Assessment of male pelvic health requires evaluating physical function, occupational performance, habits, psychosocial factors, and environmental influences to develop a client-centered plan of care & goals.
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Occupational Therapy Evaluation Diagram
Occupational Therapy Evaluation Diagram
Screening & Assessments
Below are examples of screening & assessments that can be used during an evaluation or progress note to assess whether there are any deficits in pelvic floor function or limitations in engagement in occupational activities due to pelvic floor dysfunction/ symptoms.
Pelvic Health Specific Assessments
Pelvic Health Specific Assessments
External Physical Exam
Internal Physical Exam
Pelvic Health Related Assessments
Pelvic Health Related Assessments
Pain Scale:
Active Range of Motion / Passive Range of Motion testing of the hip and lumbar
Manual Muscle Testing of the hip and lumbar
Core stability/ Posture/ Fall risk
Functional Movement patterns
Questions to utilize during Assessment/Evaluation
How many times do you urinate during the day and then at night?
Urination method: seated/ standing, strain to urinate?
Are you able to stop and start your urine flow?
Do you have pain or pelvic pressure during your everyday tasks?
How many times a day/week are bowel movements?
Do you have a “falling out feeling"?
What is the consistency of the stool?
Do you lose stool beyond your control?
Do you have pain with bowel movements?
Bedwetting?
Do you have to make an effort to empty your bowels or bladder?
Painful urination?
Do you have any concerns related to bowel, bladder, or sex?
Do you have to deal with hemorrhoids or fissures?
Pain with sitting?
Are you currently using any medication? If so, for what specific condition, and are you seeing any results?
Psychosocial Assessments
Psychosocial Assessments
Research demonstrates strong connections between pelvic health and mental health. Occupational therapy uses a holistic, client-centered approach that considers emotional, psychological, and social factors alongside physical symptoms during evaluation and throughout the plan of care to support meaningful participation in daily life.
The following are some assessments/ instruments that occupational therapists can utilize to assess the psychosocial comorbidity of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): Self-rating scale that has attitudinal, somatic, and behavioral components
Occupational Profile
Occupational Profile
As part of an occupational therapy evaluation, an occupational profile is essential for a better understanding of the client, including the reason for seeking OT services, roles, environmental & personal factors, values & beliefs, and the client's desired outcomes, to inform the development of an individualized program to address dysfunction.
Client Report
Reason for seeking OT services & concern related to engagement in occupation
Occupations in which the client is successful and barriers impacting success
Occupational history
Personal interest and values
Context/Performance Patterns
Support/ Inhibit Engagement:
Environment (e.g., Natural environment & human-made changes, products & Tech, support & relationships, attitudes, services, systems, and policies
Personal ( Age, sexual orientation, gender identity, race & ethnicity, cultural identification, psychological assets, etc.)
Performance Patterns (e.g., habits, routines, roles, rituals)
Client Factors
Supporting/ Inhibiting Engagement:
Values, beliefs, spirituality
Body Functions (e.g., mental, sensory, neuromusculoskeletal & movement related, cardiovascular function)
Body structures (e.g., structures of the nervous system, related to movement, ect)
Client Goals
Client's priorities & desired targeted outcomes
Occupational performance, prevention, health & Wellness, Quality of life, participation, role competence, well-being, occupational Justice
Clinical Implications
Clinical Implications
The findings from the selected assessments and the occupational profile will inform the occupational therapist in developing an evidence-based intervention plan that meets the client's needs, addresses current deficits, and promotes the client's expected outcomes following OT services.
Occupational Therapy evaluation and assessment should be continuous to ensure the client's goals and needs are being met. Additionally, during OT service delivery, the role and habits may change, and it is imperative that the Occupational therapist consider this during assessment and intervention to maintain the client's engagement in therapeutic services.
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