Community-generated resource library-PPFA Shareable Pelvic Floor Assessments How-to Guide

PPFA Shareable Pelvic Floor Assessments How-to Guide

Pdf Summary

This guide from PPFA Medical Services (December 2025) provides step-by-step instructions for assessing the pelvic floor, focusing on the piriformis and related muscles. The assessment includes two main procedures: the q-tip test and muscle palpation.<br /><br />The q-tip test involves gently spreading the labia minora and using a q-tip to touch around the entire circumference of the vestibule (starting at 12 o'clock). The examiner notes any areas of tenderness and checks for epithelial abnormalities.<br /><br />For muscle palpation, the examiner inserts the index finger of the dominant hand into the vaginal opening and applies gentle pressure while sweeping in a counterclockwise direction along the vaginal wall. This process assesses tenderness in both superficial muscles (transverse perineal and bulbocavernosus) and deep muscles (obturator internus, levator ani, and piriformis), as well as the connective tissue.<br /><br />Illustrations by Marie Cena accompany the guide to visually demonstrate both the q-tip test and pelvic floor muscle examination techniques. The guide emphasizes that it is intended solely for informational or educational use and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Keywords

pelvic floor assessment

piriformis muscle

q-tip test

muscle palpation

labia minora

vestibule tenderness

epithelial abnormalities

transverse perineal muscle

bulbocavernosus muscle

levator ani muscle