What to expect on your first visit?

Please arrive 10 minutes early to your scheduled appointment to fill out medical history intake forms if you have not completed them online. If you do not feel comfortable completing forms online, your therapist will be happy to provide you with a paper form which will be kept for our records. You will be welcomed back into a private treatment room; the therapist will provide an overview of the evaluation process. Information regarding your health history as well as current concerns and symptoms will be discussed. The therapist will look at your posture, breathing patterns, and upon consent an internal examination of pelvic floor musculature and function will be performed. You have the right to decline any aspects of the evaluation process. Education will be provided regarding pelvic floor anatomy as well as results from the above assessments. Treatment plan options will be discussed as well as your specific goals during your pelvic health occupational therapy journey.

Internal Examination

Upon consent you will be asked to disrobe from the waist down for the examination. A draping sheet will be provided for your comfort with every effort made to respect your modesty. A lubricated gloved hand is used to assess the 3 different layers of pelvic floor musculature. The examination is used to determine the strength and/or presence of muscular tension in the pelvic floor to determine the best treatment options specific to your needs and goals.

An internal examination will not be performed if one of the following applies: you have an active infection such as a UTI; you are in your first trimester of pregnancy; or if you have never had a pap smear performed.

If you are pregnant, I require written clearance by your OBGYN or the physician who is overseeing your pregnancy care in order to participate in pelvic floor occupational therapy.

Can I refuse the internal examination?

Yes, you have the right to decline any part of the evaluation process. Your comfort and dignity are very important to us. Please note that treatment options could be limited as the therapist will have less knowledge about your specific limitations regarding your pelvic floor musculature.

What to wear?

Please dress in comfortable attire as you will be asked to perform various movements during assessments.

Can we bring a chaperone?

Yes, we want you to feel comfortable during all parts of the evaluation and treatment process. Any reasonable accommodation will be made to support your needs. If accommodation is needed, please let your therapist know prior to your evaluation.

Can I bring a child with me to my appointment?

Absolutely. If you feel that you can fully participate in all aspects of your care with your child present, then feel free to bring them. Full disclosure I will ask to hold your baby.