14/03/2022
Often women assume that the 6 week check performed by their GP/ OBGYN is the same as what is done by their Physiotherapist. However this is not the case.
So what exactly is the difference?
Your Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist is specifically trained to assess:
- Pelvic Floor (we assess for injury, muscular tone, tissue quality, technique, strength, endurance, coordination. This is essential to rehabilitate your Pelvic Floor and maximise its function postnatally. A vaginal assessment is the gold standard way to do this. Your Pelvic Floor often will impact decisions in regards to exercise)
- Prolapse (we screen for prolapse, determine stage of Prolapse and can fit you with a Pessary to manage your Prolapse if required)
- Bowel and bladder function (Bladder leakage, Urgency, Frequency, Incontinence).
- Sexual Function (we will ask if you have any pain and discomfort, if so we can help treat and manage)
- Abdominal Separation (we assess the extent of your separation and guide you through tailored rehabilitation)
- Exercise (we ensure you are following guidelines for safe return to exercise to decrease your risk of developing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Prolapse)
Your GP/OBGYN may do the following:
- Check your BP, weight, breast and belly
- Determine if you are physically and emotionally well
- Assess scarring and healing
- Check if you are having any problems with feeding
- Check the uterus and cervix
- Check if your vaccines are up to date
- Perform a physical and developmental assessment of your baby.
So both appointments are very important but also very different. REMEMBER it’s never too early or too late to start looking after your Pelvic Floor!
