Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a specialised area of Physiotherapy that looks specifically at the pelvis. low back and abdomen and conditions that affect these areas. Some examples of commonly treated conditions include;

1. Incontinence or leaking of urine, stool or gas

2. Bladder urgency and frequency

3. Difficulty passing a bowel movement

4. Pelvic pain such as endometriosis, vaginismus or pain during intercourse, interstitial cystitis

5. Pelvic organ prolapse

6. Pain associated with the low back and/or pelvic area

7. Postnatal recovery

At your first appointment, I will take a thorough history of your symptoms, including any previous treatments you have had, your medical history, and information about your lifestyle. This part of the assessment is crucial as it forms the foundation for your physical assessment and subsequent treatment plan.

As part of my examination I may assess your posture, tummy muscles, pelvis, lower back.

If your problems are related to your pelvic floor, a digital internal vaginal or anal examination will be offered to assess the function of the pelvic floor muscles. This will also include screening for a prolapse. This examination will provide me with valuable information about your condition and your pelvic floor. This allows me to help plan an appropriate treatment plan. However any examination is optional and you can decline or change your mind at any time. Your are also entitled to a chaperone, if this is required please tell me prior to your appointment.

The initial consultation typically lasts about an hour, and it is recommended that patients bring any relevant tests results, letters, or additional medical history information.

The number of consultations, follow-up durations, and the overall length of your treatment plan will depend on your medical history and symptoms. I will have a clearer understanding after our initial consultation.

The frequency of visits and the treatment duration can differ significantly from one person to another. Various factors, including the nature of your condition, the intensity of your symptoms, and your response to treatment, all play a role. During your first consultation, we will discuss these aspects in detail and create a personalised treatment schedule tailored to your needs. My approach often includes a combination of in-person and virtual appointments to best support your progress.

If you are experiencing pelvic floor symptoms or have had a baby recently a pelvic floor examination will likely be indicated as it is the gold standard to assess how your pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues within the pelvis are working.

It is important that you know that an internal pelvic floor examination whilst important, is not fundamental to start treatment and you will always be asked to provide consent before any assessment or treatment is provided and you are welcome to remove your consent at any time.

Prior to your internal examination, I will explain what is involved with an internal pelvic floor exam and use a clinic pelvic floor anatomy model if required.

For the internal assessment, I will leave the room for you to get undressed from the waist down and have a lie down on the treatment table and drape yourself with a sheet. I will use a clean technique, using non latex gloves for the internal examination and water based lubrication.

I will initially observe your pelvic floor externally. Depending on your symptoms the the internal portion of the examination will involve a vaginal or a rectal examination or both. The vaginal examination involves me inserting one gloved finger into the vaginal canal. The rectal examination involves me inserting one gloved finger into the rectum.

Pelvic floor strength, endurance, tone, laxity and coordination are all assessed. I will explain and ask for consent prior to each step of the assessment. You are always able to remove consent at any time.

I am based within the Sports therapy Clinic, 11 Castlegate, Lanark. See contact us for more information.