A pelvic physiotherapist is basically a specialist in all things pelvic health. They work with men, women, and kids dealing with issues like bladder and bowel control, prolapse, constipation, bedwetting, post-surgery recovery, bladder pain, and more.

They use exercises and techniques to help strengthen, relax, and stretch the pelvic floor muscles while improving bladder and bowel function. 

When it comes to incontinence, pelvic physiotherapists are totally used to talking about causes, symptoms, and your personal experience – it’s a no-judgment zone, and everything stays 100% confidential.

Treatment is always tailored to your unique needs, and with the right approach, pelvic physiotherapy can often improve or even resolve incontinence symptoms. Sound interesting?

Let’s take a closer look at what an appointment with a pelvic physiotherapist is really like!

When should you see a pelvic physiotherapist?

There are plenty of reasons to visit a pelvic physiotherapist. Here are some common things they can help with:

• Bladder leaks: Like when you sneeze, cough, bend, or run, or if you have a sudden or frequent urge to pee.
  
  
• Trouble emptying your bladder: Feeling like it’s not completely empty after you go.
  
  
• Prolapse: When pelvic organs shift out of place.
  
  
• Pregnancy and postpartum: Support during and after pregnancy.
  
  
• Before or after gynaecological surgery: To help you prepare or recover.
  
  
• Kids’ bedwetting or daytime accidents.
  
  
• Pelvic or tummy pain: Often linked to IBS, endometriosis, or other gut issues.
  
  
• Pain down there: Whether it’s around the perineum, vulva, or during sex, peeing, or pooping.
  
  
• Vaginismus: Difficulty with penetration due to muscle spasms.

Not sure if a pelvic physiotherapist appointment is the right fit for you? Chat with your GP or reach out to a pelvic physiotherapy clinic.

You don’t need a referral, and it’s always a good idea to get things checked out early if something feels off. They’re here to make life easier for you!

What do they ask in your first pelvic physiotherapy session?

When you visit a pelvic physiotherapist, they’ll start by getting to know you and why you’re there. They’ll ask about your symptoms, your health history, and what you’re hoping to achieve with treatment. Some of the questions might sound like this:

• What’s your experience with this issue? Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?
• Have you tried anything to help? If so, how did it go?
• Are you having any bladder, bowel, or sexual issues – or maybe a mix of these?
• Do you have any medical history they should know about, like past surgeries or childbirth?
  

Some of these questions can feel personal, but don’t worry – your physiotherapist will always treat your answers with care and respect.

Sharing this info helps them figure out the best treatment plan for you, but if there’s anything you don’t feel comfortable discussing, that’s totally fine too.

After the chat, your physiotherapist will likely explain how your pelvic anatomy works and what might be contributing to your symptoms.

It’s all about making sure you feel informed, supported, and on the path to feeling better!

What examinations do pelvic physiotherapists do during an appointment?

If your pelvic physio recommends a physical examination, don’t worry – it’s done with care, professionalism, and always with your consent. While it might not happen at your first appointment, it’s an important step for diagnosing and treating your condition, especially if incontinence is involved.

Here’s what to expect:

External examination

Your physio might start with an external check of your pelvis, abdomen, or spine, using their hands to assess muscle movement. They might also suggest an ultrasound after your appointment to get a clearer picture.

For women, they may ask you to contract your pelvic floor muscles during this part of the exam to observe what’s happening from the outside around the vulva and abdomen.

Internal examination

If needed, an internal exam may follow – vaginally or rectally for women, and rectally for men. Here’s how it works:

1. Getting comfortable:

You’ll be asked to remove your clothing and underwear behind a curtain, then lie on the bed with a sheet or towel for discretion.

For vaginal exams, you’ll typically lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. In some cases, you may be asked to stand or sit to assess muscle function in those positions.

For rectal exams, you’ll lie on your side with knees bent toward your chest.

2. Guiding the process

The physio will guide you through deep breathing to help relax your pelvic floor. When you’re ready, they’ll gently insert a gloved and lubricated finger to assess the strength, flexibility, and function of your pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and fascia.

3. Active participation

You might be asked to contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles or perform movements like squeezing as if stopping gas. Your physio will provide guidance to help you.

4. After the exam

Once it’s done, you’ll be given tissues or wipes to clean up, and your physio will discuss their findings with you.

Your comfort comes first

These exams are performed with care and precision. Your physio will only proceed if you’re comfortable and can stop at any time if you feel uneasy or experience pain.

The goal is to provide the best care while making you feel safe and supported every step of the way.

How long is a pelvic physiotherapy appointment?

It depends a little on the practitioner, but here’s the general idea: your first appointment will usually last about 45 minutes to an hour so there’s plenty of time to chat and figure things out. 

After that, follow-up sessions tend to be shorter – around 30 minutes – but it really depends on what you need. Your physio will make sure there’s enough time to cover everything comfortably!

How much does a pelvic physiotherapy appointment cost?

The French government sets standard rates for physiotherapy sessions, typically ranging from 15 € to 45 € per session, depending on the specific treatment.

Musculoskeletal treatments average around 20 € per session, with initial assessments costing about 40 €. 

You should contact the specific clinic you wish to visit for their exact fees, as the above is a guide only.

What happens after your first pelvic physiotherapy session?

During your first visit, your physio will chat with you about how many sessions you might need and how often you should come in. For example, if you’re seeing them for bladder leakage, you might start with around 12 weeks of treatment. 

After that, they’ll check in to see how things are going and whether you need to continue or if you’re all set.

We hope this has helped ease any worries or cleared up any confusion about pelvic physio! If you’ve got more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local physio clinic or chat with your GP. They’ll be happy to help!