• Detailed history taking
• Explanation regarding assessment procedure
• Postural and movement assessment
• Pelvic exam (external and possibly internal)
Follow-up consultations can vary between 1-2 times/week or 1-2 times/month, depending on the circumstances. This will be discussed with you on your first visit and may be adjusted in subsequent visits.
Your assessment and treatment will be tailored specifically to you and your presenting complaints. Helen will start with a detailed history which will be taken in privacy – Helen is very sensitive to the fact that these conditions may be difficult to discuss.
Your physical assessment will most likely begin with examination of your abdominal muscles, pelvis and lumbar spine – these structures are closely associated with your all important pelvic floor muscles; a dysfunction in one of these areas can result in dysfunction elsewhere. If appropriate you may then be offered an internal examination. This is an important part of your assessment and necessary in identifying the tone, strength and control of your pelvic floor muscles. You will be talked through the internal assessment and your consent is gained. Using finger palpation, the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue will be assessed for injury or scarring, signs of pelvic organ prolapse, muscle tone, tenderness, sensation and neural sensitivity. Following this your pelvic floor muscle will be tested for strength and endurance.
Helen can then develop you a bespoke and individualised treatment and exercise programme. The assessment findings will be discussed with you and treatment will depend upon findings and your symptoms.