What to expect at your first appointment:

If you're experiencing pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, discomfort with intimacy, or postpartum recovery challenges, pelvic floor physical therapy may be the key to restoring comfort, control, and confidence. At Rising Wellness, Amy specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation with a compassionate, individualized approach.

Here’s what to expect during your initial evaluation—and how it can be the first step toward improving your quality of life.

1. One-on-One Conversation with Doctor Amy Risinger

Your first session begins with a private, in-depth conversation with Amy, Doctor of Physical Therapy. This is a safe space to discuss your concerns, health history, and goals. Amy will ask about:

• Bowel and bladder habits

• Sexual function

• Pregnancy and childbirth history (if applicable)

• Activities you currently avoid due to pain or discomfort

• Any past surgeries or injuries

These topics can feel personal or even embarrassing—we understand. You are encouraged to share only what you're comfortable with. Amy brings empathy and clinical expertise to every session, ensuring you feel heard and supported.

2. Creating Your Personalized Therapy Plan

Based on your conversation, Amy will begin building a therapy plan customized to your goals and needs. This may include:

• Gentle exercises to retrain pelvic floor muscles

• Posture and movement training

• Breathing techniques for core and pelvic control

• Lifestyle modifications (hydration, positioning, ergonomics)

The goal is always to help you return to the activities you love, pain-free and with greater ease.

3. Physical and Pelvic Floor Muscle Examination

To fully understand your condition, a physical examination is performed. This typically includes:

• Observing how your body moves (posture, walking, core engagement)

• Assessing muscle coordination, strength, and endurance

• Checking breathing patterns and abdominal activation

Because the pelvic floor muscles are internal, Amy may recommend a vaginal or rectal exam. This is optional and will be thoroughly explained beforehand. The internal exam is performed gently using a single gloved finger and allows Amy to assess:

• Muscle tone and tension

• Coordination and control

• Areas of pain or dysfunction

This exam provides important information that can’t be gathered from external observation alone. You are always in control and may decline or pause the exam at any time.

4. Home Program and Follow-Up Plan

After the assessment, you and Amy will create a home program designed to complement your in-clinic sessions. Your “homework” may include:

• Core, hip, and pelvic floor exercises

• Deep breathing and relaxation techniques

• Hydration goals

• Modifying sitting or lifting strategies

This home plan empowers you to take an active role in your recovery, helping reinforce progress between visits.

5. A Compassionate, Results-Driven Experience

Amy is dedicated to guiding you through pelvic floor therapy with compassion and clinical precision. Every session is tailored to support your goals, whether that means running pain-free, feeling confident in daily life, or addressing long-standing pelvic concerns.

Ready to Get Started?

If you have questions or would like to schedule a pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation, reach out to Amy directly at amy@doctoramyrisinger.com.