What To Expect From Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy At Glow Physio
Getting Started
The initial assessment involves taking comprehensive history. Pelvic Health issues can be complex, and Lauren listens to your story to understand all the contributing factors.
Clients are often nervous about coming to Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy because they do not know what to expect. Many wonder about the internal pelvic exam. Lauren is trained to do pelvic exams and can assess vaginally or rectally. This does not have to occur during the initial appointment. If you don’t want to have an internal exam, Ultrasound can be used externally. Real-Time Ultrasound uses an ultrasound probe connected to an iPad, letting clients see and connect to their pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles. Internal exams are only one (optional) part of a holistic treatment plan, and they are by no means the only thing that happens in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy.
“I’m so glad you didn’t only look my pelvic floor. You do regular Physio too!”
This is a common sentiment from Glow Physio’s clients.
To get to the root cause of your symptoms, it is crucial to assess more than your pelvic floor. Since symptoms in your pelvis can originate elsewhere, using a whole-body assessment is key. Clients are interested to learn that tension in their mid-back, for example, can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. They are relieved to know that issues outside of the pelvic floor can also be assessed and treated at Glow Physio in order to get true relief from their condition. It is only by using this comprehensive approach that you can truly resolve your issues. Your symptoms will get treated along with the cause.
You will leave your first appointment understanding your condition and your treatment options. We will create a plan of care that suits your schedule, while providing support to ensure you’re staying on track. Exercise videos and individualized education are sent to you via an app called Embodia. You will be asked about how much time you have to spend on home exercises. As a mom of two young boys, Lauren understands the time constraints of her clients. You will never be given more than you feel you can do.
Moving Forward
Follow-up visits are individualized based on your condition. Treatments may include pelvic floor, hip, and core muscle exercises, hands-on treatments, diet and lifestyle evaluations and advice, Therapeutic Ultrasound to reduce inflammation and scar tissue, Acupuncture and/or IMS (dry needling), and pelvic floor assessments via Real-Time Ultrasound or internal exams.
Internal Exams: What To Expect & How They Can Help
An internal exam only takes place after a thorough discussion, and only if you are comfortable proceeding with an exam. In a Pelvic Health setting, stirrups aren’t used, and neither is a speculum. It is a gentle exam that uses one gloved finger (or a maximum of two, if indicated for strength testing).
These exams are also useful to assess for prolapse or other issues, to assess your pelvic floor’s strength, to assess your ability to relax your pelvic floor muscles, and to ensure you are doing your exercises correctly. For many people, tension in specific areas of these muscles can contribute to their symptoms. If manual release work is needed, it progresses gently and is accompanied by breathing and relaxation techniques.
Lauren is a trauma-informed practitioner who understands the role that trauma can play in Pelvic Health conditions. This can come in many forms, some of which are medical trauma, birth trauma, and sexual trauma. Whether or not trauma is part of your personal history, the most important part of your time in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is that you feel supported and empowered. Each session is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you are making progress and getting closer to your goals.
A Collaborative Approach
Pelvic Health issues are best solved through a team approach. Depending on your condition, you may be referred to trusted colleagues in Squamish to provide you with the best care possible.
You Will ALWAYS Be Supported
Having proper support is key to a full recovery. You will be supported throughout your healing, even when you’re no longer getting Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy sessions.
The support you’ll receive:
- A free consultation so you can get to know us and choose if Glow Physio is the right fit for you.
- One-on-one sessions with your Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. You won’t be handed off to an assistant.
- 100% access to your Physio through email, text, and phone calls.
- An individualized assessment and treatment plan that is customized to your needs and the time you have available.
- A personalized home exercise program with videos and an optional app for your phone.
- Professional treatment strategies that will get you back to all the activities you love.
You may be thinking that your pelvic floor dysfunction is permanent, but secretly you hope to feel normal again. You yearn to get back to enjoying your active life in Squamish and doing what you love. So many people have accepted pain and dysfunction as part of their lives, but you don’t have to be one of them!
Click this link to book a free call to get helpful advice tailored to your specific situation. There is no charge for the call and there is no obligation to book any appointments after the call. Our goal is to help you make the right decision to restore your pelvic floor.
Talk To A Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
We are here to get you back to living life free from pelvic floor dysfunction.
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