Your First Visit
You set the pace. Always.
Pelvic health can feel vulnerable — and that's completely understandable. Here, every step is explained before it happens, and nothing happens without your consent. You stay in control, from your first hello to your final goodbye.
at every visit
What happens at your first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment?
Your first visit begins with a conversation about your history and goals. From there, Dr. Macchi explains what she recommends assessing and why, based on that initial conversation. After the assessment, she'll provide a personalized plan and an at-home exercise routine to get you back to where you want to be: symptom-free.
The Visit, Step by Step
Care that feels safe from the first hello
No surprises, no pressure. Here's exactly what your first visit — and the path beyond it — looks like, so you can walk in knowing what to expect.
Before You Arrive
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in, and bring any notes about your symptoms or history. You don't need to prepare anything else — and you can ask us anything before, during, or after your visit.
The Conversation
We start by listening. You'll share your story, your symptoms, and your goals in a private space — no judgment, no rushing. This is where your personalized plan begins.
Education
Based on the conversation, Dr. Macchi will explain what she recommends assessing and why. She uses visuals — anatomical models and evidence-based handouts — to show you how everything is related.
The Assessment
A practical look at how you move, breathe, and use your core and posture. Any internal exam is always optional and consent-based — effective external and movement-based alternatives are available if you prefer.
Your Plan
You'll leave with a clear, personalized plan — hands-on treatment, targeted exercises, breathwork, and a simple home routine that fits your real life. Everything is explained so you know the "why" behind each step.
Between Visits and Graduating
Between sessions, you'll have a manageable home routine and a way to reach us with questions. We work together until you're back to the life you love — many patients "graduate" in a matter of weeks to a few months.
You're in Control
Any internal exam is always optional and fully consent-based.
You decide what happens and when. Nothing is done without explaining it first, and you can pause or stop at any point — you are in control at every visit. All genders are welcome here, and every body is treated with the same warmth and respect. This is a judgment-free space, always.
Common Worries, Answered
It's okay to feel nervous
Almost everyone arrives with a few of these questions. Here are honest, detailed answers to the things people worry about most.
An internal exam can be a helpful part of assessment, but it's always optional and fully consent-based. Dr. Macchi explains every step before it happens, and there are effective external and movement-based alternatives if you'd prefer not to have an internal exam. You're in control at every visit.
This is one of the most common worries — and a completely normal one. Pelvic health care is everyday work here, never something to be embarrassed about. The room is private, the pace is yours, and you can pause or stop at any point. Most patients say they felt at ease far faster than they expected.
Wear whatever is comfortable and easy to move in — leggings, shorts, or athletic wear are all great. We'll be looking at how you move, breathe, and use your core, so clothing you can stretch and bend in is ideal.
Yes. You're welcome to bring a partner, friend, or family member for support. Many parents bring a newborn to postpartum visits, too. If you'd feel more comfortable with someone in the room, just let us know.
Yes. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects all genders, and Modern Core Health and Wellness welcomes every body. Men experience incontinence, pelvic pain, and post-surgical recovery needs too — and we provide the same one-on-one, judgment-free care to everyone.
No. In California you have direct access to physical therapy — you can see a physical therapist for your initial evaluation and a period of treatment without a physician referral. You can book your first consult right away.
Modern Core Health and Wellness is an out-of-network provider. We accept all major credit cards, HSA, and FSA. We provide detailed Superbills you can submit to your insurer. Many patients are reimbursed 50–80% once their out-of-network deductible is met. See Insurance & Rates.
Your Next Step
Take the first step.
You've already done the hardest part by reading this far. Book a consult with Dr. Macchi — at your pace, with no pressure and no judgment.