What To Expect At Your First Pelvic PT Session

Starting pelvic floor physical therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. Pelvic floor therapy can look different depending on who you see—each pelvic therapist has their own approach. In this post, I want to walk you through what a first session typically looks like with me, so you can feel informed and at ease.

First and foremost, your visit will be personalized. Your goals, history, and concerns will guide our work together. Whether you're coming in for leaking, pain, pressure, or simply curiosity about how your body is healing, we’ll take the time to talk through it all.

If you’ve had a baby—whether it was last month or twenty years ago—and haven’t been through pelvic floor therapy before, there are some key areas I always assess. That’s because pregnancy brings about significant changes in the body that may or may not resolve on their own. These include:

• Shifts in the position of your abdominal and pelvic organs

• Ribcage expansion and postural changes

• Scar tissue from C-sections, vaginal tears, or perineal trauma

• Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)

I’ll assess how your core and breathing systems are functioning, look at how you move, and check for imbalances or compensation patterns. I also always examine the pelvic bones—specifically their positioning, symmetry, and mobility—because these can affect pelvic floor function and overall comfort.

What about an internal pelvic floor exam?

That part is completely up to you.

While an intravaginal assessment can give valuable insight into the strength, tone, coordination, and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles, it is never required. If you’re comfortable and want that deeper understanding, we’ll take time to explain everything, go at your pace, and make sure you feel in control throughout the process. If you prefer not to have an internal exam, we can still gather plenty of helpful information through external observation and movement-based assessment.

Ultimately, your first session is about understanding your body, starting to connect the dots, and building a plan that feels right for you. It’s a blend of education, gentle assessment, and collaboration—and my goal is always to make you feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Ready to take the first step toward reconnecting with your body?
Book your initial pelvic floor evaluation or reach out with any questions—I’d be honored to support your healing journey.