What To Expect At Your First Visit
We are so excited that you are here!
We understand that starting pelvic floor PT can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Below you can find a few details about what to expect at your first session with us.
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What happens after I book my first appointment?
When booking an appointment, an account will be created in our system called the Jane App.
Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive an email that has a link to some intake forms for you to fill out.
The intake forms help your therapist understand a little more about you so that she can figure out where she should focus your evaluation.
After that, you will receive a couple email reminders, and if you’d like, some text message reminders regarding your appointment.
Once you arrive at our office, you will walk in and immediately be greeted by our front desk, who will be expecting you!
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What is the first session of pelvic PT like?
Your first session involves a lot of talking. Your therapist will review and elaborate on information from your intake forms, discuss your concerns, symptoms, and goals. She will try to piece together what might be causing your symptoms, and the best plan to address them.
We typically do a physical examination at the first session, depending on comfort level and necessity.
After the first session, you will leave with a few things to try, track, or modify at home, before your next session. This “homework” is key to figuring out if we are on the right track to resolving your symptoms!
Will I have an internal exam at the first session?
Your therapist may ask to do an internal pelvic floor muscle assessment. Typically we start with intra-vaginal and may progress to intra-rectal, if necessary, based on your symptoms.
While direct pelvic floor treatment is typically done via internal exam, an internal exam is always optional and you can absolutely decline.
Your therapist will discuss what she thinks is best based on what symptoms you are describing. Assessing your muscles from the outside of the pelvis is always and option
What is an internal exam like?
An internal pelvic floor assessment is done in one of our private treatment rooms. It is done on a normal physical therapy treatment table. Our office uses real linens, and our tables are warmed, if you’d prefer.
Typically, you will undress from the waist down, and lay face up on the treatment table, with a sheet covering you.
Your therapist will ask that you drop your knees out (we can use pillows to support your knees). She will insert a gloved finger vaginally and then cover you with the sheet. While internal, she is looking to see if the muscles of the pelvic floor are tender, tight, are contracting, and are coordinating with your movements.
Your PT will likely ask you to do things like cough, raise your arms, or maybe move your leg to see how your pelvic floor muscles respond to movement.
Most patients praise us for being so gentle, and making the whole process comfortable.
While the exam is very helpful at giving us information on your muscles, you may stop the exam at any time if you are uncomfortable.
A word from a patient:
“After just a few visits, I am already feeling a difference with lifelong pain that I had previously assumed I would always have. Besides being extremely knowledgeable, my therapist is very warm, personable, and excellent at communicating and helping you to understand the way your body works. I’ve definitely learned a lot already. As for the clinic itself, there’s a cozy and friendly atmosphere, and generous touches such as snacks and tea in the waiting area, which speaks to the consideration that the women who work here have for their patients.”
.- Emma L
Will I continue to have internal treatment at every visit?
Sometimes- this depends on a few things: your comfort level, and the necessity based on what is causing your symptoms.
You are always in charge and if you aren’t comfortable, you can absolutely forgo the internal portion, even if you previously consented.
Many times, patients needing internal release will request it, as this is the missing link to their symptoms.
What should I wear to pelvic floor PT?
Anything, but we have opinions!
We want you to be comfortable, and you will likely be doing a lot of moving around, so athleisure based clothing is usually best.
The one thing we’d say to avoid is a jumpsuit or romper. We do usually like to do manual treatment to your hips, back, abdomen, and ribs so having a separate shirt and pants can help. Rompers and jumpsuits require patients to fully undress in some cases, so we’d recommend not wearing them for pelvic PT!
How long will I be coming to PT? How many sessions will I need?
We wish we could give you a clearer answer on this one! Since every patient is unique, their care plan and length of stay is as well.
Our goal is always to progress you well beyond symptom resolution.
Ideally we like our patients to plan to be seen weekly for at least the first 6-8 weeks of treatment (for more longstanding symptoms, weekly visits will extend beyond that).
The more consistent you can be with attending sessions and doing the necessary homework, the better results you will have.
A word from a patient:
“One of the best experiences I have had in a providers office. My therapist is such a great listener-allowing you to discuss personal issues in a very safe and judgement free space. She is super detail oriented, knowledgeable, and explains everything in a way that is easy to understand. She makes therapy fun! The entire office space is warm and inviting- feeling more like your home than a doctors office”
.- Kayla B
Will I get exercises to work on at home?
You will, but not what you may think! Unlike traditional PTs, we don’t just hand you a sheet of cookie cutter exercises. Everything we give you is customized to your needs.
We may give you a few exercises to work on at home, as long as they fit within your lifestyle and goals. These exercises will be progressed as appropriate with each progressive session.
We also give things that are easy to implement, or easy to modify into your current activity routines or workout. Your treatment will also consist of things to track, postural adjustments, and light lifestyle adjustments.
What type of exercises will I be doing at pelvic floor therapy? Do I need special equipment?
You will not need to purchase any special equipment in order for you to do your pelvic PT homework. We make sure all of our exercises are easy to implement with equipment you may have around your home.
Many of the exercises to start are basic, foundational exercises to help you connect you core, breath, and pelvic floor. These are often performed without equipment and are performed in a variety of positions (from lying, to hands/knees, to standing).
Once you progress into the more active phase of our treatment, we will use our gym equipment which may include weights, a treadmill, a squat rack, a jump rope, and maybe even our trampoline (eek!).
Our goal is to get you confident with all activities so you can live your life, doing any activity, without worrying about your pelvic floor.
More questions? We are happy to help! Click the button to call us.
Our Vivid Process
At Vivid we are elevating the healthcare experience. We proudly provide expert care, delivered with intention. Here is our 4 step process to helping to get you to stop leaking and get out of pain so you can run, lift, and have enjoyable sex.
Assess
Figure out the root cause of your symptoms
Connect
Eliminate symptoms and connect with your core and pelvic floor
Progress
Progress activity to run, jump, and lift all without symptoms
Restore
Maintain changes for optimal pelvic health
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