Many individuals feel that going to a doctor, pelvic care provider, professional, etc. routinely for a check up or to inspect something that is ailing you can be one of the more intimidating parts of growing up and being an adult. And when it comes to our pelvic health, it can be more intimidating. We all have our own pelvic health journey, and there are pelvic health professionals who specialize in this area of the body. Here are some pelvic health professionals who want to help alleviate your first pelvic floor visit and why you should not be scared talking about your personal pelvic health history and treatment plans.
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"The first visit shouldn’t be scary because you are in the driver seat. The first visit is all about you, your concerns, your worries, and your fears about starting a journey that means you are going to get your life back. Yes, we are going to talk about pee, poop, and sex and you are going to get to hear what ALL your treatment options are."
From Amy Underwood OTR/L Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist and owner of Pelvic Health Elevated in St Jo Michigan. OT for 20 years :)
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"We want to listen, hear your story, know your biggest goals, and walk alongside you in your journey. We want you to feel comfortable in our space and empower you to feel like you have control over your care. And nothing is ever TMI with us!"
Dr. Kellie Soltis, PT,DPT,CDNT; 12 years as a PT; owner of Natural Fit Physio in Rockville, MD
NaturalFitPhysio.com
Instagram.com/naturalfit_physio
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"In my clinic, the initial evaluation is very conversational. We have an entire hour to unpack the history and lived experience of the client. I want to learn everything I can about what has led to them coming to me. As an OT my lens is a bit unique, I want to treat this person holistically. I ask about their job and how their symptoms impact their work, their relationships and their hobbies/leisure activities.
I want to know about the stress in their life and how they manage it. I also ask about bowel, bladder, and sexual health. I take the opportunity to fully explain what an internal pelvic floor assessment can look like, when it is indicated and how it can be helpful.
I also take this time to explain that this assessment is optional and that I typically will do this exam at the first follow up, and that they can decline it if they want to. The goal of the first visit is to get to know them and start to build a plan of action, answer any questions they may have, and help them see the full picture of their symptoms."
Kelsie Kavadas, OTD, OTR/L, PRPC
herpathotandwellness.com
Instagram.com/herpath.wellness
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Pelvic Health Physical Therapists provide a private, supportive treatment setting where we emphasize your comfort, consent, and body autonomy. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan to make progress both in and out of the clinic.
The PT likely will recommend self-treatment tools such as dilators, pelvic wands, and other products, with guidance on how to use them safely and effectively in the privacy of your home.
Most importantly, you remain in control—you can ask questions, set boundaries, and speak up about what feels comfortable for you. Your care is a partnership and your voice matters.
Dr. Lindsay Jana, PT, DPT, FDN-S, PRPC, PWCS
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"1) You are not alone, your body isn't weird, and your problem isn't something we've never seen before. We've helped many people with exactly what you're experiencing, and we know how to help you overcome it.
2) Your body isn't broken. It's sending a message that it needs more support, and we know how to help."
Elizabeth Lauten, PT, DPT
monarchwellnessphysio.com
instagram.com/monarch.physio
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"Pelvic PT is just like PT you may have had for your knee or back! We are muscle and bone movement experts and so we will look at how those muscles move, their strength, we may press on them to see if they are tender, or test their strength; and then we give you exercises to do before your next visit. The only really big difference is that the pelvic floor muscles are inside your pelvis and so this exam involves getting undressed.
Remember, you are in the drivers seat! The exam only needs to go as far as you are comfortable. An internal exam gives us the most direct information about what is happening in your pelvic floor but we can always start with an external exam and do internal at a future visit.
It helps to know that the exam should be pain free - even if you are seeing us for pelvic pain! There are no stirrups and no speculums and your therapist will be checking in with you throughout the exam."
Ariel Wynne PT, DPT, WCS; 8 years experience
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"Your first pelvic floor visit should not be scary and the reason why is because when you are working with your pelvic PT, they should be in constant communication with you about what treatment will look, what they will actually be doing with you on that day and; if the decision is made to do a pelvic internal exam, communicate with you what it will entail.
As a pelvic PT, when I am working with a patient at their first visit, I am doing a lot to assess their body which includes more than just the pelvic floor. I am examining and seeing what movement is like in their spine and hips, I am looking at their core strength and balance and I am also assessing for scars and past injuries that may have an impact on their pelvic health condition.
There are many aspects to one's body and their history that can have an impact on their pelvic floor, and the job of the pelvic PT is to be able to correctly decipher it and create a treatment plan that holistically looks at the whole body and communicates that plan well to the patient. So, nothing to fear and trust that you are in good hands when working with a pelvic PT!"
Anietie Ukpe-Wallace, PT, DPT, 6 years
selfcarephysio.com
instagram.com/selfcarephysio
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"No tricks. Just thoughtful, consent-based care. 💜
At PelvicAndBeyondPT, your comfort comes first. Before we ask personal questions or begin an assessment, we ask your permission and explain what to expect. Before any internal assessment, we explain what it involves and ask for your consent.
You can ask questions, pause, or say "No" at any point. We’ll listen and work with you at your pace.
Your first visit should feel like a conversation in a safe, respectful space! because you deserve to feel informed, heard, and in control of your care."
Bhakti Patel, PT, Pelvic Health Specialist
instagram.com/pelvicandbeyondpt
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"I tell all of my patients before their first visit that I NEVER do an internal exam without consent first. But also it is not always necessary to do internal exams. I first get a patient's history and I earn their trust before we discuss whether a pelvic internal exam is necessary. They can always decline it. Also NOTHING is TMI. We do not judge and we want to see our patients get better and reach their personal goals. My first sessions can sometimes be us talking the whole hour because I want to know all of your past medical history and how it could relate to your pelvic floor."
Courtney Elliott, OTR/L, PCES, founder of Core Harmony LLC, 11 years as an OT and 4.5 years as a pelvic floor therapist
coreharmonyllc.com
instagram.com/courtney_elliott24
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"Your first appointment at a pelvic health PT can be scary! I will explain everything that I am recommending and get enthusiastic consent before we move forward with any assessment/testing. There is always the option to decline or defer to a follow up appointment. We can still get a lot done and start treatment even if you decline certain parts of the exam.
Each person brings their own story and medical journey. When we are discussing symptoms or physically examining a patient, it is like working on a puzzle and gathering data to solve it. To address a common concern: As a pelvic health PT, I don't care how much you've groomed, what undergarments you wore to the appointment, or if you're a bit sweaty from running around all day before the appointment. We barely notice any of that and are just focused on you and how we can help!"
Liz Stadler, PT, DPT - 20 years of experience - Owner and treating pelvic PT at Sparrow Pelvic Health located in Ellicott City, MD
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"I made a youtube video about this topic! It has 21k views."
Chelsea Waldkirch, PT, DPT, PRPC - 11 years
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How to Locate a Pelvic Health Professional?
If you ever have any questions, reach out to a pelvic health professional for advice on recommendations, tools, techniques, and more on your own custom pelvic health requirements and needs. You can locate a pelvic health professional in our Pelvic Health Therapist Directory. There are various options in all states, and many are available virtually.
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