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What to Expect During Your Pelvic Floor Evaluation
We know that seeking pelvic floor therapy can feel intimidating, and we want you to know—you are not alone. Many people feel nervous, but we are here to make this experience as comfortable and supportive as possible. Our goal is to help you feel at ease and empowered every step of the way.
Your First Visit
Just like in traditional physical therapy, we’ll start by getting to know you and your symptoms. We’ll ask questions about what you’ve been experiencing, how long it’s been going on, and what seems to help or make it worse. Since the pelvic floor is closely connected to many essential functions, we may also ask about:
- Your bladder and bowel habits
- Menstrual and birth history (if applicable)
- Any discomfort or changes in sexual function
We understand these topics can feel personal, and you are always in control of what you share. We respect your privacy, and anything you choose not to discuss is completely okay.
Moving Through the Evaluation Together
After talking through your history, we’ll look at how your body moves. We’ll gently check your posture, flexibility, and strength—just like in any other physical therapy evaluation. This helps us understand how your whole body is working together.
Then, with your explicit permission, we will assess your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. This may include:
- External assessment—observing and gently testing the perineal area
- Internal assessment—if you’re comfortable, we can check deeper muscle function vaginally or rectally
An internal exam is not required—we will always respect your comfort level. If at any point you want to pause, change your mind, or ask questions, we encourage you to do so. This is your body, and you are in control of your care.
Your Goals Matter
By the end of the evaluation, we’ll work together to create a plan that’s just right for you. Whether you want to:
- Make it through a movie without bathroom breaks
- Do jumping jacks without worrying about leaks
- Walk around the Watchung Lake without heaviness or pressure
- Feel more at ease and comfortable during intimacy
We are here to help, support, and guide you toward feeling better in your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a specialty area of physical therapy that focuses on the treatment of pelvic floor muscles, ligaments and connective tissues. These structures all work together to support the pelvic organs (bowel, bladder, and reproductive), while also contributing to sexual arousal/orgasm, and assisting in bladder and bowel control. When a dysfunction occurs in this area, pelvic pain, incontinence, constipation, or sexual dysfunction may occur. Pelvic PT is a safe, non-surgical, and non-pharmacological approach to addressing dysfunction in this area.
At Soma Vita Physio, your pelvic floor physical therapist will be sure to take a holistic approach to your care, addressing the root cause of your dysfunction, and providing a plan to eliminate your problem areas long-term.
The initial evaluation is 1 hour long, and you will be with a Doctor of Physical Therapy the entire time. By the end of your session, you will have a clear understanding of what’s going on and receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is COMMON but NOT NORMAL. If you are having complaints in this area, please know you have options to address them, no matter your age or whether you have had children. Pelvic floor issues can affect anyone with a pelvis, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. At Soma Vita Physio, we take a very tailored approach to your care, individualizing treatment based on your specific needs and concerns.
Yes, absolutely your partner is welcome to join you during your appointments! This can help them better understand your condition and treatment plan and also provides support throughout your healing journey. If you have any concerns or preferences, feel free to let us know!
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to attend your appointment while on your period. Pelvic floor therapy can still be beneficial, and your comfort is a priority. If you have any specific concerns, such as discomfort or heavy flow, let us know, and we can adjust the session to ensure you feel at ease.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with a variety of conditions, including:
✅ Pelvic Pain: Pain in the pelvic region, tailbone, hips, or lower back due to muscle tension, nerve irritation, or dysfunction.
✅ Urinary Issues: Urgency, frequency, incontinence (leakage), or difficulty emptying the bladder.
✅ Bowel Dysfunction: Constipation, fecal incontinence, or pain with bowel movements.
✅ Pregnancy & Postpartum Recovery: Core weakness, diastasis recti, pelvic organ prolapse, or pain during or after pregnancy.
✅ Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Discomfort or pain during or after intimacy.
✅ Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A feeling of heaviness or pressure due to weakened pelvic floor support.
✅ Post-Surgical Recovery: After procedures like hysterectomy, prostatectomy, or C-section to restore strength and mobility.
✅ Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea) or Endometriosis: Pain with menstruation, menstrual cramps, abdominal and low back pain.
Most people need 8–12 sessions, though it can vary up to 18 sessions depending on the severity of the condition and individual progress. Most people choose to continue beyond their treatment plan to stay proactive in preventing future injuries or to address a completely different issue in another area. Your plan will be tailored to your specific needs and goals.
No, an internal exam is not necessary. However, any information that is learned during an internal exam will help us build a program more specific to your needs and what you want to achieve from physical therapy.
You may experience some discomfort during your pelvic floor assessment. You as the patient are in control at all times and if you are experiencing any level of pain the provider can stop at any time.
Yes, men can absolutely benefit from pelvic floor therapy. Pelvic floor issues aren’t limited to women—men can experience conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, prostate issues, erectile dysfunction, and bowel dysfunction, all of which can be treated with pelvic floor therapy. A tailored treatment plan can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve function, and relieve symptoms.
NO! New Jersey is a Direct Access State for physical therapy, which means you are not required to obtain a referral to obtain care from a Physical Therapist.
If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to walk you through anything that feels unclear. Taking care of your pelvic health is a brave and important step—and we’re honored to be part of your journey.
You can reach us at 973-547-1226 through call or text!
