What to expect and things to know about your Women’s Health appointment

Well done! You have decided to come and see your women’s health physiotherapist. But it’s nerve wracking and uncomfortable to think about. How should I dress? What should I expect? How will I speak about pelvic issues with a complete stranger.

But here is thing. Guess what : I’m a woman too, a vagina owner, a mum of three and a clinician for over twenty years now. When you come into my space it is my priority to make it YOUR space of wellbeing and safety. You get the floor to lead the discussion at the beginning: you can tell me as much or as little of your ‘story’ or medical history as you feel comfortable sharing. I will ask you questions to help me get a clearer picture about things as it is then that I am starting to make a plan for your examination and treatment. We may even troubleshoot as we go! I like to keep it casual yet professional at all times. These issues are uncomfortable but getting to the root of the cause and finding ways to reduce, eliminate and ultimately improve your quality of life are what its all about.

SO TIPS for the day;

Here is how it goes;

-The chat

-The postural exam and movement observation: we start to build your home exercise strengthening programme

• the pelvic/ abdominal examination to check vulvar tissue, signs of prolapse, pelvic floor condition ( strength, flexibility, endurance, mobility)

Many times we will examine in standing too

Common Questions asked;

What will I wear?

Many women wear a dress as this makes the pelvic examination easier for them. Otherwise leggings or loose tracksuit is ideal

Make sure to wear a mask and bring extra hand sanitizer if you like although I have both in clinic available too

Can I bring my baby?

Yes if course you can! we can entertain baby while you have your session, you can feed or have baby with you during the examination : I have done this many times. what I will say is sometimes it interupts your ability to concentrate on what I am saying but I will always send on information after the session so don’t worry too much.

Can I attend if I have my period?

The answer to this often posed question is yes! We always use gloves, a hygienic sheet underneath you and a cover over you so that it is entirely discreet and hygienic at all times. It can be a little more embarrassing for you however I want to reassure you that this is the regular practice amongst pelvic health physiotherapists as we can’t depend on our period not to arrive after having waited for an appointment for so long. So if you are okay with it then we can proceed as normal. Feel free to let me know in advance if you are unsure.

Will I need a follow up appointment?

Research has shown that a supervised programme of pelvic floor exercises works best. It depends on how easy you find the exercises, how severe the condition is on presentation and how accessible the sessions are for you. I like to provide remote support by email in between sessions and encourage this to help keep you on the recovery pathway.

I hope this synopsis helps to take away the fear! Remember I am highly experienced and want nothing but the best for you!

If you have any more questions please do contact me in advance at elainebarryphysio@gmail.com.