WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A PELVIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Written by Oliva Drodge, PT, MScPT • Pelvic Health Physiotherapist at Corktown
Unsure if seeing a Pelvic Health Therapist is right for your needs? Perhaps you are feeling a bit apprehensive about coming in, based on what you’ve heard about Pelvic Health Assessments? If you said yes to either of those questions, you’re not alone, and it’s ok! Before I became Certified as a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, I also had a lot of questions about the process! That’s why I’msharing what you can expect during a Pelvic Health Assessment! QUESTIONNAIRES: You will be encouraged to fill out a comprehensive set of questionnaires, either before (e-mailed to you), or upon your arrival to the clinic. These questionnaires are extremely helpful in providing a snapshot of your current condition, and what factors may be contributing to your symptoms. Questions will explore your bladder/bowel function, history of prolapse, stress levels, pelvic/tailbone/groin/low back pain, previous abdominal or pelvic surgeries, gynecological conditions, menstrual pains/ menopause, pain with sex and current/previous pregnancies. DISCUSSION: Your Therapist will review the questionnaires with you, and based on the questions, they may ask you to elaborate, in order to gain further understanding of your current condition. Your Therapist will show you a model of the pelvis and pelvic floor muscles, andwill explain themany functions, as well as, the purpose of performing a pelvic health examination. EXAMINATION: After discussing your current symptoms and health history, with informed consent , your Therapist will begin a full examination, looking at the joints and tissues affecting this area. It is also important to note that, at any point during the external or internal examination, you can withdraw your consent to continue with a portion or the full exam.
The external (Orthopaedic) examination will allow your therapist to see how you move, and look at the structures (muscles, bones, ligaments, etc) at, above and below your pelvic girdle, which would include your low back, abdomen, hips, sacroiliac joints, pubic symphysis and lower legs. Your Therapist will also assess your posture, core strength and breathing, as your diaphragm, core muscles and the pelvic floor work synergistically together. During the internal examination , your Therapist will leave the room, and allow you time to change and set yourself up on the examination table between the disposable sheets provided. An internal examination allows us to pinpoint exactly what may be happening in the pelvic floor muscles and other connective tissues. With this portion of the assessment, we are able to assess the state of the tissues (high or low tone), the strength, coordination and fatigability, as well as, see how the tissues are moving. This information will help to tailor your treatment programappropriately. If there is time following your examination, your Therapist will begin treatment , as we want to get you feeling better as soon as possible! Finally, we will have your change back into your clothing, and once you are ready, you will discuss with your Therapist your Plan of Care , which is an individualized treatment plan, created just for you and your needs! Your Therapist will provide you a copy of your Plan of Care, which will explain everything fromwhat’s happening, what are your goals, and what is the plan to help improve your symptoms and overall quality of life. I hope this gives you a better insight as to what you can expect during a Pelvic Health Assessment!
OUR SERVICES
To learn more, call us today or visit our website at foundationphysio. com/physiotherapy-treatments/pre- post-pregnancy-program. This programwas developed with the goal of empowering more women to feel confident and strong throughout their pregnancy journey, and to helpmake pregnancy, delivery and postpartum recovery as easy as possible! Our team of pelvic health physiotherapists have extensive postgraduate training in pregnancy, pelvic pain, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. By including physiotherapy in your prenatal and postnatal care, you can be better prepared for one of the biggest challenges in your life: delivering and caring for a baby.
• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic
• Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
•Massage Therapy
FEATURED SERVICE To prepare for childbirth, your body goes through some incredible physical changes — ligaments become more flexible, blood volume increases, your centre of gravity shifts and even your posture changes. These physical changes happen relatively quickly and some parts of your body may find it more difficult to adapt than others. PRE & POST PREGNANCY PROGRAM
• Pre & Post Pregnancy Program
•Acupuncture / Dry Needling
• Custom
• Running Program
Orthotics & Braces
•Vestibular Therapy
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