What To Wear To Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy appointments involve both discussion and movement assessment, which makes clothing an important part of preparation. This article explains what to expect and how to choose outfits that support comfort, movement, and ease during your visit.
Pelvic floor therapy is designed to be collaborative, with clothing choices playing a small but meaningful role in comfort and confidence.
Choosing flexible, non-restrictive clothing can make pelvic floor therapy more effective and less stressful. With guidance from a pelvic floor therapy provider, patients can feel prepared and supported throughout the entire process.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
To decide what is best to wear to pelvic floor therapy, you must understand what the first visit will look like. During your first appointment, we will go over your personal history, concerns and goals. We will discuss your symptoms, past medical and surgical history, lifestyle and more. For this portion of the appointment, you will be seated comfortably.
The next part of the appointment will involve an internal or external assessment. Often, the pelvic floor physical therapist will use a pelvic model to explain anatomy. The model is also used to explain what an internal pelvic floor assessment involves and to answer any questions. Then the therapist and patient decide together if an internal assessment is appropriate for the first visit. Remember an internal assessment is never required and the choice is fully yours as the patient! If consent is given, an internal assessment does require the patient to undress from the waist down and lay down covered by a sheet on the treatment table.
Otherwise, an external assessment can be performed. For this the patient would be fully clothed. This may involve watching you walk, squat, lunge, hinge or stand on one leg. It can also include testing specific muscles for strength and endurance. There may be some hands-on treatment including gentle manual therapy techniques. Therefore, it is important to choose clothing that is comfortable enough to move around in.
The last part of the appointment will include a summary of the therapist’s findings and next steps. The therapist will outline future treatment and what will be most beneficial for the patient to reach their goals.
Best Clothing Choices for Comfort and Access
The best clothing choices for pelvic floor physical therapy include comfortable, stretchy and non-restrictive clothes. This can include clothes you would feel comfortable exercising in, being active in or moving around in for long durations. Examples include sports bras, stretchy pants and tops, shorts and pants that can be easily rolled up or down. We often need to look at the knee or foot during assessment. You can also wear leggings or joggers, though we recommend that they are stretchy. Tops should also be comfortable and non-restrictive. You should wear comfortable shoes, or the usual shoes that you walk in. If you exercise or play a specific sport, it may be helpful to bring in the specific shoes that you use for that.
What to Avoid Wearing to Your Session
You want to avoid wearing clothing that is uncomfortable, restrictive and difficult to move around in. Examples include tight jeans or pants, corsets, skirts, work suits, one pieces or body suits. Other things that will not be comfortable include shape wear, skinny jeans, high heels or clothes made from stiff materials. Often, patients that work in an office setting will bring in comfortable clothes to change into prior to their appointment.
Do You Need to Undress for Pelvic Floor Therapy?
As discussed previously, if you decide and consent to an internal pelvic floor exam, this will require you to undress. Otherwise, you will be fully dressed for the appointment. Remember, this portion of pelvic floor physical therapy is not required and something to discuss with your pelvic floor physical therapist. The purpose of the internal exam is to directly assess the pelvic floor muscles for pain, coordination and function. However, many patients who defer an internal examination are still able to improve their symptoms and meet their goals.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
If you are experiencing pelvic floor symptoms, help is available! Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with pelvic pain and bladder, bowel and intimacy issues. If you are in the Forest Hills, Queens, NYC area, and you are looking for help today, reach out to us! Give us a call or fill out our contact form today!
