your first visit is a comprehensive evaluation designed to understand your symptoms and identify the root cause of your concerns. Each session is individualized based on your needs.
- Detailed Discussion
Your appointment will begin with a thorough conversation about:
- Your symptoms and medical history
- Bladder, bowel, or sexual health concerns
- Pregnancy or postpartum history (if applicable)
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Your personal goals
For some patients, this discussion lasts 20–30 minutes. In more complex cases, the entire first visit may focus on history-taking and education. This ensures your treatment plan is precise and personalized.
- Orthopedic and Movement Assessment
The pelvic floor does not function in isolation. It works closely with your:
- Hips
- Lower back and spine
- Abdominal muscles
- Diaphragm
- Gluteal muscles
Your orthopedic exam may include gentle movement testing, brief muscle holds, posture assessment, and hands-on evaluation to assess mobility, strength, coordination, and muscle tension.
If anything causes discomfort, it will be adjusted immediately. If you prefer not to have hands-on assessment, evaluation can be performed through guided movement and observation.
- Pelvic Exam (Optional and Consent-Based)
A pelvic exam can provide valuable information, but it is not mandatory. Your comfort and consent always come first.
If you choose to proceed, the exam may include:
- External assessment of the pelvic region (vulva or penis, scrotum, and surrounding tissues) using gentle pressure
- Internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles using a gloved, lubricated finger
You may opt for an external-only assessment at any time.
Important Notes:
- For patients with vaginas or AFAB patients: A speculum is not used during pelvic floor physical therapy.
- For patients who menstruate: An exam can still be performed during your cycle if you feel comfortable. If not, we can focus on other aspects of your evaluation and begin treatment without internal assessment.
Your physical therapist will explain each step before proceeding and will check in with you throughout the process.
Your Personalized Plan of Care
At the end of your visit, we will review:
- Your diagnosis
- Contributing factors to your symptoms
- Clear treatment goals
Together, we will create a customized pelvic health physical therapy treatment plan designed to address the root cause of your symptoms—not just manage them temporarily.
Your treatment may include:
- Hands-on manual therapy
- Pelvic floor muscle coordination training
- Breathing and core retraining
- Postural correction
- Lifestyle and bladder/bowel habit education
- A personalized home exercise program
Conditions Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help Treat
Pelvic health physical therapy can effectively treat:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain with intercourse
- Urinary leakage or urgency
- Postpartum recovery concerns
- Diastasis recti
- Constipation
- Prostate-related pelvic pain
- Core weakness
If you’ve been told your symptoms are “normal,” know that many pelvic health conditions are common—but treatable.
A Safe, Supportive Environment
Pelvic floor physical therapy should feel empowering, not intimidating. You are always in control of your care. Open communication, consent, and comfort are the foundation of every session.
If you have questions before scheduling your pelvic health physical therapy evaluation, we’re here to help. We look forward to supporting you on your path to recovery and improved pelvic health.
