Physiotherapy Assessment
What does an assessment involve?
Your first appointment is an assessment lasting up to 60 minutes, during which we will ask when and how your symptoms started, what makes them worse or if there are any positions or situations that ease the symptoms. Were will ask about any previous treatment including hospital tests, investigations or scans you may have had and about your general health. This guides our diagnosis and helps identify the best way we can help. It is also helpful to know about your lifestyle – including any work, sports or hobbies you enjoy.
Don't Be Embarrassed...
For many of us , the thought of talking about certain body parts or bodily functions may be very daunting or make you feel uncomfortable. We are sensitive to this and always do our upmost to put you at ease.
Assessments are carried out in a private room and discussions are confidential. Everything that you share is private and will not be discussed with anyone else without your permission.
For diastasis recti, back and pregnancy related pelvic pain symptoms, we may assess how your back, hips and pelvis are moving and if these areas of your body are causing any pain. We may also assess the activation of your tummy/abdominal muscles.
Tailored to Your Needs
We may ask you to complete a bladder diary to track what you are drinking, how often you go the toilet and how much urine you pass over a few days.
We may ask you to complete a diary to look at your bowel motions, and eating/drinking habits – this diary may need to cover up to 4 weeks of your normal eating pattern.
We can then provide tailored advice to help your symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Examination
For bladder, bowel and persistent pelvic pain symptoms, you may be asked if you consent to a vaginal or rectal examination of your pelvic floor muscles. This is the gold standard for checking the strength, coordination and function of your pelvic floor muscles.
You may wish to take a friend or family member with you to your appointment or request a chaperone.
We perform the assessment with great consideration for your dignity and comfort, and it will only ever be performed with your consent. It allows us to tailor treatment and exercises to your specific needs or deficits.
Still not sure?
You may prefer not to have an examination there and need more time. This is not a problem.
You may prefer not to have an examination at any point, and this is also fine and does not mean you will not be offered treatment to help you.
Finally, when the assessment is complete we will discuss our findings with you and guide you through the treatment available to you so you can decide how you wish to proceed.
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