Firstly, congratulations on making it this far! You’ve taken the next step in managing your symptoms by looking for help. Let me introduce myself, my name is Alex, and I am the Certified Pelvic Health Therapist here at Physio HQ. Firstly, for a physiotherapist to become certified, as part of learning we participate both as a therapist and as the patient in getting internal exams, so when I say I know how it feels, I really mean it!
I know this is a daunting experience, especially for men coming to see a female therapist so I’m going to explain exactly what will happen. After completing a consent form, we’ll start with a conversation talking about your symptoms and how they are affecting your life. We will talk about all thing’s toileting, pain, and sexual function, but don’t worry, I’ll ask the questions, so you don’t have to be the one to bring it up (and you’re probably not going to say something I haven’t heard before!).
I can assist with painful sexual function, erectile dysfunction, incontinence of the bladder and or bowel and prostate cancer pelvic floor pre-op preparation and post op rehab of the pelvic floor.
While internal exams are the gold standard for assessment and it is recommended, it isn’t mandatory. We won’t do it during your first session, and we don’t ever have to do it if you are not comfortable with this. The reason for doing this is it gives us the best idea of how well your muscles are working and how good your contraction is. It enables us to more clearly measure your progress also.
I aim to always create a safe space and offer a non-judgemental ear to listen to your concerns. Together we can figure out a plan that suits your lifestyle, helps manage your symptoms and hopefully celebrate your successes along the way.
If you’re still not sure email alex@physiohq.co.nz for more information. I’m looking forward to being a part of the next stage of your recovery.