What will my first pelvic physio appointment be like?

If you’ve never visited a pelvic physiotherapist before, you might be a little nervous about what your appointment will be like. Don’t be! Because pelvic physiotherapy is such an intimate experience, it’s important that you feel comfortable with the person who’ll be treating you. If you can, take advantage of a free 15-minute consultation to make sure you’re both the right fit for each other. Don’t settle for less than someone you feel completely safe, supported and capable of discussing anything with. This may be someone who you will tell things no one else knows. This might be the first person who believes you after years of being told, “It’s all in your head.” Finding this person is worth the research!

Once you do book your first appointment, your physio will spend time understanding what your “functional” goals are. Basically, these are the specific, tangible results you’d like to see from your treatment. They’ll also do a thorough history--of your medical past, but also anything that’s happened in your life that might have led you to the place you are now. It’s important for your physiotherapist to understand you as the “whole person,” emotionally, mentally and physically. Sometimes, this can take the whole hour.

Very often, your physio won’t even actually touch you during your first appointment, although they may do a breathing assessment, or have a look at your legs, hips and rib cage. Sometimes, if needed and you’re comfortable, you may have an external genital examination. If you’re worried about an internal examination, it’s not uncommon for patients to have five or more sessions of just doing stretches and breath training. You will never, never, never have an internal examination until you’re ready for it. Pain, sexual dysfunction or other pelvic conditions don’t happen overnight, and a treatment approach should mirror that by being gentle, slow and always, always sensitive to how you’re feeling.