Each patient will have a slightly different first session, but there are certain steps involved in most initial women’s health physical therapy sessions.
This type of therapy is often also referred to as pelvic rehab. The reason is that many of the conditions that it treats occur in the pelvic area. But physical therapists who specialize in women’s health can also help treat other conditions that affect women. Some of these conditions include osteoporosis and fibromyalgia. However, before you go to your first women’s health physical therapy session, you may want to have some ideas of what will happen during your session.
Five steps that are typical of initial women’s health physical therapy sessions
The five basic steps that are often involved in an initial women’s health physical therapy appointment include:
- Filling out paperwork — As with other medical appointments, the first few minutes of your session will likely be spent filling out paperwork. This can include giving information about your health insurance and past medical history. You’ll also likely be asked to read information about privacy practices. In some cases, your therapy provider may have the forms listed online so you can fill them out before your session and save time.
- Physical examination — Your physical therapist is likely to perform a comprehensive physical exam on you during your first session. This allows them to learn about your movement restrictions, pain and other symptoms you’re experiencing. For pelvic conditions, your therapist might also ask your permission to do a vaginal examination.
- Answering questions — Throughout your session, your specialist will ask you questions about many different things. Some may be about your symptoms or your daily routine. They may also ask for more information about past medical issues you’ve had. Also, the questions can and should go both ways. Your physical therapist will be happy to answer any questions you have. After all, better informed patients tend to be more engaged in their therapy.
- Beginning treatment — If there is time, your physical therapist will take steps to start treating your condition. Some of the therapy techniques they could use during your session include:
- Discussing future care — Your physical therapist will also discuss your future care with you before the end of your initial session. Such discussions can include talking about exercises they’d like you to do at home. They could also cover steps or techniques that may be involved in future sessions.
Find effective women’s health physical therapy at Border Therapy Services
Are you in need of women’s health physical therapy? Our physical therapists at Border Therapy Services are ready and willing to help women get the therapeutic care they need. We offer free screenings to help you get your treatment process started. Additionally, our team excels at constructing personalized therapy plans for our patients, and we can help you get care from home with our virtual therapy or at-home care services.
Contact our team today for more information about our therapy services for women or to schedule an initial appointment.