What to Expect at Your First Pelvic Floor PT Appointment
If you’ve scheduled your first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment or you’re considering ityou might feel a mix of curiosity, anxiety, and hope. That’s completely normal. Pelvic floor therapy deals with a deeply personal area of the body, and many people feel uncertain about what to expect.
You’re not alone in feeling this way. At VT Moms Physical Therapy, we see clients every day who have waited weeks, months, or even years to address issues like pelvic pain, leaking, or postpartum discomfort often because they weren’t sure what the appointment would involve.
READ: Pelvic Floor Rehab in Middlebury, VT: What Every Woman Should Know
We want to change that.
Our goal is to make your first visit as comfortable, clear, and empowering as possible. Knowing what to expect is the first step toward feeling confident in your care and beginning a path toward healing.
Your First Visit: What Happens During the Evaluation
Your first pelvic floor physical therapy session is all about understanding you. We take time to listen, gather information, and build trust because creating a safe, supportive environment is the foundation of effective care.
Here’s what you can expect:
A conversation, not an interrogation: We’ll talk about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle, birth experiences (if relevant), and personal goals. This helps us understand what’s happening in your body and what outcomes matter most to you.
Education and expectations: We’ll explain what the pelvic floor is, how it functions, and how it might relate to what you’re feeling. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns before we move into any physical assessment.
Consent-centered care: Nothing happens without your full understanding and agreement. If you choose to move forward with a physical exam, we’ll explain every step in advance and pause anytime you need.
The goal of your first visit is to gather information, not rush into treatment. This evaluation allows us to develop a plan that’s completely customized to your needs physically, emotionally, and practically.
Understanding the Physical Exam
If a pelvic floor exam is part of your first visit, it’s important to know that it will be done with your full consent, comfort, and control. At VT Moms Physical Therapy, we explain everything beforehand so you know exactly what to expect and we only proceed if you feel completely ready.
READ: Sleep Tips for New Vermont Moms: How PT Can Improve Rest & Recovery
A pelvic floor exam may include:
External assessment: Your therapist may observe posture, breathing patterns, abdominal movement, and how your pelvic floor responds to cues like contracting or bearing down.
Internal assessment (optional): With your permission, an internal vaginal or rectal exam may be performed to evaluate the tone, coordination, strength, and mobility of your pelvic floor muscles. We use a gloved, lubricated finger, never a speculum, and only proceed at your pace.
You are welcome to opt out of any part of the exam, ask for breaks, or request a modified approach. We believe in trauma-informed care and prioritize your emotional well-being just as much as your physical health.
The purpose of the exam is to gather clear, helpful information so we can guide your care with accuracy and compassion not to cause discomfort or push you beyond your limits.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Once your evaluation is complete, we’ll take everything we’ve learned your symptoms, your goals, and your assessment results and build a plan that’s tailored just for you.
Your treatment may include a combination of:
Targeted exercises to strengthen or relax pelvic floor muscles, improve coordination, and support posture or core control
Manual therapy to release tension, improve tissue mobility, or address pain points both internally and externally
Breathwork and body awareness techniques to reconnect your pelvic floor with the rest of your body
Education and lifestyle strategies to help you better understand your condition and feel empowered in your healing
Home program support so you can carry the benefits of therapy into your daily routin
At VT Moms PT, your plan is never one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re navigating postpartum recovery, chronic pelvic pain, or something you’ve never quite had a name for, we’ll move at your pace with flexibility, support, and ongoing communication every step of the way.
READ: How VT Moms Physical Therapy Can Help Moms Regain Mobility & Strength
What Happens After Your Appointment
Your first visit is just the beginning of your pelvic health journey and what happens next is just as important. At VT Moms PT, we make sure you leave your appointment with clarity, a plan, and support.
Here’s what to expect after your session:
Follow-Up Appointments: Based on your needs, we’ll recommend a consistent schedule to begin working through your treatment plan. This might be weekly or bi-weekly at first, with adjustments over time.
Home Exercise Program: You’ll receive simple, targeted exercises or strategies to start integrating into your daily life—designed to be approachable and realistic.
Ongoing Support: We’re here to answer questions that come up between visits. You’ll always have access to guidance and adjustments as needed.
Continued Progress Tracking: Each session builds on the last. We track your progress, reassess regularly, and celebrate your wins whether that’s reduced pain, better bladder control, or simply feeling more connected to your body.
Pelvic floor therapy isn’t about quick fixes it’s about meaningful, lasting change. And every step you take after that first visit moves you closer to feeling like yourself again.
You Deserve to Feel Better, Let’s Take the First Step
Starting pelvic floor physical therapy can feel like a big decision, but it’s also a powerful one. You’re choosing to listen to your body, advocate for your well-being, and take the first step toward real, lasting relief.
At VT Moms Physical Therapy in Middlebury, VT, we’re here to walk with you through every part of the process with compassion, expertise, and care that’s completely centered around you.
Contact us to schedule your first appointment. We can’t wait to help you feel better, stronger, and more confident in your body.