Pelvic Floor PT: What to Expect

What to Expect at a Pelvic Floor Exam and Why They Matter

When it comes to pelvic floor health, many people are unaware of the importance of internal pelvic floor assessments. These assessments can provide invaluable information about the condition of your pelvic floor muscles, helping you address issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery. At Well Balanced Pelvic Floor and Orthopedic Physical Therapy, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge and personalized care. In this blog post, we'll explain what an internal pelvic floor assessment involves and why it's a crucial step in your journey to optimal pelvic health.

What is an Internal Pelvic Floor Assessment?

An internal pelvic floor assessment is a comprehensive evaluation performed by a specialized physical therapist to examine the muscles, tissues, and function of your pelvic floor. This assessment is typically conducted vaginally or rectally, depending on your specific needs and comfort level. The goal is to gather detailed information about the strength, tone, coordination, and potential dysfunction of your pelvic floor muscles.

Why is an Internal Assessment Important?.

Accurate Diagnosis: Internal assessments provide a clear picture of your pelvic floor health, allowing for precise diagnosis of issues such as muscle weakness, tightness (or both), or prolapse. This allows us to tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs.
Personalized Treatment: Understanding the exact condition of your pelvic floor muscles enables your physical therapist to develop a customized treatment plan. This plan may include targeted exercises to reduce pain or strengthen muscles, manual therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Early Detection: Many pelvic floor issues can be subtle and may not present obvious symptoms initially. An internal assessment helps detect potential problems early, preventing them from becoming more severe over time.
Improved Outcomes: By pinpointing the root cause of your pelvic floor dysfunction, internal assessments contribute to more effective and efficient treatment. This can lead to quicker relief from symptoms and a faster return to your regular activities.

OB/GYN Exam vs. Pelvic Floor PT Assessment

It’s important to understand the differences between an OB/GYN exam and a pelvic floor physical therapy assessment, as both play critical roles in women's health but have distinct purposes and methods.

OB/GYN Exam:

Purpose: Typically focuses on reproductive health, including screening for cervical cancer, evaluating the health of the uterus and ovaries, and addressing concerns related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Procedures: Often uses a speculum to observe the vagina and cervix, as well as a gloved/lubricated figner to assess internal organs. It may also include a Pap smear or other tests related to reproductive health. Typically OB/GYN does not assess the strength of pelvic floor muscles.
Scope: Aimed at overall gynecological health and addressing reproductive system issues.

Pelvic Floor PT Assessment:

Purpose: Specifically targets the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor to diagnose and treat issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery.
Procedures: Involves a detailed examination of the pelvic floor muscles, including strength, endurance, coordination, and functionality. This may include both internal and external assessments.
Scope: Focuses on the musculoskeletal aspects of the pelvic floor, providing targeted treatments to improve function and alleviate symptoms

What to Expect During an Internal Assessment

We understand that the idea of an internal assessment can be daunting, but our priority is to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the process. Here's what you can typically expect during an internal pelvic floor assessment:

Consultation: Your physical therapist will begin with a thorough evaluation to understand your medical history, symptoms, and goals. This conversation helps build trust and ensures that your therapist is aware of any concerns you may have.
External Examination: Before the internal assessment, your therapist may perform an external examination to assess your posture, alignment, and any visible signs of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Internal Examination: During the internal assessment, your therapist will use a gloved finger to gently assess the pelvic floor muscles. We will assess muscle strength (how strong can you contract your pelvic floor?), endurance (how long can you hold a "kegel"?), tone (is there any tightness or trigger points), and coordination (does your pelvic floor move slowly with breathing and during movement?) to name a few. Your therapist will communicate with you throughout the process, ensuring you are comfortable and informed.
Discussion and Plan: After the assessment, your therapist will discuss their findings with you in detail. We will explain the condition of your pelvic floor muscles and outline a personalized treatment plan designed to address your specific needs.

OB/GYNs and pelvic floor physical therapists often work together to provide comprehensive care for women's health. While your OB/GYN addresses overall reproductive health, a pelvic floor PT focuses on the detailed assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. Regular visits to both specialists ensure that all aspects of your pelvic health are monitored and maintained. Just as you see your OB/GYN annually for a check-up, it's beneficial to schedule annual visits with a pelvic floor physical therapist to ensure your pelvic floor muscles are functioning optimally.

Internal pelvic floor assessments are a vital tool in understanding and improving your pelvic health. At Well Balanced Pelvic Floor and Orthopedic Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to help you achieve optimal health and well-being.

If you have any questions or concerns about internal assessments or pelvic floor health in general, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Remember, it is never too late and taking the first step towards understanding your pelvic floor can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.