9 Questions to Ask a Pelvic Floor Therapist

Before Working With Them

Finding the Right Pelvic Floor Specialist

It can be daunting to find the right pelvic floor therapist. However, not all therapists are created equal. I strongly encourage you interview your therapist before deciding to book with them in order to gain a better understanding of their background and philosophy. Below are some recommendations of questions to ask them.

1. Do you specialize in women’s health?

Women’s health isn’t always advertised so you may need to call therapy clinics to see if they have someone on staff who specializes in this area. Check to see if they are a “specialist,” or at least a therapist who has done extra training in this area.

Ask them what special training they have done as well.

2. Do you work with pregnant women?

It’s best to find a therapist who is comfortable with prenatal clients and has experience doing so.

3. Is your facility set up for private assessments?

This may seem like an obvious question, but you’d be surprised how many clinics are not set up for private care. We personally prefer house calls as we feel this is the most comfortable, convenient and private session you can get (and makes it easier with a newborn!)

4. Do you do internal pelvic floor muscle work?

It is important to understand their approach and training prior to your appointment. Ask specifically if they use biofeedback, manual work, or a combination in their approach.

5. What kind of equipment do you use? Would I need to be purchasing any extra equipment or devices?

This helps you further understand their approach, as well as what to expect during your treatment.

6. Do you have experience with ____________ (insert specific concerns)?

Insert your concerns here — which can be prolapse, pelvic pain, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, pregnancy-related pelvic dysfunctions, or diastasis recti. Be strong mama! We know these things can be hard to talk about. A good pelvic floor therapist won’t make you feel uncomfortable. If they do, they’re probably not the right fit!

7. What kind of success rate do you have with treating _________ (insert specific concern)?

What you are looking to see is if they are optimistic that they can help you.

8. What would I be doing in a therapy session?

You may want to ask if they will be doing a pelvic exam in the first session. Many do not as there are several other areas to address before internal work. **If you have prolapse, ask if they do standing pelvic floor assessments. Often, pelvic prolapse symptoms present differently in standing, so this is important to get a proper assessment. Not all therapists do this but it is the gold standard.

9. How often would I be expected to see you? And for how long?

This isn’t always exact since they haven’t assessed you yet. But you’ll want to know the investment of time and money now so you can make the arrangements needed.

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