What to Expect

Pelvic health physical therapy may be new to you—and that's okay.

Your first visit is an opportunity to talk about what's bothering you, understand what's contributing to your symptoms, and create a treatment plan that makes sense for you.

There is no need to know exactly what's wrong before you come in. That's part of what the evaluation is for.

1. Before Your First Appointment

Complete Your Intake Forms

Before your appointment, you'll receive electronic forms to complete. These provide important information about your medical history, symptoms, medications, current concerns, and goals.

Taking a few minutes to complete these ahead of time allows us to spend more of your appointment focused on you.

What Should I Wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily.

Depending on your concerns, your evaluation may include movement, posture, breathing, or functional activities, so clothing that allows for comfortable movement is helpful.

2. Your First Visit

We'll Start With a Conversation

Your first appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your concerns.

I'll ask questions about:

• Your current symptoms

• When your symptoms started

• Activities that make your symptoms better or worse

• Bladder and bowel habits

• Pregnancy and birth history, when relevant

• Sexual health concerns, when relevant

• Surgical or medical history

• Exercise and activity

• Work and daily activities

• Your goals for physical therapy

You control what you're comfortable discussing. My goal is to create a safe, judgment-free environment where you can ask questions and talk openly about your concerns.

3. Your Physical Examination

After discussing your symptoms, I'll perform an individualized physical assessment based on your concerns.

This may include evaluation of:

• Posture and movement

• Breathing patterns

• Abdominal and core muscle function

• Hip and pelvic mobility

• Strength and coordination

• Functional movement

• Muscle tension

• Scar tissue

• Pelvic floor muscle function

Not every patient needs every component of an examination. Your evaluation is tailored to your symptoms, goals, and comfort level.

4. What About an Internal Pelvic Floor Examination?

An Internal Examination Is Not Automatically Required. An internal vaginal or rectal examination may be recommended when it would provide useful information about your symptoms and help guide treatment.

However: You are always in control of your care.

An internal examination will only be performed with your informed consent. You can ask questions, decline the examination, or change your mind at any time.

When an internal examination isn't appropriate, necessary, or something you're comfortable with, there are many other ways to evaluate and treat pelvic health concerns.

5. Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging

See What Your Muscles Are Doing

When appropriate, I may use real-time ultrasound imaging (RUSI) as part of your assessment or treatment.

This can provide a visual way to observe muscle activity and coordination, including aspects of abdominal and pelvic floor function.

Ultrasound can also be a helpful educational tool, allowing you to better understand how your muscles respond to breathing, movement, and pelvic floor contraction or relaxation.

Ultrasound is not required for every patient and is used when clinically appropriate.

6. We'll Create a Treatment Plan Together

At the end of your evaluation, we'll discuss what I found and how those findings may relate to your symptoms.

Together, we'll establish a treatment plan based on:

• Your goals

• Your symptoms

• Your examination findings

• Your lifestyle and activities

• Your preferences

• Your individual needs

Treatment may include a combination of hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercise, movement retraining, breathing strategies, education, behavioral strategies, and a personalized home program.

7. What Happens During Follow-Up Visits?

Follow-up appointments are focused on progressing your plan of care.

Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

Movement & Exercise

Exercises designed to improve strength, mobility, coordination, endurance, and functional movement.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques may be used to address muscle tension, mobility restrictions, scar tissue, or other contributing factors.

Breathing & Pressure Management

We'll work on breathing mechanics and strategies for managing pressure through your abdomen and pelvis during everyday activities and exercise.

Pelvic Floor Training

Treatment may focus on learning to appropriately contract, relax, lengthen, and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles—not simply "do Kegels."

Education

You'll learn strategies you can use outside of your appointments to support your progress.

Home Program

You'll receive practical recommendations that fit into your daily life.

8. How Long Are Appointments?

Dedicated Time for Your Care

Initial evaluations and follow-up appointments are designed to provide dedicated one-on-one care.

You won't be rushed through your appointment or passed between multiple providers.

Each session is an opportunity to assess your progress, address your concerns, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

9. What If I'm Nervous or Embarrassed?

You Are Not Alone.

Pelvic health concerns can be difficult to discuss. Many people wait months—or even years—before seeking help because they feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or unsure whether their symptoms are "normal."

You don't have to feel embarrassed here.

There is no judgment and no expectation that you already understand your pelvic floor or know exactly what is causing your symptoms.

My role is to listen, educate, and help you understand what is happening so we can work together toward your goals.

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10. What to Expect From Telehealth

Pelvic Health Physical Therapy From Home

Telehealth appointments provide an opportunity to discuss your concerns, review your symptoms and history, assess movement and functional patterns, and develop an individualized plan of care from the comfort of your home.

Telehealth may be appropriate for:

• Initial consultations

• Education and self-management

• Exercise instruction

• Follow-up visits

• Pregnancy and postpartum guidance

• Lifestyle and behavioral strategies

Some conditions may benefit from an in-person examination, and I'll help determine what type of visit is most appropriate for you.

[Schedule a Telehealth Appointment]

11. What Happens After Your First Visit?

You'll Leave With a Plan

After your first appointment, you should have a better understanding of:

What may be contributing to your symptoms
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What we can do about it
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What you can do between visits
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What the next steps are

Your plan may change as you progress. Physical therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process, and your treatment will evolve based on your response to care.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No, New Jersey is a "direct access" state. You can schedule an appointment directly without needing a prescription or referral from your doctor.

Do I have to have an internal examination?

No. An internal examination is not automatically required and will only be performed with your informed consent.

What should I bring?

Your completed intake forms and any relevant medical information. You don't need to bring special equipment.

How many visits will I need?

This varies depending on your condition, goals, symptoms, and response to treatment. Your plan of care will be individualized rather than based on a predetermined number of visits.

Do you treat men?

Yes. Pelvic health physical therapy can benefit men with a variety of bladder, bowel, pelvic pain, sexual health, and post-surgical concerns.

Do you treat children?

Yes. Pediatric pelvic health concerns can include constipation, toileting difficulties, urinary issues, and other pelvic health concerns.