What to Expect at Your First Appointment
At your first appointment, one of our physiotherapists will begin by taking a comprehensive medical history. They may ask specific questions about your bladder, bowel, sexual, and obstetric health, as well as any current aches or pains and the potential causes. Next, your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to identify the root of your pain or concern. Once completed, they will discuss their findings with you, explore treatment options, and answer any questions you may have.
WHAT DOES THE ASSESSMENT INVOLVE?
Your physiotherapist may ask you to perform basic movements while standing, sitting, or lying down to help with their assessment. They might also check the flexibility of your joints and palpate (gently touch) the tissues to identify the source of your pain.
For pregnant and postpartum patients, a key part of our assessment is evaluating the pelvic floor. We assess how well you can engage and relax your pelvic floor muscles, as well as their strength, endurance, and coordination. There are several ways to assess pelvic floor function, but the gold standard is an internal vaginal examination. We will always ensure you fully understand each assessment technique, including its strengths and limitations, so that you can make an informed decision about what feels right for you.
This assessment not only enhances your awareness of pelvic floor muscles, but also boosts your confidence in performing the exercises correctly. It also helps our physiotherapists create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Don’t stress—this is a common question, and we get asked all the time!
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, such as leggings, track pants, or any stretchy attire. Depending on where your pain is, your physiotherapist may ask you to remove certain clothing to help them better assess the area of discomfort.
If you have any questions or concerns relating to your appointment, please do not hesitate to get in touch hello@scencephysiotherapy.com.au.
