Let’s be honest – booking a womens health physio appointment can be a big deal.
Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, going through perimenopause, or just feel something’s not quite right, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to expect at your appointment.
At Adelaide West Physio + Pilates, our whole philosophy is built around making you feel supported and not rushed.
If you’ve just booked your first session with Lisa Vernon (or you’re still sitting on the fence), here’s a little walkthrough of what your first appointment will actually look like.
A Warm Welcome
For your first appointment, we allow a full 60 minutes.
This allows time for Lisa to fully understand your situation and investigate your current function.
It starts with a relaxed, private conversation to talk about your issues and general pelvic function.
Whether you’re dealing with bladder leaks, pelvic heaviness, postpartum recovery or pain during intimacy, this is your time to talk it through with someone who genuinely gets it.
We want you to feel comfortable to talk about any problems and ask any questions at your womens health physio appointment at Adelaide West Physio + Pilates.
Questions to Expect At Your Initial Womens Health Physio Appointment
Pelvic health problems can affect any of the organs within the pelvic cavity.
This means that the consult will include questions to screen the function of different aspects of your pelvic organ function ie the bladder and urethra, uterus and vagina, bowel and rectum.
To screen for bladder issues, Lisa may ask questions about:
- How much fluid do you drink in a day, and what types (e.g., water, caffeinated drinks, alcohol)?
- How frequently do you urinate during the day and night?
- What is your bladder sensation—gradual urge or sudden, urgent need?
- Do you experience any hesitancy, pain, or incomplete emptying?
- Are you dealing with urgency-related incontinence (e.g. not making it to the toilet in time)?
- Do you leak urine during activities like coughing, sneezing, running or lifting objects
As required, bowel function is also screened to clarify:
- Consistency (using the Bristol stool chart)
- Positions used
- Frequency and ease of bowel movements
- Any experience with faecal incontinence or inability to control flatulence
Sexual function can be very relevant to the conversation on pelvic health.
Relevant questions might involve current sexual activity, sensation and pain during intercourse.
However, if you are not comfortable discussing any of this, that is quite OK.
Lisa will also help identify signs of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), such as whether you get a sensation of bulging or if there is a visible bulge at the vaginal opening.
She will want to know about your gynaecological history such as your menstrual status, cycle length or age of menopause.
She’ll also need to know about any obstetric history like the type of deliveries, and if instruments were used.
Lisa understands that these are sensitive topics, and that they have the potential to be quite distressing and uncomfortable to discuss.
She handles these conversations with discretion and sensitivity as an experienced women’s health physio.
It is good to know that the advice and education from a physio skilled in this area can lead to significant improvements.
Most women feel relief after discussing their problems and learning how physiotherapy can help.
The information from this discussion will help to decide what objective assessment would be the most valuable.
Further Assessment At Your Womens Health Physio Appointment
If urinary incontinence or urgency has been identified as a concern at this appointment, Lisa might suggest keeping a bladder diary, which is valuable in helping to clarify your pattern of fluid intake and bladder function.
Pelvic floor muscle problems can be related to strength, tone or coordination of the muscles.
If there are concerns related to any of this, Lisa may recommend a vaginal examination. This is the gold standard in terms of assessment for the pelvic floor function.
She will explain the process thoroughly, make sure that you’re comfortable with it and get consent from you first.
If that isn’t something you are comfortable with, Real Time Ultrasound can also be used as a way of observing the ability to relax and contract the pelvic floor muscles.
This is not invasive at all, and simply involves the real time ultrasound probe resting on the lower part of the tummy.
It can be used as an alternative to a vaginal examination, but naturally it can’t provide the same level of information that a direct examination can provide.
Having problems with leaking urine, passing wind or other problems ‘downstairs’?
Call 8356 1000 and speak confidentially with our women’s health physiotherapist Lisa Vernon.
This service is FREE OF CHARGE – we understand that it can be overwhelming to seek help for pelvic issues.
Lisa is sensitive, tactful and always happy to discuss how improving your pelvic health can enhance your life, and the options that physiotherapy can provide.
Call 8356 1000 to organise a FREE PHYSIO PHONE CALL
Your Tailored Care Plan
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Education and practical advice
- Manual therapy
- Pilates or group exercise
Understanding + Planning = Confidence
Most importantly, the first consultation will provide you with knowledge on why you have the symptoms you have, and management strategies to improve and hopefully resolve them.
If your symptoms require further assessment from a GP or gynaecologist, Lisa will refer you on to ensure you have the best outcome.
But no matter the path, the goal is always the same: to help you feel stronger, more in control, and back in tune with your body.
Ready When You Are
If you’re ready to take that first step, you can book your initial womens health physio appointment with Lisa Vernon at Adelaide West Physio + Pilates.
Still unsure?
You’re welcome to get in touch and have a chat with Lisa, no strings attached.
Sometimes a conversation is all you need to feel more in control – and less overwhelmed.
You can organise that by either ringing the clinic on 8356 1000 and asking for a free chat with Lisa, or clicking the button to book online.
You deserve to feel confident, informed, and supported. And Lisa is here to walk that journey with you.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Do I have to undress?
Only if a physical exam is necessary and you’re comfortable with it. You’ll always be asked first, and you can say no.
Will it be awkward?
t’s way less weird than you think. Lisa is calm, compassionate, and totally unflappable. Nothing is off-limits or too embarrassing.
What if I don’t want an internal exam?
That’s totally okay. There’s still so much we can learn and help with using external assessments and conversation.
