Booking a first pelvic health physiotherapy visit can feel unfamiliar. Many people want to know what will be asked, what an assessment involves, and how consent works. This article outlines common parts of a first visit so you can prepare questions. It is general education. Your own visit may look different based on your goals and comfort.
For pelvic health appointments at our Downtown London clinic, Pro Function Health Care Team is at 140 Ann St, Suite 103. You can also learn more about pelvic health physiotherapy on our service page.
What pelvic health physiotherapy can address
Pelvic health physiotherapists work with people who have concerns such as bladder or bowel symptoms, pelvic pain, pressure or heaviness, and pregnancy or postpartum recovery, among other issues. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Pelvic and Reproductive Health division supports physiotherapists who focus on this area of practice (CPA Pelvic and Reproductive Health). Your clinician will explain whether physiotherapy is a good fit after hearing your history.
The conversation comes first
A first visit usually starts with a detailed discussion. Expect questions about:
- Your main concern and how it affects daily life
- Bladder and bowel habits, when relevant
- Pregnancy, birth or surgery history, if relevant
- Pain, pressure, leakage or urgency patterns
- Activity, work and personal goals
- What you are comfortable with during assessment
You can ask for plain language at any time. You can also ask what is essential today versus what can wait until you feel ready.
Consent is ongoing
Consent is not a one-time signature. Regulatory guidance for physiotherapists providing pelvic health services emphasizes explaining procedures and obtaining consent before assessment steps, and notes that clients can decline a procedure (College of Health and Care Professionals of BC guidance on pelvic health physiotherapy services). In practice, that means:
- Your clinician should explain why a step is suggested
- You can say no to any part of the exam
- You can change your mind during the visit
- Care can still continue with external assessment and education when an internal exam is declined
If something feels unclear, pause the visit and ask.
External and internal assessment options
Many first visits include looking at posture, breathing, hip and low-back movement, and how the abdomen and pelvic region move with simple tasks. An internal vaginal or rectal examination is sometimes recommended to assess pelvic floor muscle tone, strength and coordination. It is not mandatory for every person on day one. Comfort, medical factors and your preferences guide the choice.
You remain in control of clothing, draping, who is in the room, and whether a support person is present, within clinic policy.
What you may leave with
Depending on findings, a first plan might include education about habits, gentle strategies for symptom management, and a small set of exercises or positions to try. It should not promise a fixed number of visits or a guaranteed outcome. If physiotherapy is not the right next step, your clinician should say so and suggest who else to contact.
Preparing for Downtown appointments
Helpful steps before you arrive:
- Write your top three goals and top three questions
- Note symptom patterns through a normal day
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Arrive a few minutes early for forms
If you need to discuss accessibility or privacy preferences, call the clinic ahead of time.
Common worries people bring to the first visit
People often arrive with practical worries that are easy to name out loud:
- Will I have to undress more than I expect?
- Will anyone walk in during the assessment?
- Can I bring a partner or support person?
- What if I cry, or what if I need to stop?
- Will this feel like a medical exam I had somewhere else?
Ask these early. Clinics that provide pelvic health care are used to them. Clear answers reduce stress and make consent more meaningful.
How Downtown visits usually fit into a busy day
Downtown appointments are often scheduled around work. If you are coming from an office nearby, plan a buffer so you are not rushing consent conversations. If parking or entrance details matter to you, call ahead and ask about the Ann Street location. Bring a water bottle and any symptom diary you started. Small logistics make it easier to focus on the clinical discussion.
If your symptoms flare with long sitting, tell the clinician at the start so the visit pace can adjust.
What “success” looks like after visit one
Success on day one is usually clarity, not a finished recovery. Good signs include:
- You understand the working theory your clinician is considering
- You know which home strategies are optional versus important this week
- You know how to reach the clinic if symptoms change
- You feel respected in what you consented to and what you declined
If you leave confused, say so before you go. A short recap is part of good care.
Booking downtown
For pelvic health appointments at our Downtown London clinic, call 519-601-7761 or book at our Downtown clinic online. Read more about pelvic health physiotherapy before your visit if that helps you prepare questions.
Short FAQ
Do I have to have an internal exam on the first visit? No. Consent is required, and you can decline. External assessment and education can still be useful while you decide what feels right.
Is pelvic health physiotherapy only for pregnancy? No. People seek pelvic health care for many reasons across life stages. Your clinician will screen whether physiotherapy is appropriate for your concern.
Will someone explain everything before touching me? You should receive an explanation of any assessment step and a clear chance to consent or decline before it happens.
Educational content only. It does not replace an assessment or medical care. Outcomes vary.
