Core Focus DPT

If you’re considering pelvic floor physical therapy, you might wonder what the evaluation process includes. Knowing what to expect can ease anxiety and encourage you to take the first step toward addressing your pelvic health concerns.

At Core Focus Physio & Wellness, we prioritize your comfort and education throughout this process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what typically happens during a pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation.

Step 1: Detailed Medical History Review

The first part of the evaluation involves thoroughly discussing your medical history. Your physical therapist will ask questions about the following:

• Past Medical and Surgical History: Any surgeries, chronic conditions, or significant medical events.
• Obstetric and Gynecologic History: For those who have given birth, details about pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum recovery.
• Symptoms and Concerns: This includes incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, or other issues.
• Lifestyle Factors: Information about your physical activity, diet, and stress levels can provide insight into contributing factors.

This discussion helps your therapist understand the broader context of your symptoms, setting the foundation for a personalized treatment plan.

Step 2: External Examination

Following the history review, your therapist will conduct an external examination. This includes:

• Postural Assessment: Your therapist will observe your posture and alignment, which can influence pelvic floor function.
• Movement Analysis: How you move during activities such as bending, sitting, or standing may reveal patterns contributing to pelvic dysfunction.
• Abdominal and Hip Evaluation: Tightness, weakness, or imbalances in surrounding muscles can impact the pelvic floor.
• Foot and Lower Extremity Assessment: Foot structure and function—including arch support, gait, and alignment—are evaluated, as they can influence pelvic floor load and lumbopelvic stability.

These assessments are crucial for identifying external factors affecting your pelvic floor health.

Step 3: Internal Examination (Optional and With Consent)

With your consent, the next step may involve an internal pelvic exam. This is typically conducted vaginally for females or rectally for males. The purpose of this examination is to:

• Evaluate Muscle Strength and Tone: Assess how well the pelvic floor muscles can contract, relax, and sustain activity.
• Identify Trigger Points: Areas of tightness or discomfort within the pelvic floor muscles.
• Assess Structural Integrity: Check for conditions such as prolapse or scar tissue from surgeries or childbirth.

It is important to note that patients can decline an internal pelvic floor examination. Therapists can still gather valuable information through the history-taking process and external observations. These may include assessing the pelvic floor during activities such as contracting, holding, relaxing, or bearing down. At Core Focus Physio & Wellness, we respect your comfort and decisions at every step.

Your therapist will explain each step of the process and ensure your comfort throughout. It is important to communicate openly about any discomfort or concerns during this part of the evaluation.

Step 4: Assessment of Muscle Function

Your pelvic floor muscles are critical in various bodily functions, including bladder and bowel control, sexual health, and core stability. Your therapist will evaluate:

• Coordination: How well your muscles work together during activities like coughing or lifting.
• Endurance: The ability of your pelvic floor to maintain a contraction over time.
• Relaxation: Ensuring the muscles can fully release after contraction is just as important as strength.

This part of the evaluation helps pinpoint whether muscle weakness, overactivity, or coordination issues contribute to your symptoms.

Step 5: Discussion of Findings

After completing the evaluation, your therapist will explain their findings in detail. This discussion typically covers:

• Key Observations: Specific issues identified during the assessment.
• Connections to Symptoms: How these findings relate to the symptoms you’re experiencing.
• Treatment Plan: A tailored approach to address your unique needs, which may include:
  • Pelvic floor exercises to improve strength and coordination.
  • Manual therapy techniques to release tight muscles or scar tissue.
  • Biofeedback to enhance awareness and control of pelvic floor muscles.
  • Education on lifestyle changes to support long-term pelvic health.

Step 6: Questions and Collaboration

At Core Focus Physio & Wellness, we believe in a collaborative approach to care. Your therapist will encourage you to ask questions and share your goals and concerns. Together, you will create a roadmap for recovery that aligns with your lifestyle and priorities.

Why Pelvic Floor Evaluations Are Important

Pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly impact your quality of life, but it is highly treatable with the right approach. Common conditions addressed through pelvic floor therapy include:

• Urinary or fecal incontinence
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual activity
• Postpartum recovery challenges
• Prolapse management

An evaluation is the first step in identifying the root cause of these issues and developing an effective treatment plan.

Preparing for Your Evaluation

To make the most of your appointment:

• Wear Comfortable Clothing: This allows for easy movement during the external examination.
• Bring Relevant Medical Records: If you’ve had surgeries or treatments related to your pelvic health, share this information with your therapist.
• Write Down Questions: Preparing a list of questions or concerns ensures that nothing important is overlooked during your visit.

Take the First Step Toward Better Pelvic Health

At Core Focus Physio & Wellness, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care. A pelvic floor evaluation is a step toward understanding your body and improving your overall well-being. If you’re ready to take that step, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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** The views and opinions expressed on this site belong to Vigeo Ergo Consulting LLC. Any advice or suggestions offered herein are not a replacement for medical advice from a physician or other healthcare professional. My blogs are for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.