What to Expect at Your First Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Appointment

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your first pelvic health physiotherapy appointment! Knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease.

When you arrive, your pelvic health physiotherapist will greet you in the waiting room and take you to a private space where you can speak openly without being overheard.

Most first appointments last about an hour. This gives us plenty of time to listen to your story and understand your concerns.

1. Talking Through Your History

We’ll start by asking about your main concerns and your goals. From there, we may explore topics such as:

• Bladder and bowel function
• Prolapse symptoms
• Sexual concerns
• Pregnancy and birth history
• Musculoskeletal symptoms
• Lifestyle factors such as sleep and exercise
• Gynaecological history and menstrual cycle
• General health and medications

We understand these can be deeply personal topics, especially when we’ve only just met. We’ll only ask questions that are relevant to your care, and you can always let us know if there’s anything you’d rather not discuss. There’s no such thing as “too much information,” we’ve truly heard it all before!

2. Physical Examination

After we’ve taken your history, we’ll explain possible reasons for your symptoms using diagrams or models.

Your physiotherapist may suggest an internal vaginal or rectal examination. This is not always the case, and is sometimes not even needed in that first consultation! The reason internal examinations are suggested is because the pelvic floor muscles sit inside the pelvis. An internal assessment is therefore often the most effective way to assess them, but we will always provide you with all of your options – which always includes no examination at all.

We will always:

• Explain exactly what’s involved
• Ask for your permission before proceeding and during the process
• Respect your decision if you choose not to proceed with any of the assessments we recommend, especially at that first appointment. There are always other options, and there is by no means nothing we can do if you do decide to decline an assessment.

If you prefer, you can also take time to think it over or choose an alternative, such as real-time ultrasound. This external assessment uses a probe on your lower tummy or perineum, allowing you to see your pelvic floor muscles in action on a screen.

We’ll go through the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed choice.

Sometimes, we may also ask you to complete a bladder or bowel diary before your next session.

3. Treatment Planning

Once the examination is complete, we’ll share our findings and work with you to create a personalised treatment plan. Education is always central to our approach, and we base all advice on the latest evidence.

Treatment may include:

• Lifestyle changes (e.g. fluid and fibre guidance)
• A tailored home exercise program
• Manual therapy such as massage or joint mobilisation
• Pessary fitting (if appropriate)

You’ll likely leave with some form of “homework.” We understand life is busy, so we’ll help you fit it into your routine. To make things easier, we also send an email summary so you can refer back to our recommendations anytime.

4. Planning Ahead

We’ll arrange your next appointment based on your goals, sometimes within 1–2 weeks, or longer if needed.

Follow-up sessions are usually 30–45 minutes. We begin each one by checking in on your progress, answering questions, and focusing on what’s most important to you that day.

The number of sessions varies from person to person. If you’re managing a more chronic concern, like pelvic pain, our focus is on giving you the tools and confidence to self-manage long term.

With your consent, we’ll communicate with your GP or other health professionals involved in your care so we can work together to help you reach your goals.

By the end of your first appointment, you should have a clear understanding of what’s happening in your body and a plan to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?
No. Pelvic health physiotherapists are primary care practitioners, so you can book directly without a GP referral.
 
What should I wear?
Anything comfortable that allows you to move freely.
 
Can I bring my baby or children?
Absolutely! We understand the challenges of finding childcare. Babies and children are welcome, and at All Women’s Health our friendly admin team is always happy to offer cuddles if bub needs a hand while we finish your assessment.
 
How much does it cost?
Initial consultations are typically $200–$285 for a one-hour session. At All Women’s Health, our initial appointments are $240. Follow-ups are $175 (45 minutes) or $130 (30 minutes).
 
Is pelvic floor physiotherapy covered by Medicare?
Not usually, unless you have a Team Care Arrangement from your GP, which allows up to five subsidised allied health visits per calendar year. Ask your GP if you qualify.
 
Can I use private health insurance?
Yes, if physiotherapy is included on your extras cover. Rebates vary depending on your provider.

We hope this helps answer your questions and ease any nerves about your first appointment.

If you’re ready to take the next step, you can book online here.