Want to know what to expect from an appointment?

Well, within the initial assessment you can expect this to be split into 3 different stages.

First

A full history (questions) about your concerns, when they started, what treatments you’ve had and any changes from then till now.

My aim is to fully understand you and your concerns.

Questions will include asking you about your lifestyle, toiletting habits, fluid and dietry intake, exercise & activity, goals, wants and needs and also your history of your problems. If you have had children, I will ask about the birth(s), healing afterwards and what helped and what made those symptoms worse.

I’ll ask what helps and what aggravates.

I’ll ask about your goals, what you can’t do now and what you want to be able to do in future.

Then

A physical assessment

This will typically require some form of undress. If you have shorts or a vest top underneath, this will be helpful.

A physical assessment can include many options depending on your concerns and goals, including

• posture

• range of movement

• strength

• flexibility

• control

• *pelvic floor (vaginal) internal examination

• *pelvic floor (rectal) internal examination

• C-section or perineal scar

• Diastasis recti

*any intimate examinations will be discussed in detail, using models to describe and show the physical assessment as well as reasoning for the assessment and only then consent will be asked for.

This assessment can be declined.

At the end

Treatment options

You’ll always be given choice with an explanation of why I believe the options are right for you.

This will be sent to you by email following your appointment so you don’t have to remember everything we have spoken about.

Treatment options can include

• Targeted pelvic floor exercises (kegels)

• Manual therapy (hands on treatment)

• Biofeedback

• Electrical stimulation (NMES)

• Lifestyle advice

• Core strengthening exercises

• Breath work

• Pelvic floor relaxation and downtraining

• Stretches

• Posture and positioning advice

• Full body movement

Expected Outcomes

Lets talk specifics.

I’ll ask you what specific goals that you’re keen to work towards. Here are a few examples of what that might look like for you

• Improve muscle function and connection with the pelvic floor

• Reduce pain when you empty your bowels

• Stop leaking when you run or jump

• Stop thinking about the toilet every time you arrive home

• Have confidence in your own body

• Improve symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse

• Help improve constipation

• Reduce pain during intercourse

• Be able to go longer between toilet breaks

• Lift your child without a heaviness internally

• Have a more comfortable scar that stretches with you

• Reduce the times you’re up in the night to pee