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Physical Therapy 1st Rehab & Wellness

Patient education

What to Expect at Your First Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Visit

A first visit is usually an evaluation: you discuss your story and goals, your therapist assesses movement and related factors, and you talk together about whether a pelvic floor assessment is appropriate—with your consent—before building a plan.

Direct answer

Typical first-visit flow

  1. Conversation about your history, symptoms, and goals
  2. Movement and related musculoskeletal assessment (posture, hips, spine, breathing, functional tasks)
  3. Discussion of whether a pelvic floor assessment is appropriate, with your consent
  4. Review of findings, a collaborative plan, and home strategies—specifics vary by clinic and patient

This page offers general information only. It is not personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or a guarantee of any outcome.

Before you arrive

Complete any intake forms the clinic sends you. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Bring your insurance card, relevant paperwork, and questions you want to remember. If you are unsure whether you need a physician referral, call the clinic with your plan information.

The conversation: history and goals

Your therapist will ask about what brought you in, how symptoms affect daily activities, relevant medical and surgical history, and what you hope to work on. You choose how much detail to share; honest answers help shape a useful plan.

The movement assessment

Pelvic concerns often connect to how you breathe, stand, walk, squat, and use your hips and spine. Your therapist may observe posture and functional movements and perform external tests. This part of the visit is similar in spirit to other orthopedic physical therapy evaluations.

Pelvic floor assessment and consent

If a pelvic floor assessment is appropriate, your therapist should explain what they recommend and why, including external and internal options. You can ask questions, request modifications, decline an internal assessment, or stop at any time. Internal assessment is not required for every patient or every visit.

External options

Observation, palpation at the abdomen or pelvis externally, and discussion of muscle coordination may be part of care without an internal exam.

Your choice matters

Consent is ongoing. You can change your mind, ask for more explanation, or focus on external strategies and exercise if that feels right for you.

After the evaluation: plan, frequency, and home program

You and your therapist review findings in plain language and discuss a proposed plan— which may include education, hands-on techniques, exercise, and strategies for home. Visit frequency and duration depend on your evaluation and goals; there is no single schedule that fits everyone.

About pelvic health services at PT 1st

How to prepare questions for your therapist

  • What are you assessing today, and why?
  • What are my options if I prefer not to have an internal exam?
  • How might this plan support my daily activities?
  • What should I practice at home before the next visit?
  • When should I follow up with my physician?

PT 1st locations

Scheduling and clinical care are provided by Ardavan Makaremi, PT, DPT and the team at Physical Therapy 1st Rehab & Wellness. The same phone and hours apply at both clinics.

Encino

16240 Ventura Blvd, Suite 210, Encino, CA 91436

Encino clinic details

Montebello

433 N. 4th St., Unit 208, Montebello, CA 90640

Contact & directions

(323) 246-4616Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Insurance & paymentMeet Ardavan MakaremiRequest an appointment

Frequently asked questions

How long is the first pelvic health PT appointment?
First evaluations are often longer than follow-up visits so there is time for conversation and assessment. Exact length varies by clinic scheduling; call PT 1st to ask about appointment times at our Encino or Montebello locations.
Will there be an internal exam at my first visit?
Not always, and never without your informed consent. Many evaluations begin with history and external movement assessment. If an internal pelvic floor assessment is clinically appropriate, your therapist should explain why, what to expect, and your right to decline, pause, or stop at any time.
What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Bring your insurance card, photo ID if requested, any referral or paperwork your plan requires, and a list of questions. Avoid applying lotions or powders to the pelvic area on the day of assessment if an internal exam might be discussed.
Is pelvic PT appropriate after childbirth or surgery?
Many people seek pelvic health physical therapy after pregnancy, childbirth, or pelvic surgery, but appropriateness depends on your medical history, healing timeline, and current symptoms. This article is general education only; your physician and physical therapist can help determine timing and safety for you.
How is pelvic health PT different from a pelvic exam at the OB-GYN?
A medical pelvic exam with a physician focuses on screening and diagnosis within medicine. Pelvic health physical therapy emphasizes how muscles, movement, and daily function relate to your concerns. The goals, techniques, and setting differ, and pelvic PT does not replace medical care from your physician.
Does insurance cover pelvic floor physical therapy?
Many plans cover physical therapy when medically necessary, but benefits and referral rules vary. PT 1st accepts several plans including Medicare; call with your insurance details to verify coverage for pelvic health services before your visit.
How do I book a pelvic health evaluation at PT 1st?
Call (323) 246-4616 (open monday–friday, 8:00 am – 7:30 pm) or submit an appointment request online. Encino: 16240 Ventura Blvd, Suite 210, Encino, CA 91436. Montebello: 433 N. 4th St., Unit 208, Montebello, CA 90640.

If you are considering pelvic health physical therapy in Encino or Montebello, call (323) 246-4616 to ask about scheduling an evaluation.

Ready to move forward?

Let’s talk about what matters to you.

Call the clinic or send an appointment request. We’ll help you take the next step.

Call (323) 246-4616Request an appointment