FAQ
what is an initial evaluation like?
A physical therapy evaluation involves about 15-30 minutes discussion, 15 minutes education and collaboration on goals, and 30-45 minutes of gentle, hands-on body assessment and treatment. At this first appointment, your PT will provide you with an exam of your choice, as well as manual therapy and exercises to address your concerns. You will be provided a comprehensive plan to help you understand your condition and how physical therapy can help, and you will discuss how often your PT recommends you attend therapy for optimal results. Usually, you will be given a home exercise plan or other at home self care work to complete between sessions. The goal of the first session is to get to know each other, to understand the root causes of your issues, and to get you started with exercise, manual therapy, or other lifestyle changes that will progress you immediately toward your goals.
Pelvic floor examination and treatment can be either external or internal (vaginal or rectal). At Pelvic Care PT, your physical therapist may offer an internal exam if it’s indicated to treat your condition, and they will also welcome you to consider other options if an internal exam is not desired due to personal preference, religious or cultural values, or a history of trauma.
For internal pelvic floor assessment, your physical therapist will use gloves and lubricant to provide an internal vaginal or rectal examination of your pelvic floor function. The physical therapist inserts a single finger into your vaginal or rectal canal. Initial insertion is superficial (up to the first finger joint/approx. 1 in.), and may progress to a greater depth if you are feeling comfortable. The physical therapist will assess for muscle tone and the presence of trigger points within the pelvic floor musculature. You may be asked to do kegels, bear down, or do belly breathing to assess pelvic floor strength and coordination.
For external pelvic floor assessment, we can work directly on the skin, or you can remain fully clothed. Your physical therapist palpates the line from your pubic bone to your ischial tuberosities (sits bones). Your PT may also position her palpation medial to your sits bones, and ask you to take deep breaths and do kegels.
If palpation of your genital region is not preferred, examination and treatment of surrounding orthopedic regions such as the hips, low back, and abdomen can yield information to inform treatment.
As a trauma informed and client centered practice, we believe your choice is the top priority for effective treatment. We recommend speaking openly with your evaluating therapist to determine which type of exam you prefer.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a muscle group at the base of the pelvis that has several roles, including, but not limited to:
Sphincteric–When the pelvic floor contracts, it closes the urethra and anus and prevents leaks. If the pelvic floor contracts too much, it can cause urinary retention and constipation.
Supportive–-A great kegel lifts the pelvic organs into place, so you can workout and laugh without pressure or incontinence.
Sexual–Pain with sex is linked to overactive pelvic floor muscles. Relaxing these muscles can help restore pain free sex.
Stability–Gaining pelvic floor strength and coordination can help reduce pregnancy and postpartum related pain and treat orthopedic conditions of the low back and hip.
do I need a referral?
You don’t need a referral to see a pelvic specialist at Pelvic Care Physical Therapy. Oklahoma allows “direct access” to physical therapy, which means no referral is needed for initial physical therapy treatment and wellness. If your care exceeds one month, your physical therapist will help to secure your physician’s approval of your customized physical therapy plan of care. We are here to help you help yourself. Let’s get started.
***note: if you are planning to seek reimbursement from your insurance provider, we recommend you
do you take my insurance?
Pelvic Care Physical Therapy is a cash based practice. This means we do not bill your insurance. If requested, you will be provided with a “superbill” that you can then submit to your insurance for any available out-of-network benefits. Please click the below button for a list of questions you will need to ask of your insurance company to see how they might reimburse you for out-of-network services. Pelvic Care Physical Therapy is happy to assist you in navigating this process if needed. The fee-for-service model is employed at Pelvic Care Physical Therapy because it allows us to provide the highest quality care.
Need an estimate for the cost of your services? Feel free to text, call or email.
405-240-9575
info@pelviccare.org
How do I get ready for an appt.?
To help you feel prepared and ensure your session runs smoothly, here are a few things to take care of before your visit:
Complete Your Intake Form
Please take a few minutes to fill out the intake form that was emailed to you at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. This allows our physical therapists time to review your history and tailor your session to your needs.Insurance Reimbursement
Will you be needing a superbill to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement? If so, let us know in advance so we can prepare one for you.Medicare Patients
If you currently have Medicare as your insurance provider, please notify us before your appointment. Medicare requires different documentation, and this helps us stay compliant and serve you properly.Location & Arrival
We are located inside a shared space with Heal Balanced Medicine- the office of Dr. Stacey Foshee, MD. If you arrive a little early, you’re welcome to relax in the lobby — Your physical therapist will come out to get you at your appointment time.
📍Address:
824 24th Ave NW, Norman, OK 73069
We look forward to seeing you soon!
what should I wear?
Please wear athletic clothing
Loose fitting clothing that you can move around in is also fine.
If you wish to address footwear, please bring the shoes and orthotics you use.
