When it comes to pelvic health, many people feel hesitant to talk openly about their concerns. Issues such as urinary leakage, pelvic pain, or postpartum recovery are often considered “taboo” topics—but they are incredibly common. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches to treating these conditions. A key part of this care often involves internal pelvic floor assessment.
What Is an Internal Assessment?
An internal pelvic floor assessment is a gentle, hands-on examination performed by a specially trained physiotherapist. It involves inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the vagina or rectum to directly feel the pelvic floor muscles.
Through this process, your physiotherapist can:
- Assess muscle tone, strength, and coordination
- Check for areas of tension, weakness, or pain
- Identify trigger points, scar tissue, or prolapse
- Understand how the muscles respond during activities such as coughing or bearing down
This assessment is similar in principle to how a physiotherapist might examine your knee, shoulder, or back muscles—except it focuses on the pelvic floor, which cannot be accurately assessed from the outside.
Why Is an Internal Assessment Important?
The pelvic floor muscles are located deep inside the pelvis, and they play an essential role in bladder, bowel, and sexual health, as well as in core stability. Unlike other muscles in the body, they cannot be fully evaluated through external observation alone.
An internal assessment allows your physiotherapist to:
- Pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms
- Provide a personalized treatment plan
- Track your progress with accuracy
- Ensure you’re doing exercises safely and effectively
Without this information, treatment may only address surface-level symptoms rather than the underlying issue.
Addressing Common Concerns
It’s natural to feel nervous or uncertain about an internal assessment. Many clients worry about discomfort, privacy, or whether it is absolutely necessary. At Capital Wellness Clinic, we want you to know that:
- Your comfort and consent come first. You are in complete control of the process. If at any point you wish to stop, we stop.
- Nothing is done without your permission. Your physiotherapist will clearly explain why an internal assessment is being recommended and what it involves.
- It is a clinical, professional procedure. Just like a knee or shoulder exam, this is a medical assessment—performed in a safe, respectful, and confidential environment.
- Alternatives exist. While internal assessment provides the most accurate information, if you are not ready, there are external approaches we can begin with.
Safe Practices You Can Expect
At Capital Wellness Clinic, we follow strict professional standards to ensure your safety and comfort during internal assessments:
- Private treatment rooms for confidentiality
- Detailed explanation before and during the assessment
- Use of gloves and lubrication for comfort and hygiene
- Trauma-informed, patient-centered care
- The option to pause, stop, or decline at any time
Your health journey should always feel safe and supported.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Pelvic Health
If you’re experiencing pelvic health concerns—such as incontinence, pelvic pain, or postpartum recovery—an internal assessment could be the first step toward lasting relief and improved quality of life.
Call us or book online—your body will thank you!
