The first appointment involves a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment. Your physical therapist will perform a physical exam on your pelvis and abdomen. They may also use sensors to measure the electrical activity of the muscles in the pelvic floor. The therapist may ask you to hold things or do funny things. They will also perform tests to determine the extent of your pelvic floor symptoms. If you are not able to perform the exercises on your own, you will likely need a caregiver to watch your child during the treatment.
Your therapist will perform an internal assessment to determine what muscles in your pelvic floor are involved in your primary concern. This assessment can be performed rectally or vaginally and does not take long. Your physical therapist will use this information to develop a program that is tailored to your specific needs. If you have a history of pelvic floor issues, the therapist may also perform a history of your condition to help guide your treatment.
After the initial examination, you may be given some exercises to help you improve your posture and improve your symptoms. Biofeedback, which uses electrodes to measure the tension and relaxation of pelvic floor muscles, is another treatment option for treatment. Your therapist will explain the goals of the program before training you to use the equipment. The electrodes are placed outside the body or between the anus and vagina.