What to Expect During Your First Pelvic Floor Physio Appointment at Praxis Rehab

Sangeeta Sharda
36 minutes ago
3 min read

Deciding to seek help for pelvic floor concerns can feel daunting especially if you’re unsure what to expect. Whether you’re experiencing bladder leakage, prolapse symptoms, pelvic pain, or simply want to feel stronger and more confident in your body, knowing what happens during your first appointment can offer peace of mind. At Praxis Rehab Physiotherapy, our specialist women’s pelvic floor physio, Sangeeta Sharda is personalised to guide, support and empower you.

Your First Visit: A Personalised, Private Experience

Your initial consultation runs for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, giving us plenty of time to understand your story, your body, and your goals. We create a safe, non judgmental space where you can speak openly and feel supported from the very first moment.

Step 1: Getting to Know You

We start with a relaxed, confidential conversation where we talk through your:

Pelvic health – bladder or bowel function, prolapse symptoms, pelvic pain, sexual health
Medical background – pregnancies, surgeries, medications, menstrual history
Lifestyle and activity – daily movement, exercise habits, any physical challenges

This isn’t just a questionnaire, it's a chance for you to share your experiences, and for us to listen closely so we can truly understand what’s going on and how best to support you.

Step 2: Understanding Your Body

Many people don’t realise how important the pelvic floor muscles are until something starts to feel “off”. We’ll walk you through how your pelvic floor works, what may be contributing to your symptoms, and what we can do together to help improve things.

Education is a powerful part of your care and we want you to feel empowered, not overwhelmed.

Step 3: Pelvic Floor Assessment (At Your Pace)

If you feel comfortable, we’ll conduct an assessment that includes:

A visual check of the perineum (the external area) to assess signs of prolapse or strain
An internal vaginal or anorectal exam to assess muscle activation, strength, tone, and coordination

You’re in full control at every step. We always explain everything clearly and seek your informed consent. If anything feels uncomfortable, you can pause, decline, or ask for alternatives.

Step 4: Your Personalised Treatment Plan

Together, we’ll build a clear, practical treatment plan based on your needs. This may include:

Pelvic floor muscle training
Manual therapy
Bladder and bowel retraining
Lifestyle education and self-management strategies

It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, it's your body, your goals, your pace.

After Your First Appointment: Ongoing Support

Your pelvic health journey doesn’t end after one visit. Most people benefit from 3 to 5 follow-up sessions, depending on their condition and goals. These shorter appointments allow us to check in on your symptoms, adjust your exercises, and support your continued progress.

A Typical Timeline Might Look Like:

First follow-up: Around 2 weeks after your initial appointment
Second follow-up: Another 2–3 weeks later
Additional sessions: Monthly or as needed

We’re here for the long haul helping you feel stronger, more confident, and better informed at every stage.

Your Comfort Is Always the Priority

At Praxis Rehab, we deeply respect your comfort, privacy, and choice. That’s why informed consent is at the heart of everything we do. We’ll explain each step of your assessment and treatment, encourage your questions, and go only as far as you feel ready to go. You’re never just a patient here, you're a partner in your own care.

Final Thoughts:

Your pelvic health matters and seeking support shouldn’t feel scary or confusing. At Praxis Rehab, we’re here to make your journey easier, clearer, and more empowering.

If you're ready to take that first step, we’re ready to walk it with you.

Visit Us in Belair

We’re located at:

13 Laffers Road, Belair

SA 5052 (Within the premises of Integrative Health Solutions)

Phone: (08) 7231 1628

Opening Hours: Tuesdays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Book Now

References:

Hayman, M., Thornton, L., O’Hara, B., et al. (2023). Public health guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy from around the world: A scoping review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(14), 940–949. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106216