Providing World Class Care To Women
Women’s Health Physiotherapy is a special interest area of physiotherapy, covering various women’s health conditions across the lifespan. Our experienced physiotherapist Rachael has post-graduate qualifications in women’s health and pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Our Women’s & Pelvic Health Services:
Prenatal Physiotherapy
Management of pregnancy-related aches and pains through massage, joint mobilisation, dry needling and a home exercise program
Labour preparation including labour positions, breathing techniques, massage, relaxation and advice regarding the use of a TENS machine
Pelvic floor check and exercises to prevent and treat incontinence
Pregnancy massage
Postnatal Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor re-education for incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain or perineal tearing during delivery
Post-natal abdominal retraining with real time ultrasound for weakened abdominal muscles, diastasis and following C-section delivery
Safe and individualised programs for return to exercise, running and sport
Treatment for aches and pains post pregnancy, including advice for breast-feeding and carrying positions
Continence
Urinary incontinence or leakage
Urinary urgency or overactive bladder
Chronic constipation
Faecal incontinence and urgency
Pelvic organ prolapse
Assessment of prolapse
Conservative management of prolapse including pelvic floor exercises and education/advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some More Key Information
How long is an initial appointment?
45 minutes to allow a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
Review appointments are 30 minutes
Do I need a referral?
You don’t need a referral to see a women’s health physio, but letters and documentation from your GP or specialist are always appreciated.
Do I need an internal assessment?
It is not necessary to have an internal assessment if you don’t feel comfortable.
Assessment of the pelvic floor may be recommended by your physiotherapist if it is relevant to your symptoms. However, there are plenty of ways to assess the pelvic floor apart from an internal assessment, ranging from real time ultrasound over the abdomen, to just talking about your symptoms.
Please let your physiotherapist know your preferences, and we will be happy to accommodate you and your wishes.
Can I claim using private health insurance?
Yes, if you have extras cover for physiotherapy you can claim on your private health insurance. Please contact your insurer for more details regarding rebates.
Do you accept Chronic Disease Management referrals?
Yes, however there is an out of pocket charge above the Medicare rebate. Please contact our reception to calculate what this fee would be for you.
What can I expect from my initial women’s health / pelvic floor appointment?
A thorough history-taking, asking you questions about your bladder, bowel, gynae, obstetric, sexual, and medical history. We will also ask your reason for attending, and if you have any particular goals or aims you would like to work towards.
A physical assessment focusing on your area of concern, most cases including abdominals, spine, hips and gluteals.
A pelvic floor assessment if indicated. The gold standard of pelvic floor assessment includes an internal examination using a gloved finger with a small amount of lubricant inserted into the vagina or rectum. This allows for assessment of strength, tone, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, and assessment of any pelvic organ prolapse if applicable. No equipment is needed and the examination should be pain free. However, if you do not wish to have an internal examination, you do not need to have one in order to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. As previously mentioned, there are other options that involve just talking about your symptoms, right through to real time ultrasound over the abdomen. Your physiotherapist will discuss all of these options with you at your appointment, and you will choose which you prefer.
From your assessment, your physiotherapist will recommend a treatment / management plan to help you achieve your goals. Management plans are unique to every client, but most often involve a combination of a home-based exercise program, pelvic floor exercises, and massage/manual therapy to manage symptoms.