WHAT IS A PELVIC HEALTH THERAPIST?
A pelvic physical therapist is an orthopedic therapist who has had extensive training beyond general physical therapy in order to treat pelvic pain and dysfunction. The pelvic floor is made up of muscles that provide functional support for the pelvic organs and allow for bowel and bladder function. When these muscles become dysfunctional (overactive, weak, or asymmetrical), a pelvic physical therapist can help retrain the muscles. The therapists at Inland Pelvic Health & Physical Therapy have years of training and experience working with pelvic dysfunction.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL?
In the state of Idaho, a referral is not needed to attend therapy.However, some insurances require a physician referral. Our Insurance Coordinator will help determine the specific rules for your insurance policy. We will help to facilitate getting the necessary referral. It is also important for you to understand your insurance coverage. We will take time to explain your benefits to you
WHO DO YOU TREAT?
We specialize in ALL pelvic health related conditions for men and women. Since our therapists are highly specialized in pelvic health, we only accept new patients with pelvic therapy needs. Our therapists all work with a holistic approach and understand how the "hip bone is connected to the knee bone, etc" and we will create a comprehensive care plan that addresses all parts of the body and how it is specifically correlated with the pelvis.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
We are in-network with most major insurances. Please contact the clinic to determine if we are in-network with your insurance. We also offer a self-pay discount for those that are out of network or that opt to pay out of pocket. We are familiar with working with Health Share plans and create Super Bills that can be submitted for reimbursement.
I AM PREGNANT RIGHT NOW. IS IT SAFE TO DO PELVIC PHYSICAL THERAPY?
The therapists at Inland Pelvic Health are the region's premier specialists in working with women during pregnancy. Inland Pelvic Health collaborates with local midwives, doulas, and OBGYNs to create the best team to help you through your pregnancy. Pelvic therapy during pregnancy is safe for you and baby. The work we do will help you progress through all of the phases of pregnancy, prepare you for labor and delivery, and help you recover postpartum. The sooner you start therapy during pregnancy, the better. We tailor our treatments to exactly what your body needs in each phase of pregnancy.
What to expect during your first visit:
The initial session is primarily for gathering information. The sessions are one hour long in a private treatment room with your physical therapist. The initial discussion will cover your pelvic concerns, history, and symptoms. After getting a thorough medical history, the therapist will do an assessment of your posture, external pelvic alignment and muscle support, and internal pelvic muscle exam to determine the pelvic muscle strength, resting tone, and function. An internal pelvic muscle exam is done either vaginally or rectally. An internal pelvic muscle examination and treatment is only performed with your permission. If you would prefer to wait until a later session, or not at all, we understand and will create a pelvic therapy program with which you are more comfortable.
Why do you do an internal pelvic exam?
An internal pelvic examination is the gold standard for understanding the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor therapists have specific, high-level training to assess and treat the pelvic muscles, connective tissue, and nerves.
Not everyone is comfortable with an internal pelvic exam. It is up to you to communicate with the pelvic therapist about your concerns. An internal examination is not done until you provide consent. Pain, fear, discomfort, or simply not wanting to are all acceptable reasons. There are pelvic diagnoses that can be treated with external pelvic therapy, but, this may result in a plateau in your progress.
Before we do an internal pelvic muscle exam, the therapist will show you a model of the pelvis and discuss the anatomy and physiology so you fully understand the rationale for assessing and treating your pelvic floor muscles. You will be asked permission prior to any internal pelvic assessment of treatment. Most importantly, you can change your mind at any time. The therapist will leave the room for you to undress from the waist down and lie down on the table and cover up with the sheet. Using gloved hands, the therapist will evaluate the external muscles and then the internal muscles. Using one finger, the pelvic muscles can be felt from either the vagina or rectum. The strength, endurance, coordination, and connective tissue is assessed internally. The therapist will talk you through the entire exam. Though it is never the intention to cause pain, getting an assessment of the pain locations and triggers is helpful for creating a care plan. We can stop at any time. We may not even get to the internal pelvic muscle exam during the first session, depending on your comfort level and time constraints.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. If we plan to do exercise or activity that requires workout clothes or shoes, we will discuss it prior to your appointment.
Can I bring my baby/child?
Absolutely. We treat mothers and fathers and realize that means children may sometime need to attend appointments. Kids are welcome in our facility and if we need to modify our therapy plan for the day, we have no problem adjusting.
Can I bring my partner to the appointment?
Of course. We educate them so they have a better understanding of your pelvic dysfunction and we teach how to help with home exercises.