If you’ve been referred to and are considering pelvic floor therapy, you might have a lot of questions and maybe even some concerns about what to expect. As an Occupational Therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy, I want to provide a comprehensive overview of the entire process. From the initial referral to achieving and maintaining an optimal quality of life, here’s everything you need to know.
The Referral Process
The journey typically begins with a referral from your physician. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as incontinence, pelvic pain, or other pelvic floor dysfunctions, your doctor may recommend pelvic floor therapy. This referral serves as an important step, ensuring that your condition is addressed by a specialist trained to help with your specific needs.
Sometimes though, through word of mouth or from doing your own research, you may come across wanting to do pelvic floor therapy without a referral. The next step that you may want to take is to contact a Family Dr., OB/GYN, Fertility Dr., Midwife, or a Nurse Practitioner and ask them for a referral for “Pelvic Floor Occupational Therapy/OT.” The Dr. NP, or PA, can either send the referral directly to you or directly to us through our fax number.
The Phone Consultation
An important next step is a phone consultation with the pelvic floor therapist. This initial conversation serves multiple purposes:
- Introduction: You get to know your therapist and gain a basic understanding of what pelvic floor therapy entails.
- Preliminary Information: You can provide a brief overview of your symptoms and medical history.
- Questions and Concerns: This is a great time to ask any questions you might have and address any concerns. The therapist will also explain the process and what you can expect during your first visit.
- Scheduling: This is also where we will take the time to get you scheduled for your in-person evaluation and follow up sessions as well.
Intake Forms and Medical History
Before your first appointment, you’ll typically be asked to fill out intake forms. These forms are essential as they provide your therapist with comprehensive background information about your health. The forms may include:
- Medical History: Detailed questions about your overall health, surgeries, injuries, pregnancies, and any specific pelvic floor issues you’re experiencing.
- Current Symptoms: Descriptions of your current symptoms, their severity, and how they impact your daily life.
- Lifestyle Factors: Information about your diet, fluid intake, bowel/bladder habits and routines, exercise routine, stress levels, and other lifestyle factors that might influence your pelvic floor health.
The First Appointment: Evaluation
Your first in-person session will be an evaluation. This is a crucial step where we will gather detailed information to develop a personalized treatment plan. Here’s what you can expect:
- Discussion: The session begins with a detailed discussion about your medical history, symptoms, and goals for therapy. This helps the therapist understand your unique situation.
- Physical Examination: This may include both an external and internal examination to assess the strength, coordination, and function of your pelvic floor muscles. We prioritize looking at the whole body externally with consideration of all that was discussed. The internal exam, only with continuous consent, is conducted vaginally for women and rectally for men. The exam is done with utmost care and respect for your comfort and privacy.
- Assessing Movement and Posture: Your therapist may also evaluate your posture, movement patterns, and how you use your pelvic floor muscles during various activities.
- Education: You’ll receive information about pelvic floor anatomy, how the muscles work, and the potential causes of your symptoms. Understanding your body is a key part of effective treatment.
Developing a Treatment Plan
Based on the evaluation, your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan. This plan is tailored to your specific needs and goals, and it may include a variety of therapeutic techniques:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to release muscle tension, improve tissue mobility, and alleviate pain.
- Movement Reeducation: Teaching proper body mechanics, posture, and movement patterns to reduce strain on the pelvic floor.
- Education and Lifestyle Modifications: Guidance on dietary changes, bladder habits, and stress management to support pelvic floor health.
The Therapy Sessions
Each therapy session will build on the previous one, with a combination of exercises, techniques, and education. The frequency and duration of sessions depend on your specific condition and progress. During these sessions, your therapist will:
- Guide You Through Exercises: Teach and supervise exercises designed to strengthen and relax your pelvic floor muscles.
- Provide Manual Therapy: Apply techniques to help relieve tension and improve muscle function.
- Monitor Progress: Continuously assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Re-Evaluations and Adjustments
Throughout the therapy process, re-evaluations are conducted to assess your progress. These re-evaluations help in:
- Measuring Improvement: Tracking the changes in your symptoms and overall pelvic floor function.
- Adjusting the Treatment Plan: Making necessary adjustments to ensure continued progress and address any new issues that may arise.
Achieving and Maintaining Optimal Quality of Life
The ultimate goal of pelvic floor therapy is to help you achieve and maintain an optimal level of improved quality of life. This means not only alleviating your symptoms but also empowering you with the knowledge and tools to maintain pelvic floor health in the long term. Here’s how you can continue to support your pelvic health after completing therapy:
- Ongoing Exercises: Continue with the exercises and techniques learned during therapy to maintain strength and function.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Follow the dietary, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations provided by your therapist.
- Regular Check-Ins: Periodic check-ins with your therapist can help monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your routine.
Conclusion
Pelvic floor therapy is a journey towards better health and improved quality of life. From the initial referral and phone consultation to the detailed evaluation, personalized treatment plan, and ongoing support, every step is designed to address your unique needs and help you achieve your health goals. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Your therapist is here to support you, answer your questions, and guide you every step of the way.
If you have any concerns or would like to learn more about pelvic floor therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we are here to help you live your best life.