Going to physical therapy can be scary, especially if you have never been before. It is definitely a nerve-wracking time when you are in pain or you're having other symptoms and you don't know why. You may have heard horror stories from friends or family stating that PT stands for "pain and torture." While this is true… no, no I'm kidding! Keep in mind that pain occurs because the tissues are inflamed. Pain is a sign that your body is trying to heal itself. What physical therapy aims to do is to decrease the inflammation, help the tissues to move better to get the body operating back the way it should be, and to return you back to your functions and activities that you have likely been compensating for due to your injury. It can be even scarier when considering having treatment for the pelvic floor. Due to the personal aspect of this region of the body many people may be afraid to talk about it, and avoid the therapy and treatment that they need for it because they aren't sure what to expect. I'm here to tell you what to expect during your sessions for physical therapy for the pelvic floor.

I want to get to know you

The first visit (and any follow up visit) will begin with an "interview." Basically, just reviewing what your symptoms are, when they began, how they began, and any past medical history that may be related. Other topics of discussion may be activities that increase or decrease the issue and what you feel like you are limiting yourself from doing because of your issues. As a physical therapist, I want to know what you like to do and what you enjoy in your spare time! This then helps me to tailor your exercise routine to make the exercises specific toward the functions and activities you want to work back towards. Do you like to play pickleball? Do you run? Hike? Do you have young children that like to be picked up or rocked to sleep? I like to make the exercises translate into the goals that are important to YOU.

What next?

Afterwards, I will begin my assessment which at first may consist of general overall mobility and functional movement. I will look at your range of motion, strength, and flexibility. This all gives me an insight as to how the tissues are moving together and what may be causing an issue. With pelvic floor physical therapy, internal or external assessments may be given. While scheduling the appointment, if you have any specific questions or any concerns, I'd be happy to discuss these with you. In general terms, for an internal assessment, the ideal setting would be a quiet, private space as your more intimate areas will be assessed. Proper draping will be in place, and gloves and lubrication will be used to manually assess the tone of the muscles. Think of it no differently than going to an OB-GYN appointment. Your consent to treatment is always asked at every visit, and you can always change your mind.

What about the physical part of physical therapy?

After the assessment is finished, we will discuss what I found in my assessment and begin to go over exercises that will help your body move optimally. I always try to explain how the exercises translate into function so you know what goals we are specifically working towards. Each treatment session, I try to progress these exercises to make them a little bit more difficult so you can return to your goals as quickly as possible.

What about that "pain and torture" comment?

With any physical therapy session, it is not uncommon to be sore for a day or two afterwards. This is because we are now beginning to try to move the tissues around a little bit differently than what they are used to at this point. However, the more consistently we try and work to re-educate the muscles, the easier activities become, and the less pain you feel. Just remember, for a rainbow to occur, you must first have rain.