Q. WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN INITIAL CONSULTATION?
The first consultation is all about getting to know you and your condition. I will start by listening to your story, taking a comprehensive and thorough assessment of your medical, surgical, obstetric history, and gaining an understanding of your lifestyle including, hobbies, sports, family, and work.

 

The aim here is:

• to establish if physiotherapy is indicated.

• to decide on treatment goals, the things that matter to you most, and what you want me to help you with.

• to see if there are any contra-indications for treatment.

• if a referral to another speciality is indicated.

• I will also explain what the physical examination will cover and ask for your consent to proceed.

 

An initial assessment takes around one hour but may need to be extended into a second session.

 

Q. WHAT PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS COULD BE CARRIED OUT AND HOW WILL THESE BE DONE?

Every physical examination is carried out slightly differently, however, it is best if I can see and feel your body, and we may require, at some point, with your consent, to perform an internal pelvic floor muscle and soft tissue examination.

I will always start treatment with an extensive musculoskeletal physical examination that may include:

• assessing the spine, it’s movement and function.

• assessing the breathing, ribcage and diaphragm.

• assessing the lower limbs, to ascertain coordination, power, flexibility, and load-transfer.

• assessing the pelvic ring, SIJ (sacroiliac) joints.

• assessing intra-abdominal pressure management.

 

Q. IN PELVIC HEALTH, WHAT DOES AN INTERNAL EXAMINATION ENTAIL AND WHY MIGHT ONE BE NEEDED?

Firstly, I would like to reassure you that an internal examination is not usually conducted on a first appointment and is only carried out when required to gain a detailed understanding of any condition being investigated.

 

The aim of an internal examination is:

• to perform a comprehensive assessment and feedback about the performance of the pelvic floor muscles.

• asses for muscular / levator avulsion.

• asses for prolapse.

• assess for areas of pain.

• establish coordination of pelvic floor muscles with the muscles of the trunk, abdomen and breathing systems.

 

Q. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE EXAMINATIONS ARE CARRIED OUT?

The next stage will be the treatment. Based on the examination findings, I will suggest and utilise treatment strategies and tools to address your complaint and your goals. You are always an equal partner in this process and have a right to understand what is being offered and why.

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Q. WILL TREATMENT HURT?

No. Therapy should be painful at any point. If you experience discomfort during any therapy or treatment then we will stop and come to an agreement about how to progress.
 

Q. WHAT MIGHT TREATMENT INCLUDE?

The treatments may include:

• Manual therapy techniques to joints, muscles, and soft tissue – external or internal.

• Acupuncture/electro-acupuncture (never internally).

• Myofascial release techniques: manually and with silicone cups.

• Pelvic floor muscle retraining.

• Abdominal muscle training.

• Taping/strapping.

• Bladder drill/retraining and urge control techniques.

• Correct voiding (urinating) and defaecation position.

• Abdominal massage.

• Good bladder and bowel habits education and self-help advice.

• Breath awareness, Diaphragm training and muscle relaxation advice.

• a personal tailored exercise programme to complement all these and empower your self-management and return to sports at any level.

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Q. HOW LONG WILL TREATMENT TAKE?

Each treatment has its own dynamics. People benefit from a variety of a number of sessions, however, everyone is made to feel safe, comfortable, and encouraged to work at their own pace.