How to Start Pelvic Floor Therapy: 5 Steps to Jumpstart Your Journey

You are wanting to start pelvic floor therapy but unsure of where to begin. You are thinking about making more time for self-care, prioritizing yourself for once, and putting an end to your pelvic health concerns.

You may be seeking out pelvic floor therapy after being encouraged by a friend, referred by a doctor, or heard about it from social media. Regardless of what brought you here, we are glad you are here. Getting started is the hardest part. We are here to make it a little easier.

1. Searching for "Pelvic Floor Near Me"

When scouring the internet to figure out where to turn next for support, it is important to know what to look for in a pelvic health practice. Determining which clinic is best for you should be based on more than just location. While of course, approachable driving distance is a must.

However, take a moment to consider where you would bring your child to daycare or perhaps your parent to an assisted living if you were in either of those situations. Would you only search for "___ near me?" Well, sure. Maybe at first, but it is likely you would keep searching a broader area to make sure you have found the best option possible for those dearest to you.

Why then, when it comes to your own pelvic health, would you sacrifice the care that you deserve for convenience over everything?

As you do a deeper dive, something to keep in mind is to look beyond the map or the Google search. See if their office has an Instagram, website, blog, or other platforms. Ask yourself the following as you are taking a look at their information:

• Do you see any of your concerns listed on their resources?

• Do the pelvic floor therapists seem approachable or equipped to help you?

• What does the clinic look like in the background?

• Does this look like a safe space to feel heard?

• Would you be comfortable potentially undressing in this space for a pelvic floor assessment?

• Do any of their Google Reviews share anything similar about your lived experience?

• Do the pelvic floor therapists have qualifications of being either occupational therapists or physical therapists that have continued their education in pelvic health?

You may find yourself down the rabbit hole and seeing options out of your usual route that better align with your wants and needs, which may just be worth going the distance for. Who knows, maybe you will get lucky and find that the best equipped pelvic floor therapy practice to serve your needs is a stone's throw away.

Pro Tip: Check if the practice offers telehealth. This could be a great option to initiate or continue your care if the practice you are interested in is not commutable.

At Bloom Pelvic Therapy, we are proud to offer our two clinic locations in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, one in South Tampa and one in Lutz, which makes serving our community more accessible.

We also offer telehealth options, which may look different based on the needs and wants of each client.

• Some prefer to come in person for their initial evaluation and follow up their care from the comfort of their home - we have some clients that do this internationally!

• We also have clients that choose to partake in a virtual care plan from start to finish.

• For clients that are otherwise seen in-person, they always have the option of being seen virtually due to circumstances like weather, children being home sick, personal preference, etc. to continue their progress between in-person visits.

2. Call to Learn More

Your phone conversation with the different clinics you are researching should tell you more than simply pricing and availability. Do they seem familiar with the concerns you have? Do they have other clients like you? You should feel assured and informed when you get off the phone.

Consider asking any of the following questions that apply to you while you are connecting.

• Who else is being treated that is like me? Is this something your team sees a lot?

• What does a pelvic floor muscle assessment look like? Do I have to do it?

• What qualifications do the pelvic floor therapists have?

• Is someone able to accompany me?

• How long is the evaluation and how long are follow ups?

• How many visits should I expect?

• Can my child(ren) come along?

3. Book Your Evaluation

You may find that you are able to get in for an appointment within the next few days, within the next month, or that there is no availability for new patients until several months from now. Hopefully, you will be able to book your initial evaluation within a reasonable timeframe.

You will need to determine if being seen right away is of utmost importance to you, or if waiting for the appointment that is a few weeks (hopefully not months) away, is something that will work for you.

Ideally, your evaluation will be somewhere around an hour in length. That time should be spent solely one-on-one with your pelvic floor therapist, not in a group or shared setting for optimal comfort, safety, and results. You should have plenty of time to discuss all of your concerns with your pelvic floor therapist.

If any stones are left unturned, it should be communicated with you and planned to further discuss or evaluate at your initial follow up visits.

4. Prepare for Your Visit

You may receive intake paperwork to complete prior to the visit to better assist your pelvic floor therapist in preparing for your evaluation. This will help to ensure all of your concerns are addressed. Include as much or as little as you would like regarding your concerns and medical history.

While you will discuss this during your initial evaluation and thereafter, it is a great place to start sharing your story.

It can be helpful to have a list prepared (either paper and pencil or on your phone) of questions you have for your pelvic floor therapist. You may naturally think of these during the appointment, but if you don't, you will know you have your list to reference.

Preparing a timeline can also be useful, especially if you have a complex history. This is something your pelvic floor therapist may also like to do with you, so not to worry if the thought of this seems daunting. You don't have to do it alone. For those of you that feel it may help you to have this handy on the front end, try it out. You can use this for pelvic floor therapy and can also help during other medical appointments to ensure everyone is on the same page with your history and concerns.

If time allows, see if you can schedule your initial evaluation at a time that you will not be completely rushed between places to be before and after. There is nothing like unraveling your sensitive health concerns within a full hour or so that should be dedicated to you while constantly checking your watch, worried about getting to the next thing on time. This time is for you and you only. You deserve it.

5. Commit to showing up for yourself

If you get off the phone after scheduling your evaluation feeling empowered, like there is hope, and that you're in good hands, there is a good chance that you are.

Remember this feeling. If there is time between booking and your appointment, you may find yourself pondering any of the following:

"Is now the right time to get pelvic therapy?"

"Is pelvic floor therapy worth it?"

"Does pelvic floor therapy work?"

"Maybe next year would be a better time to start…"

If these thoughts cross your mind, know that you are not alone. These issues get buried under the rug all too often. We are here to tell you that yes, now is the right time.

Your time is now. It is worth it because you matter.

Pelvic floor therapy can make the world of a difference when you are in the right hands. Once you show up for yourself, the rest is much easier.