Pelvic Floor Therapy Internal Exam

We know we stand united with our many of our pelvic floor physical therapy colleagues out there and we are confident that together we can make this happen even if it is just 1.
Pelvic floor therapy internal exam. The assessment starts with examining the muscles tissues and skin of the thighs buttocks abdomen and pelvic floor externally. The internal exam is where the dpt inserts her gloved non latex lubricated k y or astroglide gel index finger intravaginally or intrarectally up to the level of the pelvic floor muscles which is approximately 1 inch from the anal or vaginal opening. If you ve had a concerning psa test or have symptoms of prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate vanderbilt urology offers diagnoses and a wide range of treatment options including referrals for pelvic floor rehab. Internal vaginal or rectal examination is different than a pelvic or prostate exam done by physician.
In some cases an internal exam is not necessary or. No speculum or other instruments are used during the exam. Patients with pelvic floor dysfunction pelvic scrotal and or penile pain and incontinence will often need a rectal exam to determine the strength and tone of the pelvic floor muscles. For women this will be through the vagina though not with a speculum like a standard pelvic exam.
Internal examination helps a pt ot get a full sense of the strength and flexibility of your pelvic floor muscles ligaments and fascia. The pelvic floor muscles are located internally. This will only be done with your informed consent. It helps us determine whether your pelvic floor muscles are tight or weak and if you know how to use them correctly.
Kristin christensen a physical therapist pt who specializes in pelvic floor disorders then brought me back to the exam room. We evaluate the pelvic floor muscles joints ligaments and fascia for strength quality endurance and motor. With your permission the internal exam follows. We do not use a speculum and we are not evaluating the reproductive urinary or intestinal systems.
For men this is a rectal exam. The exam is done with a gloved finger placed in the vaginal or rectal canal. Internal techniques to examine the pelvic floor. It is performed to look at the muscles and connective tissue in the pelvic floor.
Physical therapy internal exams are different from the pelvic or gynecological exams performed by your medical health practitioner. It is our goal here at sarton pt that one day a pelvic floor muscular exam will be standard of care and occur as a standard procedure with every annual physical exam. Providing that there are no reasons not to proceed with an internal exam one will be performed. Call for an appointment.
This part of our physical exam gives us a ton of information. Talk to your primary care doctor or a urologist about getting a referral for pelvic floor physical therapy.