Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for my pelvic floor therapy session?
Your session will be at our downtown Campbell office, so dress comfortably in clothes you can move in. A sports bra, t-shirt, and loose pants or shorts work well.
What should I expect during the first visit?
The first visit is a 75 minute initial evaluation where we get to know each other. We will chat about your concerns and what you would like to get out of our sessions.
Our goal at the end of the first session is that we leave you with something (whether it’s a recommendation, an exercise, a new strategy or more awareness).
What should I expect from the pelvic floor therapy evaluation?
We will look at your posture and how you perform functional movements (sit, stand, get to the floor and up, pick up children, etc.).
We can move to the massage table where we can assess your breathing, core function, and pain in any muscle group. With your consent, we can do the internal vaginal and/or rectal assessment where I check for pain, muscle tension, tissue health, and pelvic floor coordination. Your comfort and cues are of the utmost importance and we will stop at any point with no pressure.
You are always allowed to change your mind.
Is an internal assessment necessary?
Not necessarily as it depends on your concerns and comfort level. The internal assessment doesn’t have to happen at the first session and can be introduced at a later session.
However, the internal assessment gives us information on how your pelvic floor muscles are working together to keep your organs functioning and supported. The exam can tell us a lot about pain points, scar tissue, tightness, body awareness, strength and how your body is managing pressure that we may not be able to see on the outside. The internal assessment can lead to a more accurate picture of what is going on which can make progress occur sooner.
How long does it take pelvic floor therapy to work?
It depends on the person’s medical history, severity of symptoms, and what those symptoms are. On average, it may take 6-12 sessions as long as you are integrating the education and strategies in the home program.
For example, symptoms of leakage (incontinence) may improve within 4-6 sessions but issues around pain, strength, and everyday habits may need more sessions.
What if I am on my period?
We provide internal pelvic floor therapy when you are on your period. It’s a normal part of your life and as long as you feel comfortable, we carry on with therapy that week. If you would rather decline internal work, that’s fine too. We can focus on external work, functional strategies and/or movement-based treatments.