The goal of your pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment is to understand your symptoms, identify what’s contributing to them, and create a plan that helps you feel confident, comfortable, and in control of your body again. Here’s what you can expect.

A Safe, Respectful, and Confidential Environment

Pelvic floor physiotherapists are specially trained to work with sensitive and personal health concerns. Your appointment will take place in a private treatment room, and everything discussed is confidential. You are always in control—nothing is done without your consent, and you can ask questions or pause the session at any time.

What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy focused on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. Pelvic health physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat conditions affecting people of all genders and ages.

Common reasons people seek pelvic floor physiotherapy include:

• Urinary or faecal incontinence

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Pelvic pain or pain with intercourse

• Pregnancy and postnatal recovery

• Core weakness or abdominal separation 

A Detailed Conversation About Your Health

Your first session will begin with a thorough discussion rather than physical treatment. Your physiotherapist will ask questions about:

• Your current symptoms (such as bladder or bowel issues, pelvic pain, prolapse symptoms, or pain with intercourse)
• Medical history, including surgeries, pregnancies, or injuries
• Bladder, bowel, and sexual health
• Exercise habits, posture, work demands, and lifestyle factors
• Your goals and what you’d like to improve

Some of these topics may feel personal, but they help your physiotherapist understand how your pelvic floor is functioning as part of your whole body.

Physical Assessment (Only With Your Consent)

Depending on your symptoms, your physiotherapist may suggest a physical examination. This can include:

• Observation of posture, breathing, and movement
• Assessment of abdominal, hip, or lower back muscles
• An internal pelvic floor assessment if appropriate

An internal examination is never mandatory. Your physiotherapist will explain why it may be helpful, what it involves, and you can choose whether or not to proceed. If you’re not comfortable, there are alternative ways to assess and begin treatment.

Understanding Your Pelvic Floor

One of the most valuable parts of the consultation is education. Your physiotherapist will explain:

• What the pelvic floor muscles do
• How they relate to your symptoms
• Whether they are weak, overactive, poorly coordinated, or under strain

Many people are surprised to learn that pelvic floor issues are not always about weakness—sometimes the muscles are tight, fatigued, or not working in sync with breathing and movement.

A Personalised Pelvic Floor Treatment Plan

Before you leave, your physiotherapist will outline a treatment plan tailored to you. This may include:

• Pelvic floor exercises (or relaxation techniques)
• Breathing and posture strategies
• Advice on bladder and bowel habits
• Movement or activity modifications
• Manual therapy or further sessions if needed

You’ll also have time to ask questions and discuss what progress might look like over time.

What Should You Wear or Bring?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. You don’t need to do anything special beforehand, and you don’t need a full bladder unless you’ve been specifically asked to arrive that way.

You’re Not Alone

Pelvic floor symptoms are incredibly common, and help is available. A pelvic floor physiotherapy consultation is a supportive, informative, and empowering experience designed to help you understand your body and move forward with confidence.

If you’ve been putting off an appointment because you’re unsure what to expect, know that pelvic health physiotherapists are here to help—without judgement and at your pace.

~Sally

Find out more about the conditions we treat here