What to Expect During Your Pelvic Floor Therapy Evaluation

This post was updated January 12, 2026.

For many women, discussing pelvic health concerns can be a daunting prospect. Many of us have sadly had less than stellar experiences with a medical provider, or may just feel self-conscious about bringing up this subject with a stranger. If you're considering a pelvic therapy evaluation, understanding what to expect can alleviate concerns and ensure a smoother and more comfortable experience. In this post, we’ll be sharing what this process looks like here at Gaia Women’s Physical Therapy. 

Take a Virtual Tour of Our Clinic

Curious about what our space looks like? We know that walking into a new healthcare setting can feel intimidating, especially when discussing intimate health concerns. That's why we've created a video tour of our clinic so you can see our welcoming, private treatment rooms and get familiar with the space before your first visit.

Our Commitment to Trauma-Informed Care

At Gaia Women's Physical Therapy, we recognize that seeking pelvic floor care requires vulnerability and trust. We are committed to providing trauma-informed care that honors your experiences, respects your boundaries, and empowers you throughout your healing journey.

Research shows that a history of trauma is common among women with pelvic floor dysfunction. Whether it's physical trauma, emotional trauma, medical trauma, or sexual trauma, these experiences can profoundly affect how your body holds tension and responds to treatment. That's why we approach every patient with sensitivity and awareness.

Here's what trauma-informed care looks like at Gaia:

A women-only, private space. Our clinic is exclusively for women, and each treatment room is completely private. We understand that feeling safe in your environment is essential for healing. You'll never feel rushed or exposed.

Informed consent at every step. Before any assessment or treatment technique, we explain what we'd like to do, why it might be helpful, and what you can expect to feel. You have the right to ask questions, request modifications, or decline any part of the examination or treatment at any time. Consent is ongoing, not just a one-time agreement.

Invitations, not instructions. Rather than telling you what we're going to do, we offer invitations and options. For example, instead of saying "I'm going to assess your pelvic floor now," we might say "I'd like to perform an internal pelvic floor assessment to better understand your muscle coordination and tension. This would involve an internal examination. Does that feel okay to you, or would you prefer to start with external work only?" We respect that you know your body and your comfort level best.

You maintain autonomy over your body. You are always in control. If something doesn't feel right, if you need to pause, or if you'd prefer to stop entirely, you can say so at any point. We check in regularly throughout each session to ensure you feel comfortable and safe.

Transparency in assessment and treatment. We believe you deserve to understand what's happening in your body and why we're recommending certain approaches. We explain our clinical findings, discuss treatment options together, and create a plan of care that aligns with your goals and comfort level.

Collaboration in your care plan. You are the most important member of your care team. Your preferences, concerns, and feedback guide how we work together. If something isn't working for you or doesn't feel right, we want to know so we can adjust our approach.

This approach isn't just about being kind; it's evidence-based. Research confirms that trauma-informed care improves outcomes, reduces the risk of re-traumatization, and creates a supportive environment where true healing can occur.

Prepping for Your Pelvic Physical Therapy Evaluation

The initial evaluation is critical for understanding the root causes of pelvic health issues. At Gaia Women's Physical Therapy, these evaluations are comprehensive, focusing on identifying underlying musculoskeletal dysfunctions, postural imbalances, and movement impairments as well as how your emotional health and lifestyle choices may be contributing to existing symptoms. Here's a peek at what you can expect when you come in for your very first visit at Gaia.

Questions About Your Symptoms and Medical History

Prior to your evaluation, you will receive Gaia’s intake forms which allow you to review our policies and processes and give consent to participate in treatment. You’ll answer a few questions about your medical history and the primary complaints that prompted you to seek care. 

When you arrive for your first visit, your therapist will review that information with you and dive deeper to gain a better understanding of your medical history and lifestyle in order to create a customized treatment plan. She may ask about your birth history, previous orthopedic injuries or surgeries, other medical conditions, nutrition, movement and exercise, sexual function, bowel and bladder function, emotional and mental well-being, and of course your goals for therapy. 

Physical Examination

Next, your pelvic floor therapist will perform a thorough physical assessment. She will complete a posture analysis to identify imbalances or misalignments that may be impacting your pelvic floor. She will likely observe your movement patterns - asking you to walk, bend, squat, or balance on one foot - in order to assess any areas of weakness or compensatory movements. 

Based on those findings, your pelvic floor therapist may focus on testing the strength or flexibility of specific muscles in order to develop a targeted exercise program. She will likely assess your joint and tissue mobility throughout your spine, pelvis, and hips in order to identify any restrictions that may be contributing to your symptoms. 

Finally, your therapist may advise an internal pelvic exam, which can help her to gather critical information about the tone, strength, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. This examination is completed with the utmost care to ensure your privacy and comfort, and your therapist will take the time to walk you through exactly what to expect before and during your exam.

Developing a Pelvic Floor Therapy Plan of Care

Once your therapist has gathered the information needed, she will work with you to develop a plan of care that fits your lifestyle and starts moving you towards your goals. She will discuss recommendations for the frequency of follow up visits, potential treatment strategies, as well as education and home exercises to support you between visits.

Please remember that YOU are the most critical member of your care team. If you have questions or concerns, please bring them up with your therapist so that she can develop a plan that is customized to your needs. 

Book Your Pelvic Physical Therapy Evaluation Today

Embarking on a pelvic floor therapy evaluation can be a monumental step toward improving your pelvic health and overall well-being. By understanding the comprehensive nature of the evaluation process and the expertise of our specialized pelvic physical therapists at Gaia Women’s Physical Therapy, you can approach your evaluation with confidence and reassurance. If you have more questions about our process, contact us now.