FAQs 1 — Reclaim Pelvic Therapy

FAQ

What will my first visit be like?

At your initial visit we will take time to sit down and go over all of your past and current medical history prior to the physical examination. This way we will have all of the essential information to rule out any systemic issues contributing to your symptoms and to form a greater understanding of your current situation/symptom presentation. The physical examination will consist of a thorough neuromusculoskeletal evaluation in order to assess posture, alignment, mobility, and strength. Typically, it is helpful to assess both externally and internally-either vaginally or rectally (depending on symptom presentation). However, this is totally based on your comfort level. Based on the information gathered during the evaluation we will come up with a comprehensive and customized plan of care to address your specific case, both together, in the office and on your own, at home!

What should I wear?

Comfortable! Feel free to wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. At some point during a visit, we may be doing an internal assessment which would require undress from the waist down. Please avoid wearing perfume or strong scents as others may have sensitivities.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

Every person is coming to physical therapy with a unique situation and the follow up plan will be unique as well! My goal as a pelvic floor physical therapist is to enable you to learn/find the tools necessary to heal your symptoms. Typically the amount of visits that are required for clients to feel they have come full circle in their healing is somewhere between 1 and 8 visits.

What if I do not feel comfortable consenting to an internal pelvic examination?

That is ok! We will ALWAYS be working within your comfort level and can always modify/make changes at any time, as needed! It is perfectly fine to say NO to an internal assessment/treatment if you are not comfortable with it. The reason that we do check internally at all is because there are specific muscles of the pelvic floor that can only be accessed vaginally/rectally and they can be major players in the cause of lumbopelvic/pelvic floor pain, prolapse, and overall core dysfunctions.

Do you use a speculum for your vaginal evaluations?

No. We will be using one gloved finger during that evaluation.

Should I come to my appointment if I am menstruating?

This is totally up to you! I am comfortable with clients coming in during menstruation, however if you would be more comfortable rescheduling, feel free to do so!

Why don't you accept insurance?

Great question! Over the years insurance companies have continued to cut payments to physical therapy providers. So, in order to maximize profitability, many physical therapy clinics have had to cut down on the one-on-one time clients are able to spend with their physical therapists and rely on higher client volumes and the use of physical therapy aides. I feel that clients are able to get better faster with quality appointments that are spent 100% with me. I also invite clients to reach out to me in between appointments by text, email, or phone to troubleshoot in the moment.

Do I need a referral/prescription to come in?

No. You do not need a physician's referral/prescription to schedule a physical therapy appointment. California has limited direct access for physical therapists, which means you can be seen for physical therapy for up to 12 visits or over a span of 45 days without a physician’'s referral/prescription. It is a good idea to check with your insurance company to ensure that they do not require a referral for reimbursement.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Please cancel all appointments at least 48 hours in advance to avoid the late cancellation fee which is equal to the full appointment cost. In addition, please arrive on time for your visit. Appointment costs will not be prorated for late arrivals.

Can I bring my child to my appointment?

Absolutely, we understand that mothers juggle many responsibilities, and worrying about childcare shouldn't add to that stress. Feel free to bring your kids to the clinic.

For your initial appointment, we recommend arranging childcare if possible. This allows you to concentrate on discussing your health history and physical therapy goals.