What to expect at your first appointment…

COVID-19 Level 2

(written 9th September 2021 with latest guidelines)

Deciding to seek help for any injury or condition is the first step towards a positive recovery, good on you!

Things are pretty much the same here with Level 2 COVID restrictions - Delta Variant but I can so understand the anxiety and worry of not knowing what to expect with your appointment - especially if this is your first appointment. 

The following is “what to expect” at your first appointment but updated with the COVID guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns at all please just get in touch!

Shortly after you make an appointment you will receive a Welcome Email. This will contain a link to this information page, plus links to a consent form and a Pelvic Health assessment form. Please take the time to complete these forms.

During your first appointment I will complete an assessment, and work with you to develop an individualised treatment plan to work towards your health, fitness and healing goals. I believe you should understand what is going on with your own body and will provide you with the tools and education to help you achieve your treatment outcomes. Knowledge is power after all!

The clinic is located at 86 East Street, Ashburton. I own Inverted Fitness Studio and the physiotherapy clinic is part of the studio. There is no parking directly outside, but there is plenty of street parking just down from the clinic along East Street, Dobson Street and Kermode Street.

The street sign will be out when the clinic is open so come on in through the red doors.

When you enter through the front doors, please take a seat in the waiting area at the end of the hallway. Please ensure you are wearing your mask in the waiting room. Sanitise your hands and scan in with your QR code. There will be a sign in sheet if you are not using the COVID tracer app.

The main doors will be locked to maintain patient’s privacy, and I will take you through to the clinic area at your appointment time. In some circumstances, appointments may run late, but rest assured I will be with you. There is a video/audio doorbell that will let me know you have arrived and you can use it to talk to me if you require assistance.

There are some information flyers and products to have a look at while you wait. If it’s a cold day, the heater will be waiting for you to turn it on and keep warm!

For all Pelvic Health appointments

Your first appointment will last for one hour (45 minutes for Post-Natal WOF). Please wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in. You are more than welcome to bring a support person along with you. You are very welcome to bring your baby or children with you. (There are toys, an ExerSaucer, play mat and a swing to keep them entertained during your appointment). Due to the COVID restrictions, please bring a few toys from home with you to keep your little one entertained. I will have a few handy that can be easily sanitised if needed.

If you need to bring your older children, there are some older toys…and Netflix/You Tube too!

In clinic, we can physically distance during the history taking. With physical examinations, patients and I will both wear masks, and I will follow all PPE guidelines to keep us both safe.

I will complete a detailed history to assess all aspects of your pelvic and general health.

To fully assess the pelvis, pelvic floor muscles and organs, an internal vaginal examination may be required. I will only complete this internal vaginal examination if I think it is appropriate and with your full consent. This may or may not take place during your first appointment. I will talk you through each step of the internal vaginal examination and ensure you are comfortable throughout. The examination is not usually painful, but if you are making an appointment due to pelvic pain, I will assess within your comfort levels.

We will then discuss your treatment options and come up with a treatment plan. Any questions you have, please ask as I will be more than happy to answer them.

I am a big advocate on educating patients and empowering them with knowledge of what is going on with their body. If you would like to do some homework before your appointment, please check out the videos below that will teach you all about your pelvic anatomy - the muscles and the organs - and how your core and breathing work with the pelvic floor.