I Think I Have a Pelvic Floor Problem. What’s Next?

So, you’ve discovered that you don’t have to “learn to live with” these symptoms and there is freedom from living with worry or discomfort. But… now what? 

Have you thought of scheduling an appointment with a pelvic floor physical therapist but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you overheard a friend talking about how she got back to running postpartum with no leaking or pain because of pelvic floor physical therapy. Or maybe a coworker shared with you that their nagging back pain is finally subsiding after years of “trying everything” since starting treatment with a pelvic floor specialist.

This article will help you to better understand the booking process, when’s the best time to start treatment, what happens at your first appointment, and how and why we treat differently than other providers. 

Do I Need A Referral to Book an Appointment?
 You do not need a referral to book an appointment with us! Louisiana is a "Direct Access" state, meaning legislation was passed allowing licensed PTs to evaluate and treat patients without first seeing a physician.

When is a Good Time to Start Pelvic PT? 
As soon as possible! If your body has been holding you hostage, now is the best time to take back your control and restore your health. The longer you wait, the bigger the problem becomes! If you’re pregnant, we’d love to see you around the 20-week mark to help you enjoy your pregnancy and prepare for birth! If you have prostate or other pelvic surgery scheduled, we would like to see you at least 3-4 weeks BEFORE surgery to optimize your results. 

What Makes Y’all Different?
Starting with our credentials, we are the only board-certified AND residency-trained specialty clinic within a 7-hour radius. Each of our therapists was hand-picked and trained directly by our owner and founder, Amber Anderson, PT, DPT, CLT, WCS. Beyond our credentials, we have taken deliberate steps to make sure there are features in place that create a safe, inviting, and comforting environment. Our staff training and office design are trauma-informed including features such as real sheets, warm lighting, and thoughtful treatment room layouts that never leave you feeling trapped or uncomfortable. The level of service you receive throughout your patient journey will be personalized, top-notch, and life-giving. Your treatment is always be 1-to-1 with a licensed therapist for the entirety of your care. You will never be handed over to an untrained technician. We are constantly consuming the most up-to-date research and consistently practicing our clinical skills to make sure we stay on the cutting edge of our specialty. Getting to the root cause of the problem is our main focus so you don’t just get better, but stay better. We acknowledge and address the mind-body connection, so that true healing can occur.

Do You Accept My Insurance?
RHC is “out of network” with all insurance providers. We will, however, provide a medically coded receipt for you to submit for reimbursement. We believe in providing care that is high quality, cutting-edge, and accessible. Most insurance companies have high deductibles and don’t cover pelvic PT. If you do have pelvic PT as a benefit, most companies will only cover treatment if we provide care that is outdated by 20 years! In order to provide the cutting-edge care that our patients deserve, we chose to let our patients make their own decisions about their healthcare instead of an outdated insurance company policy.  

How Much Does it Cost?
That depends on what you need. We want you to feel confident about making the decision to get help. Because of this, your first visit is free! We want to hear your story, understand your symptoms, and make sure this is the perfect place for your needs. The next step is to come in for a full physical “work-up” and exam. Once we have a complete understanding of what you need, we will be able to give you a clear path to healing without any financial surprises. We will know the exact cost of your care (down to the penny) before we ever get started! You will always be provided with several different options that fit any budget.

What Does A First Visit and Examination Visit Look Like?
The full assessment is actually split into 2 parts. As mentioned above, the first appointment is a phone consultation where we hear your story, listen to your symptoms, and make sure you’re in the right place. If we are the best fit for each other, you will then come in for a physical exam that can take up to 2 hours. We’ll confirm all the details you’ve given us and perform an exam that measures how you move, full body capacity, and will likely include a pelvic exam (vaginal or rectal depending on your anatomy). Once we find the areas that need help, we'll provide the first step of treatment, teach you some things to do at home TODAY, explain our findings, and recommend a pathway to healing that is the best fit for you.

How Long Are the Appointments?
We want to make sure no stone is left unturned in your care! The phone consultation can last 20-30 minutes on average. Plan for 2 hours for your in-person examination visit. Our follow-up appointments can vary from 15-45 minutes depending on what you need.

What Do I Need to Wear to My Appointment? 
You can wear anything that makes you feel comfortable and that allows for freedom of movement. 

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