Pelvic Health  PT VS Regular PT visit
 

What to Expect From a Physical Therapy Visit

(Pelvic Health PT vs. Orthopedic / “Regular” PT)

Before the Visit (Both Types)

• You’ll complete intake paperwork

  • Medical history

  • Surgical history

  • Medications

  • Current symptoms and goals

• Wear comfortable clothing

• You can always:

  • Ask questions

  • Decline any part of the exam

  • Request a support person (especially in pelvic health PT)

What Happens in a “Regular” Physical Therapy Visit

(Orthopedic, sports, neuro, etc.)

1. Subjective Interview

The PT will ask about:

• Pain location, intensity, and behavior

• What makes symptoms better or worse

• Functional limitations (walking, lifting, sleeping, working)

• Injury or surgical history

• Your goals

2. Physical Examination

May include:

• Posture and movement assessment

• Joint range of motion

• Muscle strength testing

• Balance and gait analysis

• Palpation of muscles or joints

• Functional tasks (squatting, reaching, stairs)

3. Treatment May Include

• Therapeutic exercise

• Manual therapy

• Stretching or mobility work

• Education on posture, ergonomics, activity modification

• Home exercise program

What Happens in a Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Visit

(Still physical therapy—just focused on pelvic floor and related systems)

1. Detailed Subjective Interview

Often more in-depth and private. Topics may include:

• Bladder function (urgency, leakage, frequency)

• Bowel habits (constipation, straining, leakage)

• Pelvic pain (vaginal, rectal, penile, testicular, tailbone)

• Sexual function (pain, difficulty, changes)

• Pregnancy, postpartum, or surgical history

• Core, hip, and low back symptoms

💡 Nothing is assumed—you only share what you’re comfortable sharing.

2. Physical Examination (Always With Consent)

May include any or all of the following:

External Assessment

• Posture and breathing

• Abdominal wall and scar assessment

• Hip, spine, and pelvic mobility

• Core muscle function

• Movement patterns

Pelvic Floor Assessment (Optional)

• Can be external only, internal, or not done at all

• Internal exam (vaginal or rectal) may assess:

  • Pelvic floor muscle strength

  • Coordination and endurance

  • Ability to relax

  • Tenderness or trigger points

🚩 You can:

• Say no

• Stop at any time

• Ask for explanations during the exam

3. Pelvic Health PT Treatment May Include

• Pelvic floor muscle training or relaxation

• Breathing and pressure management

• Core and hip strengthening

• Manual therapy (external or internal)

• Education on bladder/bowel habits

• Toileting strategies

• Sexual health education

• Pregnancy or postpartum guidance

• Home exercise program

Key Differences Between Pelvic Health PT and Regular PT

Regular PTPelvic Health PT

Focus on limbs, spine, movementFocus on pelvic floor + whole body

Usually external exam onlyMay include internal exam (with consent)

Common for pain or injuryCommon for bladder, bowel, pelvic pain, pregnancy, postpartum

Visible body areasPrivate, sensitive regions

Function-focusedFunction + quality of life focused

Important Things Patients Should Know

• Pelvic health PT is evidence-based medical care

• Internal exams are not required

• Modesty, consent, and comfort are prioritized

• Pelvic floor issues are common and treatable

• You are always in control of your care