No. There is so much that can be done without having an internal exam. It's important to note that an internal exam can provide valuable insights into the condition of your pelvic floor and the underlying causes of your symptoms. However, I strongly recommend consulting a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist even if you're certain that you do not want an internal examination. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the internal exam typically isn't conducted during the initial appointment, allowing ample time for you to become comfortable, build trust with me, ask questions, and make an informed decision about your preferences.  You will always be asked for consent before anything is performed.

No. Many women who have never experienced pregnancy or childbirth still encounter pelvic floor symptoms that can be effectively addressed through pelvic floor physiotherapy. Furthermore, the term "postpartum" isn't limited to the immediate months or years following childbirth; it extends indefinitely. Your concerns and symptoms can be attended to at any point, regardless of how long you've been coping with them.

Absolutely. Unfortunately leaking after you’ve had children has been normalized in our society. Despite it being a very common complaint, it is not “normal” and instead tells us that you have pelvic floor dysfunction that can be addressed and improved with pelvic floor physiotherapy. 

The initial assessment might surprise some individuals because it primarily involves a detailed discussion to gather comprehensive information about your concerns and overall lifestyle. During this conversation, we delve into various aspects, including your pain or concerns, your bowel and bladder function, stress levels, nutrition, sleep patterns, and, if applicable, your pregnancy and childbirth experience. This discussion occupies a significant portion of the initial assessment because it is crucial to explore and acknowledge all the factors that impact your health, discomfort, and general well-being.

The subsequent part of the assessment focuses on evaluating your movement, posture, and includes an examination of areas like your mid and low back, as well as your hips. If time permits and you are comfortable with it and provide consent, an internal pelvic examination may be conducted during the first session, although it is often scheduled for a follow-up appointment.

In so many ways! These include helping you manage back and pelvic pain, providing valuable education, guiding you in maintaining a healthy exercise routine and movement throughout each trimester, addressing pelvic floor symptoms like leakage, pressure, and constipation. Additionally, pelvic floor physiotherapy can be immensely beneficial for preparing you for labor and delivery. It also equips you with postpartum recovery knowledge that will prove immediately helpful after childbirth and during those initial weeks, bearing in mind that we typically don't see you until about 6 weeks postpartum.