Your first appointment will involve taking a very detailed history about your pelvic floor. This may include information about your bladder and bowel control, sexual function, fluid intake and lower back/ pelvic pain. You will also be asked about past pregnancies and child births and if any complications arose from them. Your appointment will usually include an internal vaginal examination with your consent. The internal examination is an important component of the appointment as it allows the physiotherapist to properly assess your pelvic floor muscles for any weakness, tightness or changes and for any degree of vaginal prolapse or pain.
Following the assessment, you will work through exercises with the therapist to best suit your goals. Together you will create a management plan tailored specifically to you, which will be monitored at each appointment. If you are thinking of beginning or returning to exercise, the therapist can help you work towards this safely and recommend which activities are most suitable.