Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at my first treatment?
Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your treatment time in order to fill out paperwork. Upon completion, Dr. Holly will take you back to a treatment room where you will sit comfortably together and chat. She will take a thorough history and explain what treatment will include for that day and future treatments.
If internal pelvic work is indicated, Dr. Holly will step out of the room as you get undressed, taking your bottoms off and covering up with a (real, cloth) sheet. Usually treatment starts with you lying down on your back as Dr. Holly palpates the pelvic floor muscles, trans-vaginally, from the left and right sides with a gloved finger and lubrication. Evaluation of the muscles and treatment are performed simultaneously.
If only external work is indicated, there is no need to undress and treatment would begin immediately following the interview process.
During and following this treatment, there will always be time for questions to be asked and concerns to be voiced. Please see our blog on “What to Expect From Pelvic Floor Therapy” for more information.
What do I need to bring to my first treatment?
1. An updated prescription for physical therapy evaluation and treatment from your physician.
2. Any pertinent imaging results, medication lists, surgical procedures lists, especially if you have a very lengthy history.
3. Please bring any insurance cards if you would like Lokahi Physical Therapy to courtesy bill on your behalf. If you are paying our non-insurance rate, please bring an acceptable form of payment (check, cash, or credit card).
Is internal pelvic therapy painful?
Usually, no. A common feeling during treatment is a crampy pressure, though some patients feel no discomfort at all. However, if you are in chronic pain, internal work may trigger and reproduce the pain you already feel. This is necessary to determine where the root of your pain is coming from and will allow us to treat you more effectively.
It is not unusual to have some soreness (similar to muscle soreness from a deep tissue massage) following treatment for 24-72 hours. Taking a warm bath with Epsom salts, drinking plenty of water, and taking an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) may help ease your discomfort.
How long does it take?
Every treatment session is 50-55 minutes. The frequency and duration of treatments will depend on your diagnosis, tolerance for treatment, and rate of progress. The average course of treatment is 4-6 weeks, with appointments 1-2 times per week.
Do you use “typical” physical therapy modalities/treatment agents?
If indicated, Dr. Holly may utilize therapeutic ultrasound, TENS, kinesiotape, and appropriate essential oils in any given treatment. However, her therapy is mostly focused on hands-on, manual therapy.
Do you have any communication with my physician?
Yes, our therapists will always write up an evaluation following the first treatment and will write progress notes when there is a significant status change; these reports will be faxed to your physician. Our therapists work closely with many local healthcare practitioners, and often speaks to them on a regular basis to discuss patient care.