Face your Fear and take a Leap of Faith: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOU FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIO?

 Yes, I deal with all things Pee, Poo & Pelvic floor...basically below the belt. Almost all clients irrespective of age DREAD their first visit. They often enter my rooms (virtually or in-person) blanketed with shame, full of anxiety and looking for answers to all their tough questions.
 
My approach is always to go according to where you or your child are at, educate so that you understand what your body needs to do and give you some tools to make a change.
 
I love talking and educating, so the first visit  for women and children is simply a good ol chat.
What  do we talk about?

1. Firstly, your story or your child’s story is important. I want to know all the details - It allows me to start problem solving.
2. Secondly - Education. This is the KEY to success. Understanding how your body should work vs how it's currently working helps you to know why we need to make changes. And more importantly how those changes are going to help you in your journey.

 
Physical checks: It is important for me to assess how yours or your child’s body moves and the strategies you use so that we can see what needs to change. So, on the first visit I will also always check the following:

• Posture
• Breathing
• Tummy
• Balance and strength of tummy, hips, legs and arms

 
I don’t always do a pelvic floor muscle check on the first visit.  Pelvic floor muscle assessments can be internal or external for adults (based on consent) and always external for kids. I like to build rapport and trust with you before we dive into this part of the assessment. This way it is done with mutual respect, consent and preparation. SO DON’T LET THIS BE THE REASON FOR YOU NOT MAKING THE APPOINTMENT.
 
Exercises: 
I will give you 2-3 homework tasks to start your journey. These can be exercises or bladder / bowel detective work. 
 
Planning and follow-up:
By the end of the session, I will be able to explain my findings and how they relate to your problem. I like to make a follow-up within 7-10 days so that we can consolidate the information, add to your program with more depth and plan the way forward.
 
Things to note for the first visit for Adults & Children:

• The initial evaluation is very important and so I prefer that we don’t rush it. This appointment will be between 60 to 75 minutes long. 
• The questions that I ask are of a sensitive nature with regard to bladder, bowel, toileting and sexual function (adults). These questions can be uncomfortable, so it is really important to complete the pre- visit intake questionnaire. This will be sent to you before the appointment so that you have time to think and respond to the questions.
• I make every effort to meet you and your child where you are at- so I really do my best to have ‘Go-with-the flow’ approach.
• My aim is to make you feel at ease so that we can problem solve, plan and tackle the problem together.