Our women’s health focused physiotherapist have undergone post graduate training in pelvic floor and continence and can provide assessment and treatment for concerns arising across different stages of life, including pregnancy, postnatal recovery and menopause.
Women’s health physiotherapy may assist with:
- Pelvic floor symptoms
- Bladder concerns
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic pain
- Pregnancy-related aches and pains
- Abdominal separation (DRAM)
- Postnatal recovery
- Intercourse and sexual pain
- Returning to exercise after childbirth
- Prolapse management
- Strength and exercise through perimenopause and menopause
What to expect in your Women’s Health Physio Appointment
We understand that discussing pelvic health concerns can feel personal or unfamiliar. Your appointment will take place in a private treatment room, and your physiotherapist will explain each step so you can feel informed, comfortable and in control.
Your Initial Discussion
Your physiotherapist will begin by asking about your symptoms, medical history and what you would like help with. Depending on your concern, this may include questions about:
- Bladder and bowel function
- Pelvic pressure or prolapse symptoms
- Pelvic, abdominal or sexual pain
- Pregnancy and birth history
- Menstrual and hormonal health
- Abdominal separation
- Exercise and daily activities
- Previous surgery or treatment
- Your goals and priorities
This conversation helps your physiotherapist understand your symptoms and decide which type of assessment may be helpful. We can promise that there is no such thing as too much information for our pelvic floor therapists, they’ve heard it all before.
Your physical assessment
Your assessment will be tailored to your concern. It may include looking at:
- Breathing and abdominal function
- Posture and movement
- Hip, pelvis and spinal mobility
- Strength and exercise technique
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Pelvic floor muscle function
- Scars following abdominal or pelvic surgery
Depending on your presenting problem, your physiotherapist may offer an internal vaginal examination. This can provide useful information about pelvic floor muscle strength, coordination, tension and support – it is known as the gold standard approach to pelvic floor assessment. However, an internal examination will only occur after it has been fully explained, and you have provided consent. You may decline, delay or stop any part of the assessment at any time. Alternative assessment options (e.g. Real time external ultrasound) will always be offered, and you should never feel pressured to have an internal examination.
Your Treatment Plan
Following the assessment, your physiotherapist will explain their findings and develop a plan with you. Treatment may include:
- Pelvic floor muscle training
- Pelvic floor relaxation and down-training
- Bladder or bowel advice
- Strategies for managing urgency or leakage
- Prolapse management advice
- Abdominal and whole body strengthening
- Pregnancy or postnatal exercise guidance
- Scar management
- Manual therapy
- Returning to running, gym or sport
- Education about pain and pelvic health
- An individual home exercise program
Your plan will be based on your symptoms, goals and stage of life – not simply a standard set of pelvic floor exercises.
Preparing for your Appointment
You do not need to do anything special before attending. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily.
You can still attend if you have your period, our therapists have no concerns with this, although you may choose to reschedule if you would feel more comfortable. You are also welcome to bring your baby, a support person or an interpreter. There is plenty of space in our rooms and breastfeeding is always welcome.
Please bring any relevant medical letters, scan results or referral information. You do not need a referral when attending as a private event.
If you have any questions before your appointment, please contact our reception team on (03) 5221 8822
Please let our reception team know if you would like to book with a physiotherapist who works specifically in women’s and pelvic health or click here to view their profile.
Book a Physiotherapist Appointment
Phone: (03) 5221 8822