Questions
Questions
What is an Internal Pelvic Floor Muscle Exam and Do I Have to Have One?
No, an internal exam is not mandatory.
It is the gold standard when it comes to pelvic dysfunction. A pelvic floor muscle examination through hands on internal palpation using one or two digits is used to determine the state of the pelvic floor muscles and may be an important part of your assessment. Without this, it is an estimate/guess of what is going on in these tissues. An internal exam allows me to pinpoint exactly what may be happening in the muscles and tailor your treatment appropriately.
With all parts of an exam, consent is required, and if you are uncomfortable with this, please discuss this with your physiotherapist and alternative options will be provided.
Do I need a Referral from my Physician and/or Midwife?
No, physiotherapy services are direct access in Ontario, meaning you can see us without a referral from a physician or other healthcare provider.
However, some insurance companies require a physician's note for coverage. Please check with your company directly.
Is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Covered by Insurance?
Yes, assessment and treatment falls under physiotherapy services and are covered by most insurance plans (contact your plan directly to identify your specific coverage).
How Long are the Appointments?
An assessment is 60-70 minutes with the physiotherapist, follow-up visits are 30, 45 or 60 minutes long.
Is an Internal Exam Safe while Pregnant?
An internal exam is safe during pregnancy if the patient is still allowed to have intercourse, and a health care provider has not restricted the patient from doing an internal exam. This might happen in the case of an incompetent cervix.
Please discuss with your midwife or physician if you have any concerns.
Will the Internal Exam be Painful?
The internal exam should not be painful.
This exam will be very different from the internal exam at a doctor's office. The physiotherapist uses a finger, not an instrument, and is looking at the function of the muscles.
Mild pain may be experienced if the therapist finds a trigger point to release, but you are encouraged to communicate your pain levels to the physiotherapist. You can ask the therapist to decrease the pressure level if you find it uncomfortable. You are in control and can tell the therapist to stop at any time.
Who will be Performing the Treatment?
Treatments are provided by a registered physiotherapist, highly trained and specializing in pelvic floor health dysfunction. The physiotherapist is registered with the College of Physiotherapists and rostered to perform internal assessments.
How Should I Prepare for my Appointment?
Please complete all intake paperwork online, prior to the appointment, and bring with you bring any reports from your doctor or any testing that has been completed.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing.
You will be asked to undress from the waist down, for the internal assessment, and will always be draped to your comfort level.
Can I Bring my Baby with Me?
Yes, I welcome you to bring your baby with you for your appointment.
You can even nurse during certain treatment techniques.
What Happens if my Appointment Falls During my Cycle?
You can still come for treatment during your cycle. It is something that happens quite often and I have no problem treating patients during that particular time.
Extra protection can be used during the internal exam to make the patient more comfortable.
If you are uncomfortable having an internal exam during this time, there are other treatment techniques that can be used during that session.
How Long are the Appointment?
An assessment is 1 hour with the physiotherapist, follow-up visits are 30 or 45 minutes long.