What will happen at my pelvic health physiotherapy appointment?
Questions will include things like, when your symptoms started, about your general health and any medications you might be taking. We often have to ask quite personal questions due to the nature of the issues you might be having such as, how frequently you pass urine or open your bowels, about previous or current pregnancies or if symptoms are impacting on your sex life. You do not have to answer any questions that you do not feel comfortable answering.
After we have gathered all the information from our discussion, we would usually then move on to a physical examination. This will vary depending on the reason you have come to physiotherapy.
If we feel there may be an issue involving the pelvic floor muscles then it may be appropriate to perform an internal examination with your consent. This may be an internal vaginal examination or a rectal examination depending on the nature of the symptoms. The examination will be explained to you fully beforehand and you are encouraged to ask any questions if you have any. You are also welcome to have someone with you for any part of the examination if you wish (informal chaperone) or we can arrange for one of our trained physiotherapists to be present for the examination (formal chaperone). We ask that you inform us on booking your appointment if you would like us to arrange a chaperone for your appointment.
The internal examination usually takes around 10-15 minutes and should not be painful. Please let your physiotherapist know if you are uncomfortable and the examination can be stopped at anytime. It is a very useful part of the assessment process and can help your physiotherapist guide you on the most appropriate treatment.
For symptoms such as pelvic girdle pain or low back pain in pregnancy, we may not need to do an internal examination. This type of assessment will likely involve assessing your back, hip and abdominal muscles and looking at your movement.
By the end of your initial assessment we will discuss our findings with you and make a plan together about specific advice and exercises that may help you. We will then arrange a follow -up appointment with you as required. For some people this may be once or twice a week or once or twice a month or sometimes longer depending on the individual.
How much will my pelvic health physio appointment cost?
What do I need to bring to my pelvic health physio appointment?
A list of medications you are taking, any results from x-rays/scans/blood tests that you have or clinic letters relating to your condition may also be helpful.
If you are pregnant then your maternity notes can be useful.
Can I use my health or medical insurance to pay for my pelvic health physio appointment?
Can I be assessed if I am pregnant?
We advise on and treat the following conditions in pregnancy:
- Low and mid back pain
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Rib pain
- Urge urinary incontinence (sudden urge to pass urine and leaking)
- Stress urinary incontinence (leaking with exertion such as laughing, sneezing or running)
- Overactive bladder (going to the toilet very frequently and urgency)
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Birth preparation advice
- Exercise in pregnancy advice
Your assessment will be tailored to you in terms of your symptoms and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
We will be unable to perform an internal vaginal examination if you are less than 12 weeks into your pregnancy, or if you have any complications with your pregnancy. Your physiotherapist will check this with you at your appointment or you can contact the clinic directly for any specific questions on: 02920 214067 or imogen@physiospace.co.uk
When should I come and see my pelvic health physiotherapist after I have had my baby?
You can book in for a pelvic health physiotherapy appointment as soon as you feel ready after delivering your baby. However, we will be unable to do an internal vaginal examination until you are 6 weeks post-natal. It is also never too late to begin your post-natal rehabilitation if you delivered 1 year ago or 10 years ago or more! We can assess and treat the following:
- Urge urinary incontinence (sudden urge to pass urine and leaking)
- Stress urinary incontinence (leaking with exertion such as laughing, sneezing or running)
- Overactive bladder (going to the toilet very frequently and urgency)
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation following perineal tears or episiotomy
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Faecal Incontinence or urgency
- Return to exercise and running rehabilitation
Can I bring my baby to my pelvic health physiotherapy appointment?
Yes you are more than welcome to bring your baby to your pelvic health appointment. We appreciate it can be difficult to find childcare to attend appointments an this can be especially difficult if your baby is very young.
We have a buggy friendly side door access into our clinic and baby changing facilities available.
Can I bring someone with me for my pelvic health physiotherapy appointment?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring someone with you to your appointment for part or all of your assessment. If you would like a formal chaperone present for your internal examination, we can arrange that for you. We ask that you make this request on booking your appointment so arrangements can be made in advance.
Can I be assessed if I am on my period?
Yes, most of the time we can still do an internal examination if you are on your period. If your period is very heavy then the internal examination can be performed at your next appointment instead.
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Pontcanna
26 Mortimer Road
Cardiff
CF11 9JZ
