A postpartum pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment is a calm, private visit where a physiotherapist learns about your health, checks how your pelvic floor and core muscles are working, and builds a plan for your recovery. The visit usually takes about an hour, and you control how much is checked and when. If you are looking for pelvic floor therapy in NW Calgary after having a baby, the first assessment is a good place to start.
Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters After Birth
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports your bladder, bowel, and uterus. These muscles can stretch and weaken through pregnancy and birth, whether it is by way of vaginal birth or cesarean. The majority of new parents experience lightheadedness when they laugh, cough, sneeze, or constantly feel heavy and low in their belly.
These changes are common. They are also something a physiotherapist can help with. Continue reading this blog to know “pelvic floor assessment what to expect”
Before the Assessment Begins
Most clinics start with an intake form. It may ask about:
- The experience of your pregnancy and the birth experience.
- Tears, stitches, or recovery from a C-section.
- Practices of the bladder and bowel.
- Pain in the back or groin
- Your sleep, workout, and day-to-day activities.
- What would you hope to improve?
Bring a list of medications and any questions you have. If you had a prior assessment or scan, bring those notes too.
What the Physiotherapist Checks
Your Health History
The physiotherapist will go over your answers with you. This helps them understand your goals and possible warning signs.
Posture, Breathing, and Core
They may watch how you stand, sit, and breathe. Breathing and pelvic floor muscles work together, so this step matters.
They may also check for diastasis recti. This is a gap between the two sides of the abdominal muscles that can happen during pregnancy. The therapist gently feels along the belly to see how wide and deep the gap is and whether it is getting smaller over time. Diastasis recti is common and often improves with guided exercise. Diastasis recti physiotherapy can help you with this.
Pelvic Floor Muscles
The therapist may check your pelvic floor from the outside first. An internal exam is only done if you agree to it. You can ask questions, pause, or stop at any time.
They will look at:
- Your ability to squeeze and fully relax the muscles
- How long you can hold a contraction
- Whether the muscles lift and coordinate with breathing
- How well the muscles support you during movement
Strength and Daily Function
You may be asked to cough, lift, or move in ways that reflect your daily life. This helps show where your body needs the most support.
| What Is Checked | Why It Matters |
| Health history | Finds warning signs and sets goals |
| Breathing and posture | Shows how your core works with the pelvic floor |
| Abdominal gap | Guides safe core exercises |
| Pelvic floor control | Shows strength, relaxation, and coordination |
| Daily movement | Connects results to real life |
Is the Assessment Uncomfortable?
The assessment must never feel rushed or pressured. A quality clinic will walk you through the steps before they happen, ask for your consent, and offer a chaperone if you wish. Although people often feel nervous before the first eye appointment, they’ll discover it is more reassuring than they think.
What Happens After the Assessment
After the assessment, your physiotherapist will explain what they found in plain language. You may receive:
- A short set of exercises to start at home
- Breathing and posture tips
- Advice on lifting, walking, and returning to exercise
- Suggestions for follow-up visits
- Referrals to your doctor or another specialist if needed
If you also have back or hip pain, a chiropractic clinic in NW Calgary may be another helpful part of your care team. Your physiotherapist can help you decide how these supports fit together.
When to Seek Medical Help Sooner
Contact a doctor or go to urgent care if you have:
- Significant blood loss or fever symptoms.
- Significant unease or deterioration.
- Difficulty peeing.
- Something is coming out, or the pressure is increasing.
- A leak that is brand new or on the rise.
In such cases, it is better to have postpartum pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Support Your Recovery at Your Own Pace
Getting your body back to shape after giving birth will take time, and you deserve care that listens to your body and goals. A careful assessment is a great initial step to feeling more comfortable and confident.
Synergea Family Health Centre in NW Calgary offers comprehensive pelvic floor assessments for new parents. Our team explains each step and helps you build a plan that fits your life and answers your questions. Go to the website for more details and to book.
Questions People Often Ask
Can I start pelvic floor therapy if my baby is very young?
Many people can. Your physiotherapist will confirm the right timing based on your birth and recovery.
Do I need a referral?
This depends on your location and insurance. Check with your clinic before booking.
Will I have to do exercises every day?
Your plan will be personal to you. Most people find short, regular sessions easier to keep up than long, rare ones.
Is an internal physical exam mandatory during a postpartum pelvic floor assessment?
No, an internal exam is completely optional and is only performed with your explicit consent after discussing your comfort level and recovery goals.
