Written by a pelvic floor physical therapist at Empower Your Pelvis, in Kansas City, Missouri (Lee Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)

Preparing for your first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment can feel a bit daunting, but knowing what to expect can make it easier. Here are six key things your pelvic floor physical therapist wants you to know:

1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Examinations Shouldn’t Be Painful
A pelvic floor exam is gentle and performed by a trained professional using a single gloved finger to assess the muscles both externally and internally. The internal examination typically involves inserting the finger up to the first or second knuckle. If at any point you feel discomfort, let your therapist know. The goal of this exam is to evaluate the movement and flexibility of your pelvic muscles, similar to how we might examine muscles in your arm or leg. We’re checking for things like tissue mobility, muscle lengthening, shortening, relaxation, strength, and endurance.

2. Your Grooming Habits Don’t Bother Us
Worried about forgetting to shave your legs or missing a pedicure? Don't be! We truly don’t care about how you choose to groom, including in the pelvic region. We’ve seen it all, and things like hairy legs are not on our radar.

3. Your Vagina Is a Self-Cleaning Oven
There's no need to stock up on feminine washes, wipes, or douches. Your vagina has its own natural way of keeping itself clean. Unless your doctor has recommended a specific product, simple water is all you need for cleansing.

4. Safer Products Are Now Available for Your Vagina
Great news! Many tampons, pads, and lubricants are now made with safer ingredients, supporting your vaginal health. It’s a win for women’s wellness!

5. Nothing Is TMI (Too Much Information)
Don’t be shy about sharing details or asking questions. Your therapist needs all the information you can provide to help improve your symptoms. Chances are, whatever you're curious about has been asked multiple times already, so go ahead and ask!

6. It’s Okay to Come in While on Your Cycle
If you're on your period during your appointment, don’t stress. Around 25% of our patients are on their cycle when they come in, and it doesn’t bother us at all. We can focus on plenty of other aspects of your care even if we skip the internal exam that day.

Understanding these points can help ease any worries and ensure that your pelvic floor therapy experience is as comfortable and effective as possible.

 Get Professional Help

If you're looking for “pelvic floor therapy near me”, consider scheduling a consultation at one of our locations in Kansas City-Overland Park, Kansas, or Lees Summit, Missouri. Click here to book your appointment.

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Are you searching for a thoughtful, meaningful gift that shows you truly care? Look no further! A Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Gift Card is the perfect way to support your loved one's health and wellness journey.

With wellness in your pelvis-

Amanda Fisher, PT, DPT
Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Kansas City (Lee’s Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)