You see the value in finding a pelvic floor therapist but how do you actually do that?!? Good news there are a few options to do that!
Option one: talk to your friends and family members and see if someone you know has seen someone that they would recommend (or wouldn’t recommend!!)
Option two: talk to your OB/GYN, urologist, or primary care physician. One of those three should have an option for you or at least steer you in the right direction.
Option three: check the online directories that specialize in connecting you to to pelvic floor specialists.
ATPT’s section for pelvic health (our professional organization) has a recently updated version of their website, including their directory.
Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehab Institute also has a great directory.
Pelvic Guru is a third option for finding a pelvic floor therapist as well as other providers who specialize in treating pelvic floor dysfunction (including physicians of all specialties, fitness professionals, sex therapists, and physical therapist).
New directories pop up all the time and I will try to keep this updated as I find out about new options. I would look at all 3 websites to find all the options in your area. You can also google ‘pelvic floor physical therapist in (insert your city or zip code) and you might find some other options.
Once you find the pelvic floor therapists in your area, how do you know which therapist is right for you?
Ask a few questions!
1. How long have you been treating pelvic floor dysfunction?
If it’s been a short period of time, have they been or are they currently working with a more seasoned therapist who can help if they get stuck?
Just because a therapist is new to pelvic health does not mean they can’t help you. But it is good to know if they are in a situation where they have a mentor to help them if they get stuck! I’ve spent my whole career focusing on pelvic health and I still need to ask for help sometimes!!
2. Where did you get your training?
The American Physical Therapy Association and The Herman & Wallace Institute are two of the most common initial training grounds for pelvic therapists in the United States. That doesn’t mean these are the only groups who can be part of a therapists training. If your therapist has a variety of approaches and techniques to pull from can really help you reach your goals in the long run!
3. Im experiencing (insert your symptoms here) and it is keeping me from doing (whatever activities it is keeping you from doing). What is your experience with this condition and what is your treatment approach?
You want a therapist who is familiar with your symptoms and at least some what familiar with your goal activities, especially if the activities are more specialized like power lifting, horseback riding, aerial arts, yoga, or whatever. They don’t have to be experts but it helps them build you a better program if your goal is to return to something specific.
4. Is there a wait period for an evaluation? If there is, do you offer a wait list option Incase someone cancels their appointment?
Some therapists book out weeks or months in advance. If your schedule is flexible they might be able to work you in if someone cancels with enough notice.
5. How long do your appointments last? And how often do you see your patients?
My evaluations usually last an hour to an hour and a half. I usually try to keep my follow up appointments to 45-75 minutes depending on the condition and goals. I will see my patients any where from once a week to three times a week, again depending on symptoms and goals. But I also take into account the distance someone is traveling to get to the clinic, finances, and busy work schedules. Every therapist does this a little differently depending on their availability and clinic resources.
6. Do you take insurance? If you do not, what are yours self pay rates and will you provide me with the documentation so I can submit this to my insurance on my own?
Not every therapist takes insurance but that does not mean that you can’t use your benefits, you just need the correct documentation to submit to your insurance company. I would recommend calling your insurance provider to see what that process looks like with your policy. Self pay can often be an easier option because the costs are often less confusing and you’ll know on the front end the average cost of your visits.
7. And one of my favorite questions: is there anything else you think I should know about you before I decide to schedule an appointment with you?
This allows the provider a chance to tell you anything else they haven’t had a chance to tell you.
If you there are multiple therapists in your area, talk to all of them and see who would be the best fit FOR YOU! Finding the right health care provider is a lot like dating. Just because a person is great does not mean that they are great for you! So take the time up front and find the right person for you!! My list is not an extensive list, but it is a great launch point for you to get started! Feel free to reach out on social media if you have any questions!!!