All your FAQ answered here:
I have written a full article on what to expect from a pelvic health physio appointment – you can read it here.
A brief summary:
A thorough history-taking, asking you questions about your bladder, bowel, gynae, obstetric, sexual, and medical history. We will also ask your reason for attending, and if you have any particular goals or aims you would like to work towards.
A physical assessment focusing on your area of concern, most cases including abdominals, spine, hips and gluteals.
A pelvic floor assessment if indicated. The gold standard of pelvic floor assessment includes an internal examination using a gloved finger with a small amount of lubricant inserted into the vagina or rectum. This allows for assessment of strength, tone, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, and assessment of any pelvic organ prolapse if applicable. No equipment is needed and the examination should be pain free. However, if you do not wish to have an internal examination, you do not need to have one in order to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. As previously mentioned, there are other options that involve just talking about your symptoms, right through to real time ultrasound over the abdomen. Your physiotherapist will discuss all of these options with you at your appointment, and you will choose which you prefer.
From your assessment, your physiotherapist will recommend a treatment / management plan to help you achieve your goals. Management plans are unique to every client, but most often involve a combination of a home-based exercise program, pelvic floor exercises, and massage/manual therapy to manage symptoms.
If you don’t feel comfortable, an internal assessment is not necessary.
Assessment of the pelvic floor may be recommended by your physiotherapist if it is relevant to your symptoms. However, there are plenty of ways to assess the pelvic floor apart from an internal assessment, ranging from real time ultrasound over the abdomen, to just talking about your symptoms.
Please let your physio know about your preferences, and we will be happy to accommodate you.
No, you don’t need a referral to see a pelvic health physiotherapist. However, we always appreciate you bringing along any letters, reports or scans to your appointment if you have them.
As a starting point, initial consultations are 45min and review appointments are 30min. For up to date pricing, please visit my booking page and click through the links to book online.
Yes, if you have extras cover for physiotherapy you can claim on your private health insurance. Please contact your insurer for more details regarding rebates, as they differ between each insurance company.