Pelvic floor physio - what happens?I

[embarrasedandsore]

Been referred for specialist phsyio for vaginimsus and pelvic floor dysfunction/chronic pain, my first appointment is on Monday morning. Not had children so its not a childbirth injury.

GP said expect them to do an internal of front and probably a rectal exam and they might check my abdominal muscles as well? She said there's a thing they might do called trigger point massage involving which sounds a bit strange.

I'm a bit worried as I hate being examined at all due to past experiences and hoping that I can keep my clothes on for the majority?! Not had a patient leaflet or anything just a text telling me which hospital to go to. Just wondering what others experiences are like and if its likely to be painful after as well!

Bumping for evening posters

Hello, I recently had pelvic floor physio although due to childbirth , mild prolapse. They didn't examine me internally as I've had issues with very heavy bleeding still undergoing investigation, and she didn't want to go poking around and cause a problem. What happened was I assumed the smear position and she looked as I was doing the pelvic floor exercises. I understand she would have inserted fingers to feel if I was doing it properly. She gave some some advice and I had to practice as she watched. She could see a lot though and it was helpful even without the external. Hope it goes ok for you.

I had physio but mine was for post birth trauma. It was pretty cringe and is even making me wince typing this. Lots of doing pelvic floor exercises in different positions with the physio seeing how strong the muscle is. The worst was having to do a lunge - they never mentioned that in NCT. However, the lady was lovely about it and does loads a day so just got to go with it. Good luck!

Hoping someone comes along who can advise. I've got a referral coming through soon for a pelvic floor physio.

I'm nervous about what to expect as part of the assessment.

My physio inserted fingers and then asked me to try to work the muscles. I found it really helpful as I'd been doing it wrong. She did a bit if massage on the site of my episiotomy scar but it was fine.

Oh yes she also taught me how to do the exercises effectively.

I had a prolapse after my first child and went to the physio. My experience was I assumed the smear position, she inserted her finger and then asked me to try doing a pelvic floor clench. My baby then started crying so with her other hand she started rocking his pram.

After a bit she looks at me and said I needed to try to relax a bit more. I pointed out I had a strangers finger yo my fanny and my first born was crying.
So it wasnMt the most fun i’ve Ever had but it worked wonders. Totally sorted out all my problems.

It was quicker and less painful than a smear.
K

KatyN

I'm so pleased to hear you have had such great results. I have a prolapse too, and my first pelvic physio appt next week.

Sorry OP, cannot advise yet. Hope all goes well for you.

Thanks all - mine is because the muscles are all in spasm so its to try and teach me how to relax (downgrade?) them. I don't fancy doing any lunges though!!! I've had urodynamics before (catheters up front and up bum and then coughing to check bladder pressure) and can't imagine that this could really be any worse tbh. Fingers crossed not!

Just a wee update - saw physio this morning, was there for a good 90 mins. I've to have trigger point massage as external and internal muscles are all inflamed and overactive. Also to practice full body relaxation. Was v v odd trying to do deep breaths etc with her hand checking what my PF does (should move with each breath).. Initially weekly appointments reducing over a period of 3 months or so. Not the most pleasant experience but the physio was lovely and says she expects some difference even if just in terms of pain levels. Fingers crossed its beneficial!

You are very lucky you've got such a good physio. I have constant PF pain after childbirth and she basically just told me to keep doing the excercises. My PF is in spasm but also chronically weak. Im paying for a rivate physio now which is more helpful xx

Ladies with a tight pelvic floor
Buy yourself a Thera wand
I've had issues for years, got better after having my first baby
But worse after the second
And the Thera wand is helping so much
I can basically do what the Physio was doing but more regularly and at home!
Worth every penny x

Thank you very much for this thread!! I'm due to see a physio for pelvic floor issues in a fortnight and I was just expecting a chat about my symptoms and some tips on how to do pelvic floor exercises not a full internal examination I am now fully forewarned!