Before your appointment, you should have filled in your Pre-Appointment Questionnaire. We ask that you do this before your appointment so that you can get the maximum benefit from your appointment slot.
When you arrive, please let a member of the team know, who will make the physiotherapist aware that you have arrived.
Once in the assessment room, your physiotherapist will ask you questions about your injury/problem and general health.
They will then examine the area of concern. Your initial appointment will include a thorough examination so that we can provide you with the most appropriate course of action and the best outcome.
We will ask about other health conditions and the medication that you take which we can access from your GP records with your consent, or you can bring a list of your medications along to the appointment with you.
Your physiotherapist may need you to undress to your underwear to be able to fully assess the affected area or problem.
For your first assessment we suggest you wear:
- Loose comfortable clothing
- Underwear
- You may wish to bring a pair of shorts or vest with you to change in to
Please rest assured that your privacy will be respected at all times and our physiotherapy consultation room is both discreet and private.
If you are under the age of 16 you will need to be accompanied by an adult with parental responsibility.
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment. If you arrive late for your appointment you will be seen for the remaining time of your appointment slot.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment we ask for 12 hours minimum notice, please see our cancellation policy.
What to expect at your upcoming women’s health appointment
What to expect when you visit a bladder, bowel and pelvic physiotherapist
This page intended to provide you with any questions you may have surrounding your assessment and vaginal examination. It is not intended to replace a discussion with your physiotherapist.
Digital Vaginal Examination
The nature of the gynaecological care means that internal examinations are often necessary to assess the pelvic floor muscles and treat you effectively. The pelvic floor is a sling of muscles deep within the pelvis that are integral in controlling the bladder and bowel and support the pelvic organs. As pelvic floor exercises are essential in the treatment of pelvic floor problems, it is important for you and your physiotherapist to know you are exercising the muscle in the correct way. This is carried out through an internal examination.
This is performed by a specially trained chartered physiotherapist who has gained post qualification training in pelvic health. You will always see the same physiotherapist at each appointment.
The examination will take place in a private and confidential room, with a lockable door. Your privacy, dignity and comfort are at the forefront of all the care we provide at Physiotherapy by Cure Clinics and we endeavour to ensure you feel comfortable at all times.
What will happen?
Your physiotherapist will explain the procedure to you.
Firstly, you will be given the option to have this examination performed at your next appointment if you prefer.
You will be asked to remove your lower half of clothing and lie on the plinth on your back with a towel over your lower body. You will be asked to lie with your knees bent and apart and feet flat on the plinth. As part of the examination the physiotherapist will insert a finger into your vagina to assess the strength of the muscles. You will be asked to squeeze your pelvic floor muscles on the examining finger to assess your muscle tone. The therapist will talk you through the procedure and make sure you are comfortable.
We understand that for some people such examinations can be difficult. Your consent to the examination is needed. Your physiotherapist will ensure they answer any questions you have. If you feel uncomfortable or anxious at any point it is important that you know you have the right to stop the examination at any point.
Treatment is based on the findings of this examination however if you decide you do not wish to have an internal examination the physiotherapist will continue to give you advice and exercises based on the information you have provided in the consultation.
Chaperone
You have the opportunity to have a chaperone present during the examination. This could be a friend or family member you bring with you, or it could be another female member of our team if you would like someone else to be present.
Please let your physiotherapist know if you would like to have a chaperone present.
You must inform your physiotherapist if any of the following apply as it may not be suitable to have an internal examination:
- You are pregnant
- Recently had a baby or pelvic surgery
- Vaginal infection
- Recent radiotherapy
- Allergy to latex/creams
- Cultural / religious beliefs that do not allow this type of examination
- Menstruating
- Psychosexual problems
- Abnormal smears
